Deepavali, the much awaited festival, is once again here for us to kindle the light of our natural state of self-composure that transcends boundaries. This inner state of composure no longer seems to be natural and normal to us. Therefore, we need to foster clarity and make an effort to connect to this self. Prioritization of self care is the spirit behind a festive mood of joy and togetherness with others. Deepavali is celebrated on the darkest night (the new moon day) of the year, when the Sun and Moon are in Libra. On this day, the two luminaries are almost at their lowest energy.
Why is this day, with intensified darkness, significant for a festival? The Sun and Moon, in spite of being at their lowest state, get harmonized and enjoy equanimity. Sun and Moon represent our rational and emotional self expression, respectively. This carries a significant lesson for our life. When the strength of intellect and emotion gets challenged under the pressure of stressful situation, it is a golden opportunity to take the support of knowledge, and master the art of Self-composure (balancing both intellect and emotion). One has to kindle the light that dispels darkness. No matter how dark the world can be, it is up to us to reach out to insightfulness and look at the reality of any circumstance in life. Let us reflect on how to balance our intellect and mind to bring forth self composure.
Life revolves around perceived experiences and the perceiver’s response to deal with it. This response gets influenced by the perceiver’s level of clarity of self, and the nurtured emotions. Thinking processes are basically the mental energy flowing in the form of waves or vibrations with a certain frequency. Quality of thinking indicates the frequency of vibrations (either at a higher or a lower level). Deeper understanding and inner maturity creates higher vibrations that synchronize with the universe. Deeper understanding and maturity also brings out transformative habits.
Those who are functioning at ‘’I, me, and myself ‘’level is discordant with the universe. Such people get obsessed with their needs and that leads to insecurity, which in-turn creates fear in them. The more one fears the negative, the less likely something positive is going to manifest. Such people get more concerned with a problem or obstacle, and unknowingly focus solely on it. The more concerned one is about the problem, the less connected one becomes to the solution. As a result, the solution moves further away, and the person is left with disappointment and sadness.
On the other hand, if thoughts and feelings are in alignment with the universe, the needs or desires keep people on a trajectory towards success. They clarify their desires by setting intentions and sending them to universe with unwavering belief. The whole universe participates towards the manifestation of the solution. While working upon our needs (what we don’t have with us), it is equally important to recognize what we already have, and be grateful.
Feeling fortunate and grateful in life creates a positive energy flow towards the manifestation of desire. Rather than resisting that which is beyond our control, surrender to the flow of life with the trust, that the universe has a unique and better plan. Those who live like this, see the difficult time or obstacle as an opportunity for growth and transformation. The choice is, life can be lived with the understanding that, it is the universe orchestrating a play where we are simply instruments.
This is illustrated in the life of Lord Rama (Ramayana). Rama was next in line to be the king; he was the most beloved crown prince, who enjoyed the full support of the people of Ayodhya, a place that is perceived to be free from conflicts. On the auspicious day of this most awaited coronation ceremony, Rama had to face a conspiracy that came out of someone’s insecurity and fear of rejection. Instead of being crowned, he was advised to go to the forest for 14 years. That was shocking news for Rama and filled the heart of the people in the country with grief. Rama took control of his turbulent feelings, and made the right decision on the strength of his knowledge of Dharma.
All kinds of experienced negative emotions are unreasonable. However, they need not be entertained for a prolonged period of time.
Continuing further with the story of Lord Rama, towards the tail end of the exile, Ravana kidnapped his wife Sita. Ravana was the epitome of an insatiable thirst for power, success, greed and lust. His life became full of exploitations and crossing all boundaries in extreme measures. He chose to chase control over the external world and felt the obsessive need to compel everyone to meet his expectations. Rama was left with no other option, than to fight Ravana and bring down his destructive power to rescue Sita.
On Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya, people celebrated out of joy by lighting the whole city with rows of lamps.
The light of the lamp on such night symbolizes the state of self-composure under adverse circumstances of life, which Lord Rama illustrated in his life.
According to yet another legend, it is described that during the churning of the milk ocean, Mahalakshmi, the Goddess of wealth and prosperity, manifested on this auspicious new moon day. Therefore we seek wealth and prosperity from the universe by performing Lakshmi puja.
The secret of wealth includes how to attract, sustain and share the wealth to replace the emptiness within one self and amongst others in society with joy.
On Deepavali day, we seek Goddess Mahalakshmi’s blessing with a prayer:
“Please guide me towards wealth and help me to overcome all obstacles. Please give me an opportunity to be worthy of this wealth while continually learning to channel it in the right direction”.
There are a few other legends throughout the country that explain Deepavali festival. In some parts of India, Deepavali is observed as a five day festival. Despite the regional variations, the underlying reality prevails the same. The five day festival commences with Dhan-Teras (13th dark lunar day) and finishes with Bhaiduj(a symbol of love between sisters and brothers).on the thirteenth lunar day, Lord Dhanvanthari is worshiped. Fourteenth lunar day is the 2nd day, which is celebrated as Naraka Chaturdasi. On the New moon day (3rd day), Goddess Mahalakshmi is worshipped. On the first bright lunar day (4th day), New Year is celebrated. The 5th day is observed as a symbol of love between sisters and brothers.
Cultural practices:
On Deepavali day, people wake up before sunrise, have an oil bath and wear new clothes. In the evening, houses are illuminated with rows of lamps followed by festivities, puja and sumptuous food. On this day people visit friends and families with sweets and presents.
Thus, Deepavali highlights the light house of knowledge to enjoy a cheerful mind, and celebrate the living with family members, friends, relatives and those around us.
I take this opportunity to wish everybody a very ‘Happy Deepavali’ from Sri Veda Vidya Pitham, Auckland. -Ananya Chaitanya is an Auckland based spiritual Guru and head of Sri Veda Vidya Pitham.