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Once again, our cultural spirit is uplifted to celebrate the festival of lights. It is the reminder of inner light of our natural state of equilibrium. Festive mood carrying –joy, social well-being of togetherness and sharing gifts with others – are the external manifestation of this inner light.
Deepavali falls on the new moon day of Ashvin/Kartik of the lunar month. Out of twelve new moons in a year, this new moon carries a significant life lesson. During this time, the Sun and the Moon come together in the Libra zodiac(balancing) sign, which reinforces equilibrium. The Sun represents our intellectual ability to process and comprehend the perceived reality; the Moon represents our emotional state of expression. Interestingly, in Libra sign, these two luminaries lose their strength and dignity. What is more fascinating is to observe how, in spite of their lowest state of self-expression, they get harmonized and enjoy equilibrium! Both, the lowest energy level and stillness of natural being can co-exist at the same spot. This festive season brings the opportunity to discover and act on this principle, that is secretly embedded in the new moon of Deepavali.
Essence of kindling lights
One has to kindle light to dispel darkness. Darkness refers to the confusion and conflict due to lack of clarity; emotional outburst, melt down and overwhelming emotions. Light in contrast refers to the awareness of equanimity, where both rational thoughts and the emotions remain balanced. Everyone has the power to activate the balanced state of being. One has the free will to attract the universal energy and take the support of knowledge to enjoy the equanimity. No matter how dark the world can be, it is up to us to reach out to this insightfulness and look at the reality of any circumstances of life. The available time should be utilized in the best possible ways to keep wealth, success, health, love and fulfillment in balance.
How to gain inner Equanimity?
The concept of Deepavali is traced back to Ramayana. A reflection on a balanced state of being is very well illustrated in the life of Lord Rama. Rama was the next in line to be the king; he was the most beloved prince and he enjoyed the full support of the people of Ayodhya, which is a place known to be free of conflicts. People over there, intended to sustain security, stability and peace through Rama, assuming them to exist forever. Nevertheless, this optimism didn’t seem to be the reality.
On the auspicious day of this most awaited coronation ceremony, Rama had to confront the power struggle stemming from a family member. Every relationship is fundamentally a power struggle, the root of which resides in unmet needs. It is all about who rules, leads, defines or dominates. Instead of being crowned, he was advised to go to forest for 14 years. That was a shocking news for Rama and filled the heart of the people with grief. Feeling worried, upset, or aggressive often signify that one’s emotions have gotten the best of oneself. Hence, restoring one’s equanimity is the purpose of a beautiful life.
Being even-tempered creates a feeling of serenity. However, being agitated can drain one’s energy. Inner calmness increases the personal stamina to sustain the required efforts to act in the right direction. This realization and acknowledgement are the first step towards inner equilibrium.
A power struggle collapses when one withdraws one’s energy from it. Power struggle disappears when intention shifts from winning to learning to do the right thing. Rama took control of his turbulent feelings, and made the right decision on the strength of the knowledge of Dharma, which is going to the forest. This is the second step of reflection.
Power struggle again followed Lord Rama that pulled all the mighty forces into bipolarization. Rama’s wife Sita fell a victim to Ravana’s lust and greed. She was kidnapped which acted as a catalyst to trigger a war. Rama was left with no other option, than to fight Ravana, to bring down his destructive power to rescue Sita. The inner self mirrors the outer world. Those conditions that upset the equilibrium of the world can upset our inner equilibrium. It is equally important to feel responsible and care for external peace.
This is, what is happening at current time. The world’s geopolitical climate is darkening and war is once again in the spotlight. Power dynamics are shifting. A multipolar or at least more contested world has emerged, bringing the prospect of power competition back into focus. The rise of new challengers and the resurgence of old rivalries mean that military conflict is no longer seen as unthinkable. No single power today can guarantee global peace.
Coming back to our Rama, at the end of war, after restoring peace on the continent, Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya along with Sita and Lakshman. People celebrated his return out of joy by lighting the whole city with rows of lamps.
The light of lamps on Deepavali symbolizes the state of equilibrium under adverse circumstances of life. This 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 Chaturdashi. 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.