The message of Deepavali

The traditional name of India is Bharata and Indians are Bharatias - or those who revel in light. During the night of Deepavali the myriad little clay lamps (diyas) seem to silently send forth message of Deepavali: "Come, let us remove darkness from the face of the earth."

The dharma of the fire is the same wherever it is: in a poor man's house, in a rich man's house, in America, in Antarctica, or in the Himalayas. It gives light and heat. The flame of the light is always turned up. Even if we keep the lamp upside down, the flame will burn upwards. The message is that our mind should be focused on Atman, the Self wherever we are. The lamps remind us of our dharma of realising our divine nature.

The Self is self-luminous being pure Consciousness. The cognition of all objects arises from the light of pure Consciousness." -says Bhrihadaranyaka Upanishad

One lamp can light several others. You can even light another 1000 lamps, still the flame and the light of the first lamp will remain as it is. It loses nothing. By becoming manifold, the light loses nothing. The lights of Deepavali represent Brahman and the creation. It conveys the message of the mantra:

"Purnamada Purnamidam Purnaat purnamudachyate , Purnasya Purnamadaya Purnamevasishyate"
- Shanti Mantra in Ishwasya Upnishad (Vedanta of RigVed)
The rows of lamps teach yet another important lesson and that is of unity. The light that shines forth from the Sun, the moon, the stars, the fire is all the same. To see and recognise that one light, the light of consciousness, which is manifesting and pulsating in and through all of creation is the goal of life. Thus recognising all of creation to be an expression of your true Self spread the light of love and compassion.

The lights of Deepavali are displayed at the entrance doors, by the walls of houses, in the streets and lanes. This means that the inner spiritual light of the individual must be reflected outside. It should benefit society. Passer-by may thereby be prevented from stumbling on their way to reach their destination.

Feeding empty stomachs, lighting blown-out diyas and bringing light to those whose lives are in darkness is the true spirit of Deepavali. This is true prayer.