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A Festival of Light, Wisdom, and Abundance
The festival encourages us to set aside differences, drop the bitterness of the past, and live in the present moment.
Classical Indian Dancer holding Diyas (lamps) at Times Square Diwali Celebrations. / Diwali at Times Square
Diwali is the commemoration of the light of wisdom in our lives. Today, it is globally relevant for what it truly represents -- a celebration of light over darkness, good over evil, and wisdom over ignorance. It inspires unity, hope, and the spirit of renewal, making it a festival that connects with the heart of humanity everywhere.
The lighting of lamps during this festive time has a deeper significance. For an oil lamp to burn, the wick has to be partially immersed in the oil. If the wick is completely drowned in oil, it cannot bring light. Life is like the wick of the lamp. One must be in the world and yet remain untouched by it. If you are drowned in the materialism of the world, you cannot bring joy and knowledge in your life. By being in the world, yet not drowning in the worldly aspect of it, we can be the very light of joy and wisdom.
Diwali also symbolizes a sense of abundance, and the confidence that whatever is needed will be provided! It is not merely an external celebration but a reminder to cultivate a mindset of abundance and gratitude in our own lives.
Just as Christmas symbolizes hope and goodwill, and Eid emphasizes togetherness, Diwali invokes the light of wisdom and gratitude in our lives. The festival encourages us to set aside differences, drop the bitterness of the past, and live in the present moment. It brings people together in a spirit of compassion and service.
Every human being has some good qualities. And every lit lamp is symbolic of this. Some people have forbearance, others have love, strength, generosity, or the ability to unite people. The latent values in you are like a lamp. Don’t be satisfied with illuminating just one lamp; illuminate a thousand! You need to light many lights to dispel the darkness of ignorance. By lighting the lamp of wisdom in yourself and acquiring knowledge, you awaken all facets of your being. When they are lit and awakened, it is Diwali.
This Diwali, kindle the lamp of love in your heart; the lamp of abundance in your home; the lamp of compassion to serve others; the lamp of Knowledge to dispel the darkness of ignorance and the lamp of gratitude for the abundance that the Divine has bestowed on us.
The author is an Indian guru and spiritual leader, who founded the Art of Living Foundation.
(The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of New India Abroad)
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