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Diwali: Celebrating the Light of Wisdom

At this time of the year people around the world are getting ready tocelebrate Diwali, the festival of lights. One of the biggest festivals of theEast, Diwali symbolizes the victory of good over evil, light over darkness

and knowledge over ignorance.

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 likethe wick of the lamp, you have to be in the world and yet remainuntouched by it. If you are drowned in the materialism of the world, youcannot bring joy and knowledge in your life. By being in the world, yetnot drowning in the worldly aspect of it, we can be the light of joy andknowledge.

Diwali is the commemoration of the light of wisdom in our lives. Lamps

are lit on this day not just to decorate homes, but also to communicatethis profound truth of life. Light the lamp of wisdom and love in everyheart and bring a radiant smile on every face.

Diwali is also called Deepavali, which literally means rows of lights. Lifehas many facets and stages to it and it is important that you throw lighton each of them, for life to be fully expressed. The rows of lights remind

you that every aspect of life needs your attention and the light ofknowledge.

Every human being has some good qualities. And every lamp that you

light is symbolic of this. Some people have forbearance, some have love,strength, generosity, while others have the ability to unite people. Thelatent values in you are like a lamp. Don't be satisfied with lighting justone lamp; light a thousand! You need to light many lights to dispel thedarkness of ignorance. By lighting the lamp of wisdom in yourself andacquiring knowledge, you awaken all facets of your being. When they arelit and awakened, it is Diwali.

Another profound symbolism is in the firecrackers that are burnt on thisday. In life, you often become like a firecracker, waiting to explode with

your pent-up emotions, frustration and anger. When you keep

suppressing your emotions, cravings and aversions, they are bound toreach a bursting point. Bursting crackers is a psychological exercisecreated by the ancient people to release bottled-up emotions. When yousee an explosion outside, you feel similar sensations within you as well.

Along with the explosion, there is so much light. When you let go of theseemotions, serenity dawns.

There is also symbolism in the exchange of gifts and the distribution of

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sweets during Diwali. Sweets and gift exchanges symbolize the dispellingof the bitterness of the past, and renewal of friendship for the times tocome.

Any celebration is incomplete without the spirit of service. Whatever we

have received from the Divine, we should share it with others because itis in giving that we receive -- that is true celebration. Happiness andwisdom have to spread and it can happen when people come together inknowledge.

Diwali means to be in the present, so drop the regrets of the past and theworries of the future and live in the moment. It is a time to forget thebickering and negativities that have happened through the year. It is atime when you throw light on the wisdom you have gained and welcomea new beginning. When true wisdom dawns, it gives rise to celebration.

Celebration is the nature of the spirit. The ancient sages broughtsacredness in every celebration, so that you don't lose the focus in thehustle-bustle of the activity. Observing rituals and religious practices(called Puja) is simply showing one's gratitude to the Divine. This bringsdepth to the celebration. The tradition is to put all the wealth you haveearned in front of you and feel the abundance. When you feel lack, thelack grows but when you put your attention on abundance, then theabundance grows. In the Arthashastra, Chanakya says, "DharmasyaMoolam Arthah," which means, "prosperity is the root of righteousness."

For the one who does not have spiritual knowledge, Diwali comes only

once a year, but for the wise, Diwali is every moment and every day.Wisdom is needed everywhere. Even if one member of the family isshrouded in darkness, we cannot be happy. We need to ignite the light ofwisdom in every member of your family, extend it to every member ofsociety and every person on the planet. When true wisdom dawns, itgives rise to celebration.

The Yajurveda says, "Tanme Manaha Shivasankalpam astu" -- let nobleintentions flow from this mind of ours. This Diwali, celebrate withknowledge and take an intention to serve humanity. Light the lamp oflove in your heart; the lamp of abundance in your home; the lamp of

compassion to serve others; the lamp of Knowledge to dispel thedarkness of ignorance; and the lamp of gratitude for the abundance thatthe Divine has bestowed on us.