Swami Shivananda of the Divine Life Society, Rishikesh, wrote
The illuminations and fireworks, joy and festivities, are to signify the victory of divine forces over those of wickedness. On Deepavali day, triumphant Sri Ram returned to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana, the demon of Lanka. On Deepavali day, we celebrate the marriage of Goddess Lakshmi with Lord Vishnu. On this day also Lord Krishna killed the demon Narkasur. On Deepavali day, everyone forgets and forgives the wrongs done by others. There is an air of freedom, festivity and friendliness everywhere. This festival brings about unity. It instills charity in the hearts of the people. In a happy mood of great rejoicing, village folks move about freely, mixing with one another, all enmity being forgotten. They embrace one another with love. Deepavali is a great unifying force. The holy vibrations produced by the greetings of love fill the atmosphere, and are powerful enough to bring about a change of heart in every man and woman in the world. On Deepavali day, merchants open their new account books and pray for success and prosperity during the coming year. The homes are cleaned and decorated by day and illuminated at night. During Deepavali festival is celebrated the Govardhan Puja signifying the Govardhan episode in Sri Krishn`s life, and also anna koot (heap of grains and foods) conveying affluence and prosperity; and feeding the poor on a large scale. _______________ Deepavali--- The festival of lights (5) The light reflected in the individual mind is the soul. The light reflected in the cosmic mind is the universal spirit. The microcosm and the macrocosm. Beyond both the individual and the cosmic is the one light of infinite spirit beyond name and form. The infinite consciousness is beyond all form and beyond all personality. This is the ultimate Reality. For the ultimate Reality of infinite inner Consciousness, the best symbol is light. The light of lights, the self-luminous inner light of the self is ever shining steadily in the chamber of your heart. Sit still, close the eyes, withdraw the senses. Fix the mind on this Supreme light and enjoy the real Deepavali, by attaining inner illumination. Wake up from the slumber of ignorance through meditation and self inquiry. Realise the constant and eternal light of the soul. "The self is self luminous being pure Consciousness. The cognition of all objects arises from the light of pure Consciousness." -Brhadaranyaka Upanishad May we attain perfect inner illumination. May the Supreme light of lights enlighten our understanding. May we attain the inexhaustible spiritual wealth of the eternal, all pervading Self. May we all prosper gloriously on the material as well as on the spiritual planes.
The illuminations and fireworks, joy and festivities, are to signify the victory of divine forces over those of wickedness. On Deepavali day, triumphant Sri Ram returned to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana, the demon of Lanka. On Deepavali day, we celebrate the marriage of Goddess Lakshmi with Lord Vishnu. On this day also Lord Krishna killed the demon Narkasur. On Deepavali day, everyone forgets and forgives the wrongs done by others. There is an air of freedom, festivity and friendliness everywhere. This festival brings about unity. It instills charity in the hearts of the people. In a happy mood of great rejoicing, village folks move about freely, mixing with one another, all enmity being forgotten. They embrace one another with love. Deepavali is a great unifying force. The holy vibrations produced by the greetings of love fill the atmosphere, and are powerful enough to bring about a change of heart in every man and woman in the world. On Deepavali day, merchants open their new account books and pray for success and prosperity during the coming year. The homes are cleaned and decorated by day and illuminated at night. During Deepavali festival is celebrated the Govardhan Puja signifying the Govardhan episode in Sri Krishn`s life, and also anna koot (heap of grains and foods) conveying affluence and prosperity; and feeding the poor on a large scale. _______________ Deepavali--- The festival of lights (5) The light reflected in the individual mind is the soul. The light reflected in the cosmic mind is the universal spirit. The microcosm and the macrocosm. Beyond both the individual and the cosmic is the one light of infinite spirit beyond name and form. The infinite consciousness is beyond all form and beyond all personality. This is the ultimate Reality. For the ultimate Reality of infinite inner Consciousness, the best symbol is light. The light of lights, the self-luminous inner light of the self is ever shining steadily in the chamber of your heart. Sit still, close the eyes, withdraw the senses. Fix the mind on this Supreme light and enjoy the real Deepavali, by attaining inner illumination. Wake up from the slumber of ignorance through meditation and self inquiry. Realise the constant and eternal light of the soul. "The self is self luminous being pure Consciousness. The cognition of all objects arises from the light of pure Consciousness." -Brhadaranyaka Upanishad May we attain perfect inner illumination. May the Supreme light of lights enlighten our understanding. May we attain the inexhaustible spiritual wealth of the eternal, all pervading Self. May we all prosper gloriously on the material as well as on the spiritual planes.
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