The Essence of Diwali

The essence of?Diwali-

Diyas or candles signify illumination, knowledge or wisdom, in particular at Diwali. Diyas, as a representation or Sakshi for auspicious reasons, are part of Indian tradition as well as a light indicates removing darkness. Light symbolizes all wonderful things in the world, the reason is this. Darkness is synonymous with ignorance. Ignorance of self.

By Nature we human beings are ignorant of who we are. We identify ourselves with our body, mind and intellect. And this darkness can be removed only by light. The light of knowledge. Knowledge here refers to knowledge of self, knowledge of who we are.. All that is here is the self evident consciousness (Sat-Chit-Ananda- Chandogya Upanishad).. So when all that is here is self evident consciousness then who are you?

Lamps, lights and fire have been used since olden days for warmth in the chilly winter in addition to eliminating insects to prevent damage of crops. It also provides people the chance of meeting, thinking and acting together. In groups, they sing and dance. Music and dancing came about millions of years ago around the fire in the cellars.

The Rig Veda’s most ancient holy text starts with Fire/Agni and concludes with Fire/Agni.

Every city and hamlet is doing its feast.?In South India, one month after Diwali on Karthikai Pournami Day (Full Moon Day) in houses and temples, millions of lights are illuminated. The materials are like clay, which are recyclable. The oil utilized for these lamps is unique?oil with certain therapeutic qualities.

?Diya has a deeper importance. The oil in Diya symbolizes the trash that people tend to nurse in their mental spirit—such as greed, envy, hate, desire etc. As mentioned in the first paragraph In the Diya, cotton represents the Atma, the self or soul ( the nearest English translation) When the oil is burned by the wick, the Diya symbolically presents light, the light of knowledge; knowledge of who you are; your true self.

This knowledge frees one from all kinds of tragedy, all kinds of sins, mistakes, crimes, problems and misinterpretations of who we are thus leading the way to illumination and the knowledge that you are already connected to the consciousness a.k.a. Ishwara, a.k.a. God nay you 'are' Ishwara: That-Vam-Asi… ( You are THAT).?

Wishing you and your dear ones the very best on the occasion of Diwali, Deepavali.