All religious festivals bring the universal message of light, of enlightenment and empowerment that transforms darkness to self-illumination and spiritual evolution. The various Hindu celebrations that mark our religious calendar are a constant reminder of the process of evolution which we need to be engaged in unceasingly. Even the observances of other religions all point to the goal of enlightenment. Whether it is Soorya Bhagavan, the brilliant flame of Agni Devta, the oil-soaked glowing deya, the luminous moon or the brilliant stars, the message of light overcoming darkness is common to all. All these symbols of light energy generate immeasurable power of the will or ‘ichha’ that, guided by right knowledge, translates into positive action.
Yet still, this light eludes us. In our multicultural society, where festivals abound, where our people are engaged in religious activity almost daily, where knowledge is made accessible to all, our own Mother Earth is burdened by the crippling effects of our actions. The gruelling winds of ignorance have swiftly diminished the brilliance of enlightenment everywhere. Such overpowering darkness has plagued us to such an extent that we find ourselves gripped under a State ofEmergencyat this time. Indeed, rivers of blood adorn Mother Earth. The battle between good and evil is grossly imbalanced. Such a state of affairs is an antithesis to our religious actions.
The many packed houses of worship during religious celebrations bear testimony to the fact that as a people, there is no doubt that we love to praise the Lord, to commune with Him through various ritualistic actions. Yet, the state of affairs in our land paints a completely different picture where disrespect and disregard for life and limb are openly displayed, where we are judgemental of others and where respect and brotherly kinship are far removed from our daily lives.
Man’s inhumanity to man has reached to such a level that the leadership of our land was left with no choice but to declare a State ofEmergency. In a way, such a state of restriction can be compared to the role played by Lord Vishnu when the ocean was churned thousands of years ago. Today, more than ever, there is need to churn the unconscious within to maintain order, rooted in right action. Of course, the mountain of mental advancement, like the great Mandrachal Mountain, is a necessity in this churning process, for without this tool of knowledge, then egoism, pride, greed, anger and other such qualities remain cemented within and the sustenance needed, symbolised by Lord Vishnu, will be gradually lost.
As we prepare to celebrate the festival of Kartik Nahaan, SWAHA urges all to delve deep within, to continue to churn and relentlessly seek to emerge with the gems of serenity, tranquility of mind, faith, endurance, renunciation of selfish actions and control of the senses. May the flow of the purifying waters of Gangaa Maataa direct our gaze towards divinity.
