(Knowledge extracts from SWAHA’S Divali Messages)
Pt. Jaidath Maharaj, M.Ed (dist.), EMBA (dist.), President, SWAHA Inc., Spiritual Leader, SWAHA Gyaan Jyoti Mandali
We all know that Divali is a period of festivity and celebration as well as spirituality. There are various dimensions to the different celebrations on the Hindu calendar. Divali is particularly important as it brings together families and communities in the spirit of praying together, sharing together and engaging in the festivities. Our various celebrations have been changed in the recent past because of the global pandemic. However, the change in the format does not take away from the meaning, the symbolism and the grandeur of the occasion. It gives us the opportunity to spend time with our families: parents, children and siblings. We can experience the positive vibrations and build a bond among family members.
How important is Divali? We light deeyas for the purpose of celebrating this occasion of light over darkness. The deeya itself is symbolic of the victory of good over evil. As we live our lives, there are many evils and battles that we must fight; the most important is the battle that rages inside our minds. Within each of us are both positive and negative qualities. When we welcome Lakshmi Maa into our home, we are inviting that light of love, understanding and forgiveness to dissipate any negativity in our lives.
As we celebrate this festival of lights, we must keep in mind the ideal principles and values that guide us in our lives. Let us recognise that the only way we can beat the global tragedy is to unite as a society, as Hindus, as a nation, as citizens and as global citizens. We must recognise the need for every single person to see beyond the diversity of existence, and to see the divinity present in every living being. When we find that goodness and Godness inside every single person, then we will be living the real message of Maha Lakshmi for Divali.
Pt. Adesh Maharaj, SWAHA Gyaan Deepak Kirtan Mandali
Divali is a festival that occurs annually in the month of Kaartik and is a period of time when Hindus celebrate light over darkness, good over evil. On this auspicious occasion, Lakshmi Maataa is especially worshipped. We often refer to Lakshmi Maataa as the Goddess of Wealth. While we need material wealth in life, without spirituality it could be destructive. There are forms of wealth that money cannot buy. We have heard many times in satsang, that there are six forms of spiritual wealth: tranquillity of mind, serenity, control of one’s senses, endurance, faith, and renunciation of selfish actions and desires. We cannot put a monetary value to these forms of spiritual wealth. They are also forms of wealth that cannot be found externally; they must be discovered within oneself.
Divali is considered the festival of lights. The light symbolises enlightenment. We must all make a conscientious effort to awaken that inner light of Lakshmi Maa so that it may shine brightly within. As we deal with a global pandemic where many countries are affected by the COVID-19 virus, I would like to encourage everyone to follow the rules and regulations around the coronavirus. It is our wish that everyone remains safe as we observe this auspicious festival.
