For many years, Deepawali remained an outwardly focused favorite festival for me. We create a mini-God house in honor of Lord Rama, and a small temple for Lakshmi and Ganesh. From Dusshera to Deepawali our house is abuzz with planning, preparing, and purchasing.
Since I started meditation, I discovered a new meaning for the festival. Ever so gently, from decorating the house and making the outside look beautiful, I started to pay heed to what lurked in the dark recesses of my heart. These many lights on the outside disappeared and re-appeared every year, bringing an ephemeral change which lasted as long as the festivities lasted. Sahaj Marg was asking me to seek the light within, be guided by the light within and not just on Dusshera, or Deepawali, but to remain focused on this light within forever, 24/7.
Why this comes to my mind during this festival may be because the villain of this festival, Ravana, is said to be a great virtuous king. He was an expert warrior, politician, king, as well as astrologer and doctor of Ayurveda. His kingdom was most prosperous under his reign. He was an exceptional poet and scholar; well versed with the six shastras and four vedas. He could have easily immortalised himself as The Lord and been worshipped alongside Lord Rama.
Unfortunately, he was led astray by his desire for pleasure and power. He cast an evil eye on the virtuous Mother Seeta. And today, his ten heads represent the ten qualities we are cautioned to be aware of and safeguard ourselves from falling prey to.
· Kama (lust)
· Krodha (anger)
· Moha (delusion)
· Lobha (greed)
· Mada (pride)
· Maatsarya (envy)
· Buddhi (intellect)
· Manas (mind)
· Chitta (will)
· Ahamkara (ego)
Our Hindu traditions say that whenever Adharma is destroyed and Dharma is established, it is a cause for celebration, a festival. My Master goes one step further and asks us to dive deep within, every day. Be introspective, and seek the light within, guidance from your inner self every day. Have the courage to move from darkness to light. Not only on Deepawali, but from today to tomorrow. Let it be one small step forward. Go beyond all these lights outside, and with time and practice, learn to live with the light within and yearn to go beyond it, because the light is now automatic and permanent. Practice alone offers that unique experience.
We in Sahaj Marg have the good fortune of being blessed with a living guide. The practitioners need to make use of this opportunity offered, that one personality will always there to guide us, to illuminate us. The only ask is to practice, be open hearted and participate in His grand plan. Simply Surrender with Humility.
Comments