DEEPAWALI REPRESENTS COSMIC WISDOM, HOLISTIC WELLNESS AND ILLUMINATES INNER PEACE

 

DIYA, A Traditional Oil Lamp, lit during Deepavali is the clay that forms Diya and represents our physical body, while the flame symbolizes the soul within. The word Diya comes from Hindi, meaning ‘to give’, and this concept of selfless giving lies at the core of Deepawali. The festival urges us to change our focus from ‘What’s-in-it-for-me’-to-’What-can-I-give’. DIYA for Home, embodies the ritual cleaning of our homes for Deepavali is a metaphor for purification of the body, our first home. Our thoughts and emotions continuously radiate to the body as vibrations and impact it. To cleanse emotional toxins, we must shift our focus from anger to empathy and fear to faith. We must move from abusing the body to radiating pure emotional vibrations by nourishing it with a sattvika diet, good health and high vibrational energy. Diya in Relationships, are often maintained with a mindset of ‘give and take’ and with an underlying desire: ‘What am I getting from them.’ This usually leads to disappointment and discord. Our responsibility is to shift from reacting and resisting to responding, accepting and giving with love, compassion, and forgiveness. Diya at Work in professional world, emphasis frequently on personal gain. But Deepavali entails gifting and our work is our gift to everyone who is a part of it. Whether we are creating products or providing services, our goal should be to give something valuable to society. Each morning, let us be at our workplace with intention of giving-empowering colleagues, serving clients with integrity and balancing commercial success with social responsibility. Diya To Nature, when Nature given us abundantly. Deepavali reminds us to shift from exploiting nature to nurturing it. With such emotional resilience, we raise collective vibrational energy of the planet. The air, water and plants around are always influenced by our emotional state. Let us embrace a new way of Eco-Friendly Living - Simplistic Lifestyle. When, we can also consider giving gifts without any wasteful or plastic packaging that invariably ends up adversely affecting-Our-Ecosystem. Deepawali Sweets, are offerings of emotional gifts of blessings, understanding and unconditional acceptance. The Practice of closing Financial Accounts, during Deepavali is a regular reminder for us to accept and settle our karmic accounts by letting go of past hurts, negative perspectives and starting afresh. Then Arises a common concern, ‘If I keep giving, who will give to me.’ When we meditate to connect to a higher power, we get energized and radiate virtues. Then, giving becomes natural and effortless. This meditational process of connecting and radiating is beautifully symbolized on Deepawali “when one Large Diya, Symbolic of God, Lights a Smaller One, Symbolic of the Soul and that Diya Lights Another. As we Light Diyas and invoke Lakshmi, Deity of Purity and Prosperity, we invite the Essence of the Golden Age into our Lives”. Deepawali - A Journey of Love, Light and Inner Transformation Deepawali, also known as the festival of lights, celebrates one of the most cherished moments – The return of ShriRam to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. But beyond the historical context, Deepawali holds a deep spiritual meaning that extends far beyond the lighting of lamps and the joy of reunions. It is about the journey of the soul, the eternal battle between light and darkness, good and evil, and the divine principles of love, union, and separation.The story of Deepawali is rooted in the epic tale of Ram, whose exile left the residents of Ayodhya in a state of despair. They could not imagine their lives without him and wanted to accompany him to the forest. However, Ram convinced them to stay behind, asking them to remain faithful in their hearts. As he departed, the people of Ayodhya experienced intense separation, known as ‘Vipralamba’, one of the two important principles that define the love between the Lord and his devotees. The other principle, ‘Sambhoga’, refers to the ecstatic union of the Lord and His devotees. Together, these two states of being – Union and Separation–are at the Heart of Divine Love. During his exile, Ram’s younger brother Bharat came to Chitrakoot, pleading with Ram to return to Ayodhya. But Ram, bound by duty, refused to break his exile. Instead, he gave Bharat his Sandals, which Bharat placed on the throne in Ayodhya as a symbol of Ram’s Kingship. For 14 long years, Bharat lived in a simple hut in Nandi gram and spent his days and nights in sorrow, crying for Ram, embodying “The Principle of Vipralamba” – complete and utter devotion even in separation. When the 14 years of exile were finally over, Ram sent Hanuman ahead to inform Bharat of his return. The news brought immeasurable joy to Bharat and when Ram arrived in Nandigram, Bharat’s ecstasy knew no bounds. The entire city of Ayodhya was filled with joy as news of Ram’s return spread. The people of Ayodhya lit lamps in celebration, welcoming their beloved king back after years of painful separation. These lamps were not just sources of light; they were symbols of the intense love, gratitude, and devotion the people held for Ram. The flames represented the hearts of the people, blazing with uncontrollable love after years of separation. For Ram, every single lamp lit in Ayodhya was a manifestation of the pure love his devotees had for him, and in that moment, he reciprocated with boundless joy. This divine exchange of love and devotion is the true essence of Deepawali – a festival that goes beyond the return of Ram. It signifies the return of the Lord into our lives, into our hearts, after countless lifetimes of spiritual separation. But the truth is, Ram-or any Divine presence -never really leaves. He resides eternally in our hearts, just as he never truly left Ayodhya. The only reason we do not feel His presence is because of our lack of love and devotion. Deepawali serves as a reminder that by rekindling the flame of devotion and love within our hearts, we can once again feel His presence. “In this sense, Deepawali is not just about welcoming Ram back into Ayodhya; it is about welcoming Him back into our own lives awakening our dormant love for the Divine.” Deepawali, ‘The Festival of Lights,’ is more than an occasion for festivities; it holds a profound blend of cultural, spiritual, and scientific meaning. Emphasizing renewed mental clarity and unity, Deepawali’s rituals-such as lighting Diyas (Oil Lamps or Candles), fasting, and home cleansing-promote well-being on multiple levels. These practices resonate with both ancient wisdom and modern science, making Deepawali a celebration that nurtures the mind-body-and-spirit. Going further, Deepawali integrates cultural, spiritual, and scientific dimensions, promoting well-being through rituals like lighting Diyas, Fasting and Cleansing. These practices enhance mindfulness, metabolic health, and emotional resilience. Symbolic connections to Kali Puja and Cosmic Phenomena underscore themes of transformation and renewal, linking tradition with modern health benefits.

 MentalWellBeing and Emotional Renewal

Deepawali’s tradition of light conquering darkness reflects hope, resilience, and positivity. Psychologically, rituals like lighting Diyas foster mindfulness, creating a space for grounding and reflection, much like mindfulness-based therapies that help with focus and positive thought patterns. The practices of giving, sharing, and gratitude during Deepawali are shown in positive psychology to increase happiness, reduce stress, and strengthen bonds. Social connections during Deepawali boost Oxytocin—a hormone linked to trust and love—helping to ease loneliness and increase life satisfaction. In our modern world, these connections are increasingly valuable for mental health.

 Health Benefits of Fasting and Cleansing Rituals

Fasting and home cleansing during Deepawali bring physical and mental benefits. Fasting supports metabolic health, reduces inflammation, and enhances cellular repair through autophagy, lowering risks for chronic diseases like diabetes and heart conditions.Similarly, cleaning the home reduces dust and allergens, benefiting respiratory health and contributing to mental well-being by linking cleanliness to happiness. This ritual also reinforces hygiene habits that improve public health and infection prevention, especially during seasonal changes. These practices contribute to a holistic approach to wellness, extending Deepawali’s impact on health beyond the festival itself.

Goddess Kali Puja: Health and Inner Strength

In certain regions of Bharat especially Eastern, Deepawali coincides with Kali Puja, honor ing Goddess Kali. This ritual brings powerful symbolism for transformation and resilience, encouraging us to confront fears and renew our inner strength. Kali is a Symbol of Renewal, Goddess Kali’s fierce imagery embodies courage, helping us break free from negativity-a theme reflected in therapy, where confronting fears leads to personal growth. This release of ego-driven stress and anger promotes peace and resilience, akin to mindfulness practices that foster emotional freedom.

 Cosmic Metaphor: Black Holes, White Holes and Kali’s

 Transformative Power The Symbolism of Goddess Kali—who embodies both destruction and creation—parallels the cosmic phenomena of Black holes and White holes, which represent the universe’s most extreme examples of these forces. By examining these cosmic entities, we gain insight into Kali’s role in guiding us through inner transformation, personal growth, and renewal. Black Holes are the Power of Absorption and Transformation

The Bhagavad Gita: Liberation from Duality and Attachment

 The Bhagavad Gita further expands on the notion of liberation from worldly attachment and the pursuit of self-realization, as seen in Chapter 15, Verse 5:”Those who are free from pride and delusion, who have overcome the bondage of attachment, who constantly dwell in the self and are free from desires, transcending the dualities of pleasure and pain—such liberated souls attain My eternal abode.” This verse teaches that true freedom is found in letting go of pride, ego, and attachment. When we release our desires and see beyond the dualities of life-like joy and sorrow, success and failure-we access a state of peace and freedom that transcends worldly concerns. Diwali offers us an opportunity to reflect on these teachings, encouraging us to approach life with balance and equanimity. This journey from self-centred desires to inner contentment and spiritual freedom is the essence of Deepawali’s light, guiding us from the darkness of attachment to the light-of-self-awareness-and-inner-peace.” The Upanishads: From Darkness to Light; Mortality to Immortality The ancient Upanishads further express this journey toward enlightenment and liberation with a prayer that is both simple and profound: ‘Lead us from untruth to truth, from darkness to light, and from mortality to immortality-Aum-peace-peace-peace. ’This Shloka beautifully summarizes the journey that Deepawali symbolizes. It calls for a shift from ignorance to knowledge, from the darkness of the unknown to the light of understanding, and from the cycle of birth and death to the state of immortality-A transcendent awareness that frees us from all fears. As we celebrate Diwali by lighting lamps, we are reminded of this spiritual awakening that moves us from external distractions to inner wisdom, from fear to resilience, and from a limited view of life to one that is vast and free.

To Conclude, Deepawali’s Message of Unity, Health, and Inner Illumination

Deepawali -let us see the festival as more than a celebration; it is a journey within. The light we see outside reflects the light we are meant to kindle within ourselves. Deepawali’s rituals guide us to examine our lives, let go of what holds us backand open ourselves to growth and understanding. The essence of Deepawali goes beyond just illuminating our homes-it is about illuminating our hearts and minds. By following its teachings, we unite the wisdom of tradition with the principles of modern science, creating a path toward lasting health, peace, and harmony. May Deepawali Inspire us all to Embrace this Light of Wisdom, Healthand Inner Peace, allowing it to Shine Forth, Illuminating our Lives and the World Around Us.

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Courtesy: RAJESHWAR DHAR  and  Spade A Spade,2025