Diwali: the festival of introspection and inner-growth.

Diwali is a festival that denotes the arrival of Lord Ram, from his ‘vanvas’(exile)- the returning eternal spirits of radiance and incandescence replacing obscurity and caliginosity. It is emblematic of the awareness of the inner light and assertion that there is a spiritual entity beyond any physical body, called jiva aatma.

Ramayana is the epic narrative of moral over immoral, luminosity over shadows…This story originally written by Valmiki, and popularly rewritten by Tulsidas, is a conquest of Ram over Ravan, and is a known mythology in India. For those who don’t know it, please click on this link to read a summary of this epic.

Each character in this epic is a motif of a very significant philosophical allegory. These connections are essential for understanding the enshrined truth of the pillars of this festival…

Ram is the symbol of the philosophical journey of a soul. This character is a metaphor for the uncertainty of life, and the necessity of overcoming obstacles and temptations to achieve the ultimate goal. Sita is a motif of hope and belief in overcoming struggles. She is that light that shines hope and never loses faith. Lakshman is the conception of allegiance and deference, similarly, Hanuman denotes devotion, spirituality, and confidence. Ravan connotes narcissism, egocentricity, and self-delusion. Even the minor characters denote a deeper understanding, for example, Kaikeyi portrays misguidance, Surpanakha depicts lust, Shabari represents self-sacrifice and hospitality, Dashrat is a symbol of parental love.

When you light a diya, with your faith in Agni, burn and abrogate your inner Ravan, Surpanakha, Kaikeyi. Use the light and effulgence to guide and ingress the persona of Ram, Sita, Lakshman, Hanuman, Shabari and Dashrat.

With this message, I wish you and your family a Diwali full of happiness and prosperity. May the light you receive fill your hearts with positivity and peace.