Deepavali Greetings from the Hindu American Foundation

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Deepavali Greetings from the Hindu American Foundation

Sat, 13 Nov 2004 00:13:29 -0500

Organization: HAF

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HAF Newsletter November 12, 2004

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HAF Deepavali Newsletter

 

 

Diwali Resolution

A resolution recognizing the historical and cultural significance of the Hindu

festival of Diwali was submitted to the United States House of Representatives,

Committee on Government Reform, on October 5, 2004.Click here for more >> Write

to your representative to support the Diwali Resolutioncongress.org JOIN HAF

NOW!

Click here to send a special HAF Deepavali E-Card to a friend or loved one

Click here to read Messages on the Significance of Deepavali from Spiritual Leaders

HAF Deepavali Message

Asato Maa Sat Gamaya

Lead me from falsehood to truth

Tamaso Maa Jyotir Gamaya

Lead me from darkness to light

Mrityor Maa Amritam Gamaya

Lead me from death to immortality

Aum Shanti Shanti Shanti

Aum Peace Peace Peace

With the eternal verses of this ancient Hindu prayer of hope and optimism,

expressing the highest desires of mankind, the Hindu American Foundation (HAF)

wishes one and all an auspicious, joyous and fruitful Deepavali. The Deepavali

resolution HAF authored and that was introduced into the House of

Representatives last month by Congressman Joseph Crowley (D, NY) celebrates the

message of this day for so many Hindus, including Sikhs and Jains, and

recognizes its utmost significance. Despite the diversity in Hindu rituals,

practice and beliefs, Deepavali binds all Hindus together with its symbolic

power and the festive frenzy of its celebrants. HAF is honored today to bring

Deepavali messages and blessings from many of the most prominent and respected

Hindu spiritual seers of our time and hopes that their words will inspire new

perspectives and inspirations among all celebrants.

Deepavali is celebrated on the fourteenth day of the waning phase of the moon in

the month of Kartik (October - November). It is the darkest night of the darkest

period of the year, and yet it is a celebration of light! The celebration of

Deepavali symbolizes the aspiration of all Hindus to vanquish the ignorance

that subdues humanity and to drive away the darkness that engulfs the light of

knowledge.

Every cultural practice associated with Deepavali is in sync with this deep

sentiment. The dark night is illuminated with millions of small lamps (the word

“Deepavali” itself means “rows of lamps”). Hope and

optimism are reflected in the celebrations of the New Year in many parts of

India and in the actions of merchants that balance their accounts and begin a

new fiscal year on Deepavali. It is a fresh start for all. All homes and

business establishments are specially cleaned on this day; but the Hindu also

knows that the real effort is also to cleanse one’s own heart—to

make it fit as an abode for God.

It is the sheer joy that the people of Ayodhya must have felt as their Lord Ram

returned victorious after slaying Ravana, and the relief of the people of

Pradyoshapuram when Lord Krishna destroyed the demon Narakasura that we relive

today and celebrate exuberantly in so many ways. Lakshmi, the Goddess of

wealth and prosperity is worshipped today as celebrants light lamps in their

homes in anticipation of her annual visit. For in the meaning of “Shubh

Laabh,” the words always found with the Goddess, celebrants appreciate

the progressive Hindu philosophy that sees righteous acquisition of material

wealth as part of an orderly ascent to the acquisition of spiritual wealth.

Deepavali is a period of hope as well as of thanksgiving. It is a time of

optimism, of renewal, of sharing and of joy. Diwali is heralded as the triumph

of good over evil, of righteousness over treachery, of truth over falsehood,

and of light over darkness. On this Deepavali day, the Hindu American

Foundation appreciates your continued support and redoubles its efforts to

serve as a voice for all Hindu Americans. A happy Deepavali to one and all!

We need your support to continue our work.

Please click here to support the work of the Hindu American Foundation (HAF)

Hindu American FoundationP.O. Box 48528Tampa, Florida

33647U.S.A.http://www.hinduamericanfoundation.orginfo (AT) hinduamericanfoundation (DOT) org

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