Diwali Greetings to all members

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AUM Sri Sai Ram:

Deepavali to all brothers and sisters in all Lands:

Ram Lakhan, Canada

It was on Deepavali day that Sri Rama's coronation took place after his

victorious return to Ayodhya from Lanka, vanquishing Ravana and his Rakshasa

brood. For a long period Ayodhya had been plunged in darkness when Rama was in

exile in the forest. In the absence of the effulgent Rama, Ayodhya was a city

of darkness. The forests were filled with light. The return of Rama was hailed

by the people of Ayodhya as the return of divine effulgence and hence they

celebrated the event by the lighting of lamps everywhere.

Deepavali is also a day dedicated to the goodness of riches called Dhanalakshmi.

They celebrate the day as Dhanalakshmi Puja in many states in India.

When we inquire into the significance of the Deepavali festival which we are

celebrating today, we find that traditionally it is a joyous festival to

celebrate the destruction of the demon Narakasura by Sri Krishna. It is only

when we first understand the meaning of the Krishna Principle will we be able

to understand the significance of the Naraka principle. Krishna is the

embodiment of the Five Elements: ether, air, fire, water and earth. He is also

the embodiment of five life breaths--Prana, Apana, Samana, Udana and Vyana.

"Kleem-Krishnaaya-Govindaaya-Gopijanavallabhaaya Swaah." This mantra contains

the essence of the Bhagavatha. The five names represent the Five Pranas (vital

airs). Kleem refers to the earth. Krishnaaya refers to water. Govindaaya refers

to

Agni (the Fire-God). Gopijanavallabhaaya refers to Vayu (Air). Swaah refers to ether.

When Narakasura was killed all those who suffered under him were overjoyed.

Having led a life of darkness till then, both internally and externally, they

celebrated the occasion by lighting lamps. There is significance in lighting

lamps. The flame of one lamp can light the whole array of lamps. That one lamp

symbolizes the Paramjyothi (supreme effulgence). The others symbolize the

Jeevana Jyothis (light in individual selves). Deepavail is celebrated in order

to teach this truth to the world. People celebrate this festival by bursting

firecrackers signifying the victory of good over evil.

Krishna's encounter with the demon Naraka has to be understood against this

background. "Nara-ka" means one who is opposed to the Atma. The celebration of

Deepavali as the day of deliverance from Narakasura commemorates Krishna's

victory. The day is observed as an occasion when the Divine leads mankind from

darkness to light.

On this Deepavali day, resolve to light the lamp of Namasmarana and place it at

your doorstep, the lips. Feed it with the oil of devotion; have steadiness as

the wick. Let the lamp illumine every minute of your life. The splendor of the

Name will drive away darkness from outside you as well as from inside you. You

will spread joy and peace among all who come near you.

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