Diwali is more than a festival of lights; it is a reminder that the greatest darkness lies not around us, but within us. This Diwali, let us light the lamps of love, compassion and bhakti in our hearts, allowing their divine radiance to illuminate not only our lives but also the lives of those around us
The significance of light in human life lies not merely in its ability to dispel darkness, but also in the vision it gives us. Light enables us to see the world around us, but its deeper purpose is to help us recognise the emotions and impulses hidden within ourselves. Are they noble and virtuous? Diwali is a festival that invites us to undertake this inner journey of self-discovery.
The Upanishads echo this very aspiration through the timeless prayer, “Tamaso Ma Jyotirgamaya”, “Lead me from darkness to light.” This is not merely a spiritual invocation; it expresses the very direction in which human life should progress: from ignorance to knowledge, from falsehood to truth, from selfishness to selflessness, and from arrogance to humility. Diwali reminds us that the true purpose of the festival lies not simply in lighting lamps, but in dispelling the darkness within our lives.
The darkness of our times has assumed a different form. In the past, it was largely associated with illiteracy, deprivation and a lack of resources. Today, education has expanded, universities have multiplied, and knowledge is accessible at our fingertips. Yet an important question remains: Have our emotions grown alongside our education? We possess degrees, but do we also possess discernment? We understand the meaning of words, but can we understand the silence of another human being? If education helps us attain prestigious positions but fails to inspire us to lift someone who has fallen, something essential is still missing from its light.
Today, what concerns us more than a shortage of wealth is a shortage of compassion. Our homes are becoming larger, yet the space in our hearts is shrinking. Means of communication have multiplied, but meaningful conversations are diminishing. We can connect instantly with people across the world, yet sometimes remain unaware of the suffering of someone sitting beside us at home. Sending hundreds of birthday wishes is easy, but why do we find it difficult to sit with someone in their difficult moments and listen to them with patience? We have become increasingly advanced as human beings, but has our humanity developed to the same extent?
This is why, during Diwali, we must light lamps not only in our homes but also through our conduct. Let us kindle the lamp of love, so that our words comfort rather than wound others. Let us kindle the lamp of compassion, so that when we encounter someone’s need, we do not ask what we stand to gain, but what we can do to help. Let us kindle the lamp of understanding, so that before judging someone’s behaviour, we make an effort to understand their circumstances.
A small lamp can dispel the darkness around it. Similarly, a few words of kindness can awaken hope in a discouraged heart, an act of forgiveness can save a relationship from falling apart, and a gesture of selfless assistance can bring a new dawn into a family’s life. We do not need to become the sun to illuminate the world; we simply need to keep the lamp entrusted to us burning sincerely.
Yet, beyond illuminating the lives of others through our goodness, it is equally important to dispel the dense darkness hidden within our own hearts. Bhagwan Swaminarayan takes this inner illumination a step further in His Vachanamrut Kariyani 6. Interestingly, on Diwali itself, Bhagwan Swaminarayan delivered a discourse on matsar, the subtle darkness of envy and jealousy. He explained that God is pleased with those who overcome inner vices such as anger, greed, ego and envy, and offer devotion with a pure heart.
Elaborating on this teaching of the Vachanamrut, Pramukh Swami Maharaj inspires us to cultivate inner purity through devotion to God and the guidance of Satsang. As our faith and love for God deepen, virtues such as humility, compassion and goodwill naturally flourish within us.
This Diwali, His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj blesses us with a profound message: “Read divine words, cultivate a divine mind, and develop divine conduct. Let the wisdom of sacred teachings shape your thoughts and inspire your actions. May this Diwali usher in a new dawn of divine radiance in every heart, filling every life with love for God, purity of thought, peace and devotion.”
Therefore, let us resolve this Diwali not merely to increase the number of lamps we light, but to enhance the light within us. For the true significance of Diwali lies not in illuminating the night, but in illuminating life itself.
May the timeless prayer “Tamaso Ma Jyotirgamaya” resonate within our hearts this Diwali:
“O God! Bless us with such inner illumination that the sun of wisdom may shine brightly in our lives and the darkness of ill will may forever disappear.”
Dr Swami Gyanananddas is a dedicated follower of the Swaminarayan tradition and has earned a PhD from MS University; Views presented are personal.