Ayodhya was a city of peace and light with a name that literally means “no war”. But the city became utterly dark when Lord Rama was exiled, and once again full of light and happiness when Rama returned after 14 years. The people welcomed their Lord by illuminating their homes and streets. This story has an inner significance. Each one of us must transform our own heart into an Ayodhya-an abode of the Lord that is a source of light, love, and peace.
There is a fundamental difference between the people of Ayodhya and the people of our times. The citizens of Ayodhya were fully aware of the cause of the darkness that enveloped their lives and the resulting agonising pain. They knew that the vacuum was created by the absence of God in their city, which was, in reality, their own hearts.
Conversely, people in today’s world are unaware of why there is this emptiness in their lives. Humankind is searching for happiness everywhere except the one place it truly exists, the True Self that eternally dwells within. Misery has become the hallmark of modern times. The darkness people experience can only be dispelled by lighting the lamp of love. It can only be removed by welcoming the Lord back into the temple of our heart.
The first step to gaining any knowledge is to acknowledge one’s ignorance. If we can accept why we are drowning in sorrow, it would already be a great step toward love and light. However, just look at society today. Most of us are focused only on external growth, and often pursue even that through unrighteous means. Healthy growth cannot be only external.
Just as we have to keep financial accounts, we also need to keep spiritual ones. Close the dark accounts of past mistakes and open new accounts filled with potential. The present moment is the most precious thing we own. The flame of our inner light should always be kept ablaze. Our inner growth depends on its radiance; without it, our accomplishments will be short-lived.
Worshipping Lakshmi Devi and seeking Her blessing is also part of Diwali. Many people think this is only about attaining external wealth, but it is not. It is also about gathering the inner wealth of spiritual knowledge, emotional maturity, and compassion. Society’s growth depends on the sharing of both types of wealth.
Like blood, which circulates in the body, wealth must circulate in society. By invoking the blessings of the Goddess, we are, in fact, praying for the welfare of everyone in the world, praying that all be blessed with both material and spiritual wealth. This will bring light into our own hearts and, through us, into the hearts of others.
Even though the stories behind Diwali might vary from place to place, their message is the same: “Grow into your inner light.” It is said that even if a hundred suns and moons were to simultaneously rise in the sky, everything would remain dark if the light of love in our heart is not shining.
Amidst today’s celebrations, let us not forget the true significance of Diwali. We cannot afford to keep ignoring the darkness that surrounds us. May our awareness motivate us to rekindle the inner light of peace and beauty. May we, too, welcome the Lord home. It is not too late for the victory of light over darkness, for the victory of love over hatred.
Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi, known simply as Amma, is a spiritual master and humanitarian who has given her darshan in the form of a motherly embrace to more than 4 crore people. Listening to the cries of the suffering, Amma leads the Mata Amritanandamayi Math, an NGO that reaches across more than 50 countries, working in healthcare, disaster relief, education, gender equality, and environmental restoration; Views presented are personal.