AFVOA Newletters of Year 2003

Page 144 of 170 four Varnas (Brahman, Kshatriya, Vaisya and Sudra); four yugas (Krata yuga, Treta yuga, Dwapar yuga and Kali yuga). There are also four universally observed parvas (festivals) namely Shravani Upakarma, Vijaydashami, Deepawali and Holi. Parva means a link that joins two things. It is that link on which the skeleton stands. The joints of a man’s skeleton are, therefore, called parvas. It is with the help of these that an individual can stand, can sit, can bend and can lunge. Without these joints man would be stiff and not be able to make any movements. Likewise is the state of nations and societies, the framework of which is based on parvas (festivals). Without these parvas society would have collapsed a long time ago. These four festivals commence with Upakarma (Raksha-bandhan) and end with Holi. The four festivals are associated with four different goddesses. Raksha-bandhan is associated with Goddess Saraswati (the goddess of education); Vijaydashami with Shakti (goddess of power); Holi with Prasannata (goddess of joy) and Deepawali is associated with Lakshmi (goddess of wealth). Raksha-bandhan or Shravani is directed at spiritual education, Vijaydashami at military education, Deepawali at economic education and Holi at cultural education of the masses. As long as humanity is not moved with inner satisfaction and joy so long there would exist defects in the imparting of spiritual, economic and cultural education. According to Vedic culture the message of Asato ma sad gamaya (lead us from falsehood to Truth) through the pan/a of Shravani; of Mrityorma amritam gamaya (from death to immortality) through the parva of Vijaydashami; of Tamaso ma jyotir gamaya (from darkness to light) through the parva of Deepawali; and of Alasyatma shrama gamaya (from lethargy to activity) through the parva of Holi, is conveyed to the masses. The message of Deepawali According to the Vedic culture, the message of Tamaso ma jyotir gamaya (from darkness unto light) is given through the festival of Deepawali to all peoples of the world. During the night of Deepawali the myriads of little clay lamps (diyas) seem to silently send forth Deepawali messages: Come let us remove darkness from the face of the earth. This is not the work to be done by one diya or by one individual. It requires collective effort. In the diffusion of light the question of high and low is forgotten. This is the lesson taught by both small and big diyas. The second message of the burning diyas is to destroy the difference between rich and poor- the destruction of discrimination based on poverty and wealth. The burning diya, whether in a palatial bungalow or in a grass hut, is a symbol of this unity. The wall of separation based on economic status cannot prevent the penetration and spread of the light of the diya. The third message of the burning diyas of Deepawali is to kindle the extinguished lights of our neighbours. Let us find out what is needed - whether there is a shortage of wick or oil - and just by a little help the neighbour’s lamps can be lit. One diya can light several others. A little charity can bring joy to countless others. The row of lamps teach yet another lesson and that is of unity as exemplified in Satyam, Shivam Sundaram - Truth, Joy and Beauty. The lights of Deepavali are displayed at the entrance doors, by the walls of houses, in the streets and lanes. This means that the inner spiritual light of the individual must be reflected outside. Passers-by may thereby be prevented from stumbling on their way to reach their destination. The lights of the diyas on earth beckon the lights in the firmaments to descend upon earth and establish the heavenly kingdom of God for the welfare of the human race. Feeding empty stomachs, lighting blown-out diyas and providing cheer and joy