Celebrate Diwali with the Light of Knowledge: Teachings of Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj

 

Diwali, the festival of lights, is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion across India and many parts of the world. Traditionally, it marks the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. While the festival is often associated with lighting lamps, bursting crackers, and exchanging sweets, its deeper spiritual significance is often overlooked. Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj, a renowned spiritual leader, emphasizes the importance of celebrating Diwali not just as a ritual, but as an opportunity to ignite the light of true knowledge within ourselves.

The True Meaning of Diwali

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, literally means "a row of lamps." According to ancient scriptures, lighting lamps symbolizes the dispelling of ignorance and the awakening of inner wisdom. Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj teaches that the real darkness is not the absence of physical light, but the absence of spiritual knowledge. Ignorance about the true purpose of human life, the nature of the soul, and the path to salvation keeps individuals trapped in the cycle of birth and death.

Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj explains that the festival should inspire seekers to search for the divine light of knowledge, which can only be obtained through the guidance of a true spiritual teacher (Satguru). He emphasizes that rituals alone cannot lead to liberation; only the right knowledge and devotion to the Supreme God can free the soul from suffering.

The Importance of True Knowledge

In his discourses, Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj often quotes from holy scriptures such as the Bhagavad Gita, the Vedas, and the Guru Granth Sahib to highlight the importance of acquiring true spiritual knowledge. He points out that all major religions advocate the need for a living spiritual guide who can impart the correct way of worship and lead devotees towards salvation.

According to Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj, most people celebrate Diwali by performing rituals without understanding their true significance. Lighting lamps, decorating homes, and offering prayers are meaningful only when accompanied by the light of knowledge. He urges followers to seek answers to fundamental questions: Who is the Supreme God? What is the correct way to worship? What is the purpose of human life?

Teachings of Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj on Diwali

Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj teaches that the real celebration of Diwali is the awakening of the soul through true knowledge. He encourages everyone to:

• Seek the True Guru: Only a true spiritual teacher can provide the correct interpretation of scriptures and guide seekers on the path of salvation. Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj asserts that finding and following a Satguru is essential for spiritual progress.
• Understand the Scriptures: Blind faith and superstitions have led many away from the true teachings of holy books. Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj advises followers to read and understand scriptures with an open mind and seek clarification from a knowledgeable Guru.
• Practice True Worship: According to Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj, the correct way of worship is described in the holy scriptures and should be followed as instructed by the Satguru. He emphasizes chanting the true mantras and meditating on the Supreme God as the path to liberation.
• Live a Righteous Life: The light of knowledge should reflect in one’s actions. Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj advocates living a life of honesty, compassion, and humility. He encourages followers to abstain from intoxicants, violence, and immoral activities.

Diwali: A Time for Inner Transformation

Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj reminds devotees that Diwali is not just about external celebrations, but about internal transformation. Lighting lamps and decorating homes are symbolic acts; the real lamp to be lit is the lamp of knowledge within the heart. This inner light dispels the darkness of ignorance, ego, and attachment, leading to true happiness and peace.

He explains that the soul is inherently pure and divine, but is covered by layers of ignorance and worldly desires. The teachings of a true Guru act as a guiding light, helping seekers remove these layers and realize their true nature. This realization is the ultimate goal of human life and the true essence of Diwali.

The Role of Satguru in Dispelling Darkness

Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj emphasizes the indispensable role of a Satguru in spiritual awakening. Just as a lamp cannot light itself without a flame, a soul cannot attain knowledge without the guidance of a true Guru. The Satguru imparts the correct way of worship, reveals the mysteries of the scriptures, and leads the disciple towards salvation.

He often cites the example of Kabir Sahib, who enlightened countless souls with the light of true knowledge. Similarly, Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj continues this tradition by spreading the message of true devotion and scriptural worship. He encourages everyone to question, seek, and verify the teachings of any spiritual leader with the holy scriptures.

Diwali and Social Harmony

Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj also highlights the importance of social harmony and compassion during Diwali. The festival is an occasion to strengthen bonds with family, friends, and the community. He advocates sharing joy with the less fortunate, helping those in need, and spreading kindness.

He discourages wasteful expenditure on firecrackers and lavish celebrations, urging followers to use resources for the welfare of society. According to his teachings, true happiness comes from selfless service and uplifting others, not from material possessions or temporary pleasures.

Environmental Awareness

In recent years, concerns about pollution and environmental damage caused by Diwali celebrations have grown. Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj advises celebrating Diwali in an eco-friendly manner. He encourages the use of traditional lamps (diyas) instead of electric lights and discourages the use of firecrackers, which harm the environment and health.

He teaches that respecting nature is an integral part of spiritual life. By celebrating Diwali responsibly, individuals can contribute to the well-being of the planet and set a positive example for future generations.

Diwali: A Universal Message

While Diwali is rooted in Indian culture, its message of light, knowledge, and goodness is universal. Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj’s teachings transcend religious and cultural boundaries, emphasizing the unity of all souls and the oneness of the Supreme God.

He encourages people of all backgrounds to embrace the light of knowledge, practice true devotion, and live in harmony with one another. The real celebration of Diwali, according to his teachings, is the realization of the soul’s divine potential and the attainment of eternal peace.

Conclusion

Diwali is much more than a festival of lights; it is a celebration of the victory of knowledge over ignorance, truth over falsehood, and love over hatred. Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj’s teachings offer a profound perspective on the true significance of Diwali. By seeking the guidance of a true Guru, understanding the scriptures, practicing true worship, and living a righteous life, individuals can light the lamp of knowledge within and experience lasting joy and fulfillment.

Let this Diwali be a turning point—a time to awaken to the higher purpose of life, to seek the truth, and to spread the light of knowledge in the world. As Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj teaches, the greatest gift one can give or receive is the light of true knowledge, which leads to liberation and eternal bliss.