Millions Celebrate Diwali Differently – Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj

 

Millions Celebrate Diwali Differently – Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj

Diwali, the festival of lights, is one of the most celebrated and cherished festivals in India and among Indian communities worldwide. Every year, millions of people come together to mark this auspicious occasion, but the ways in which Diwali is celebrated are as diverse as the people themselves. From the lighting of lamps and bursting of crackers to the performance of religious rituals and sharing of sweets, Diwali takes on many forms. However, amidst these varied traditions, Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj offers a unique perspective on the true essence of Diwali, urging people to look beyond external festivities and embrace the deeper spiritual significance of the festival.

The Diversity of Diwali Celebrations

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is celebrated across India and in many other countries with great enthusiasm. The festival has different meanings and customs in various regions, communities, and religions.

North India

In North India, Diwali commemorates the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and his victory over the demon king Ravana. Homes are cleaned and decorated, lamps (diyas) are lit, and elaborate pujas are performed to welcome prosperity and happiness. Firecrackers light up the night sky, and families gather to exchange gifts and sweets.

South India

In South India, Diwali is associated with the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura. The celebrations begin early in the morning with oil baths, prayers, and the bursting of crackers. Special dishes are prepared, and people visit friends and relatives to share festive cheer.

Western India

In states like Gujarat, Diwali marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of a new financial year. Businessmen perform Chopda Pujan, worshipping their account books and seeking blessings for prosperity. The festival is also linked to the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth.

Eastern India

In Bengal and other eastern states, Diwali coincides with Kali Puja, dedicated to the fierce goddess Kali. Devotees offer prayers, light lamps, and perform rituals to seek protection and blessings.

Jain, Sikh, and Buddhist Communities

For Jains, Diwali marks the attainment of nirvana by Lord Mahavira. Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas, commemorating the release of Guru Hargobind Ji from imprisonment. Buddhists, especially in Nepal, observe Diwali as a time of worship and reflection.

Global Celebrations

Indian communities around the world celebrate Diwali with equal fervor, adapting traditions to local cultures while preserving the spirit of the festival. Public events, cultural programs, and community gatherings bring people together in the spirit of unity and joy.

The Common Thread: Light Over Darkness

Despite the diversity in customs and rituals, the central theme of Diwali remains the same: the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. The lighting of lamps symbolizes the dispelling of darkness and the awakening of inner wisdom. However, Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj emphasizes that the real darkness is not the absence of physical light, but the absence of true spiritual knowledge.

Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj’s Perspective on Diwali

Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj, a renowned spiritual leader, offers a profound interpretation of Diwali that transcends cultural and religious boundaries. According to his teachings, the true celebration of Diwali lies not in external rituals, but in the illumination of the soul through the light of true knowledge.

The Limitations of Rituals

Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj points out that while rituals and traditions have their place, they often become mechanical and devoid of true understanding. People perform pujas, light lamps, and burst crackers without comprehending the deeper meaning behind these actions. He urges followers to question the purpose of these rituals and seek the knowledge that leads to true happiness and liberation.

The Importance of True Knowledge

According to Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj, the real Diwali is the awakening of the soul through true spiritual knowledge. He teaches that ignorance about the Supreme God, the purpose of human life, and the correct way of worship keeps individuals trapped in the cycle of birth and death. Only by acquiring true knowledge from a complete spiritual teacher (Satguru) can one dispel this darkness and attain salvation.

The Role of the Satguru

Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj emphasizes the indispensable role of a Satguru in guiding seekers towards the light of true knowledge. Just as a lamp cannot light itself without a flame, a soul cannot attain wisdom without the guidance of a true Guru. The Satguru imparts the correct interpretation of scriptures, reveals the mysteries of creation, and leads disciples on the path to liberation.

Scriptural Evidence

Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj bases his teachings on the holy scriptures of various religions, including the Vedas, Bhagavad Gita, Quran, Bible, and Guru Granth Sahib. He encourages followers to verify every spiritual teaching with scriptural evidence and not to accept anything blindly. This approach ensures that the path to salvation is authentic and in accordance with divine instructions.

Diwali as an Opportunity for Inner Transformation

Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj teaches that Diwali should be an occasion for inner transformation rather than mere external celebration. Lighting lamps and decorating homes are symbolic acts; the true 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.

Steps to Celebrate Real Diwali

1. Seek the True Guru: Find a Satguru who can provide the correct interpretation of scriptures and guide you on the path to salvation.
2. Understand the Scriptures: Read and understand the holy books with an open mind. Seek clarification from a knowledgeable Guru.
3. Practice True Worship: Follow the method of worship prescribed in the scriptures and taught by the Satguru. Chant the true mantras and meditate on the Supreme God.
4. Live a Righteous Life: Let the light of wisdom reflect in your actions. Practice honesty, compassion, humility, and self-control.
5. Serve Humanity: Share your knowledge and resources with others. Help the needy and promote social harmony.

Social and Environmental Responsibility

Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj also emphasizes the importance of social and environmental responsibility during Diwali. He encourages followers to avoid wasteful expenditure on firecrackers and lavish celebrations, which harm the environment and society. Instead, he advocates using resources for the welfare of the needy and promoting eco-friendly celebrations.

Environmental Awareness

The pollution caused by firecrackers and excessive use of electricity during Diwali has become a major concern. Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj advises celebrating Diwali in an environmentally responsible manner. Use traditional lamps (diyas) made of clay, avoid firecrackers, and minimize the use of electric lights. Respecting nature is an integral part of spiritual life.

Compassion and Kindness

Diwali is an occasion to strengthen bonds with family, friends, and the community. Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj encourages sharing joy with the less fortunate, helping those in need, and spreading kindness. True happiness comes from selfless service and uplifting others, not from material possessions or temporary pleasures.

The Universal Message of Diwali

While Diwali is rooted in Indian culture, its message of light, wisdom, 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 true wisdom, practice scriptural worship, and live in harmony with one another. The real celebration of Diwali is the realization of the soul’s divine potential and the attainment of eternal peace.

The Benefits of True Knowledge

Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj explains that true knowledge brings numerous benefits:

• Inner Peace: Wisdom dispels doubts, fears, and anxieties, bringing lasting peace and contentment.
• Right Action: With true knowledge, individuals make righteous choices and lead a virtuous life.
• Liberation: True wisdom leads to liberation from the cycle of birth and death, granting eternal bliss.
• Social Harmony: Wise individuals contribute to a harmonious and compassionate society.

Conclusion

Diwali is much more than a festival of lights; it is a celebration of the victory of wisdom over ignorance, truth over falsehood, and love over hatred. Millions celebrate Diwali differently, each with their own customs and traditions, but the true essence of the festival lies in the awakening of the soul through the light of true knowledge. Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj’s teachings offer a profound perspective on the real 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 wisdom 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 true wisdom 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. The real Diwali is not just a festival, but a journey towards enlightenment, guided by the light of true wisdom.