The Traditional Diwali: Customs and Beliefs
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is rooted in ancient Indian traditions. It is celebrated to commemorate the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and his victory over the demon king Ravana. People light oil lamps (diyas), decorate their homes, perform religious rituals, and seek blessings for prosperity and happiness. The festival also honors Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity.
However, over time, the festival has become more about material celebrations—fireworks, shopping, and feasting—often overshadowing its spiritual significance. Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj urges people to look beyond these external rituals and understand the true meaning of Diwali.
Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj: A Brief Introduction
Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj is a spiritual leader and reformer who emphasizes the importance of true spiritual knowledge as prescribed in holy scriptures. He advocates for a life based on the teachings of the Supreme God, as described in the Vedas, Bhagavad Gita, and other sacred texts. His discourses focus on dispelling ignorance and guiding people towards salvation through true devotion and knowledge.
The Real Meaning of Diwali: Light of True Knowledge
The Symbolism of Light
Light, in spiritual terms, represents knowledge, wisdom, and truth. Darkness symbolizes ignorance, false beliefs, and evil. Lighting lamps during Diwali is symbolic of dispelling the darkness of ignorance with the light of knowledge. Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj explains that the real lamp to be lit is not the physical diya, but the lamp of true spiritual knowledge within the heart.
Ignorance: The Real Darkness
According to Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj, the greatest darkness is ignorance about the true purpose of human life and the path to salvation. Most people remain unaware of the Supreme God and the correct way of worship as prescribed in the scriptures. This ignorance leads to suffering, repeated cycles of birth and death, and bondage to worldly desires.
True Knowledge: The Real Light
True knowledge, as per Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj, is understanding the identity of the Supreme God, the correct way of worship, and the purpose of human life. This knowledge is not based on hearsay or tradition but is rooted in the holy scriptures. When a person acquires this knowledge, the darkness of ignorance is dispelled, leading to inner peace, happiness, and ultimately, liberation.
Scriptural Basis for True Knowledge
Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj emphasizes that all major scriptures—Vedas, Bhagavad Gita, Quran, Bible, Guru Granth Sahib—point towards the importance of true knowledge and devotion to the Supreme God. He cites several verses to support his teachings:
- Bhagavad Gita 4:34: “Approach a spiritual master, inquire from him submissively, and render service unto him. The self-realized souls can impart knowledge unto you because they have seen the truth.”
- Yajurveda 40:10: “Those who are ignorant of the Supreme God remain in darkness, but those who worship demigods enter even greater darkness.”
- Guru Granth Sahib: “Without the True Guru, the darkness of ignorance cannot be dispelled.”
These scriptures highlight the necessity of seeking true knowledge from a realized spiritual teacher and worshipping the Supreme God as per the scriptures.
The Role of a True Spiritual Teacher
Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj stresses the importance of finding a true spiritual teacher (Satguru) who can impart the correct knowledge and guide seekers on the path of salvation. A true guru is one who:
- Possesses complete knowledge of the scriptures
- Practices and preaches the correct way of worship
- Leads disciples towards the Supreme God, not towards material gains or rituals
Without the guidance of such a teacher, it is impossible to attain true knowledge and liberation.
The Limitations of Rituals and Superstitions
Many people believe that performing rituals, fasting, and making offerings during Diwali will bring prosperity and happiness. However, Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj points out that these practices, if not aligned with scriptural injunctions, are ineffective in dispelling the darkness of ignorance. He explains that:
- Rituals without understanding their true purpose become mere formalities
- Superstitions and blind faith lead people away from the path of true knowledge
- Material celebrations provide temporary happiness but do not lead to lasting peace or liberation
The Path to Real Diwali: Steps to Attain True Knowledge
1. Questioning and Seeking
The first step towards real Diwali is to question existing beliefs and seek answers from authentic sources. Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj encourages people to:
- Read and understand the holy scriptures
- Attend discourses by realized spiritual teachers
- Reflect on the purpose of human life
2. Discarding False Beliefs
Many traditions and customs have crept into religious practices over time, often without scriptural basis. Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj advises discarding such beliefs and focusing on what is truly prescribed in the scriptures.
3. Accepting the True Guru
Finding and accepting a true spiritual teacher is crucial. The true guru imparts the correct knowledge, initiates disciples into the right way of worship, and guides them towards salvation.
4. Practicing True Devotion
True devotion involves worshipping the Supreme God as per the scriptures, not as per personal or societal preferences. This includes:
- Chanting the true mantras given by the guru
- Leading a righteous life
- Helping others and practicing compassion
5. Spreading the Light
Once a person attains true knowledge, it becomes their duty to spread this light to others. Sharing the teachings of the scriptures and guiding others towards the path of truth is considered a noble act.
The Benefits of Lighting the Lamp of True Knowledge
Inner Peace and Happiness
True knowledge brings clarity, dispels doubts, and removes the fear of the unknown. This leads to inner peace and lasting happiness, which material celebrations cannot provide.
Freedom from Suffering
Ignorance is the root cause of suffering. By acquiring true knowledge, one can break free from the cycle of birth and death and attain liberation (moksha).
Harmonious Society
When individuals are guided by true knowledge, they lead ethical and compassionate lives. This creates a harmonious and just society, free from conflicts and divisions.
True Prosperity
Material wealth is temporary and often leads to attachment and suffering. True prosperity lies in spiritual wealth—knowledge, devotion, and liberation.
Misconceptions About Diwali Addressed by Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj
1. Diwali as a Festival of Wealth
Many people associate Diwali with the worship of Goddess Lakshmi for material wealth. Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj clarifies that true wealth is spiritual knowledge, not money or possessions.
2. Fireworks and Environmental Harm
The widespread use of fireworks during Diwali causes pollution and harm to the environment. Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj advocates for celebrating Diwali in a way that does not harm nature or living beings.
3. Rituals Without Understanding
Performing rituals without understanding their significance is futile. True worship should be based on knowledge and understanding, not blind faith.
Real-Life Examples: Transformation Through True Knowledge
Many followers of Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj have shared testimonies of how their lives transformed after acquiring true knowledge. They report:
- Freedom from addictions and harmful habits
- Improved relationships and family harmony
- Relief from mental stress and anxiety
- A sense of purpose and direction in life
These transformations are attributed not to external rituals, but to the inner light of true knowledge.
How to Celebrate Real Diwali
Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj suggests celebrating Diwali by:
- Reflecting on the teachings of the scriptures
- Seeking the guidance of a true spiritual teacher
- Engaging in acts of kindness and charity
- Avoiding harmful practices like fireworks and excessive spending
- Spreading awareness about the true meaning of Diwali
Conclusion
Diwali is much more than a festival of lights and material celebrations. According to Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj, the real Diwali is about igniting the lamp of true knowledge within oneself. This knowledge dispels the darkness of ignorance, leads to inner peace, and paves the way for liberation. By seeking true knowledge, accepting the guidance of a true guru, and practicing genuine devotion, one can experience the real essence of Diwali—not just for a day, but for a lifetime. The light of true knowledge is the greatest gift one can receive and share, making every day a celebration of real Diwali.
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