Diwali, the festival of lights, is celebrated with immense joy and grandeur across India and by millions worldwide. Traditionally, it marks the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance. However, the true essence of Diwali goes far beyond lighting lamps, bursting crackers, and exchanging sweets. According to the teachings of Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj, the real Diwali is not just about external celebrations but about igniting the light of true wisdom within. This article explores the deeper meaning of Diwali through the lens of Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj’s spiritual guidance, emphasizing the importance of true wisdom in transforming lives.
The Traditional Diwali: Rituals and Symbolism
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, literally means “a row of lamps.” The festival is associated with various legends, the most popular being the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile, symbolizing the victory of righteousness. Homes are cleaned and decorated, lamps are lit, and prayers are offered to deities for prosperity and happiness.
While these rituals have cultural and historical significance, Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj urges everyone to look beyond the surface. He teaches that the real darkness is not the absence of physical light but the absence of true wisdom. The lamps and fireworks symbolize the removal of ignorance and the awakening of inner knowledge, but this symbolism is often lost in the noise of festivities.
The Light of True Wisdom: Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj’s Perspective
Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj, a prominent spiritual leader, emphasizes that the real Diwali is the celebration of the light of true wisdom. He explains that wisdom is not merely intellectual knowledge or information but the realization of the ultimate truth about life, the soul, and the Supreme God. This wisdom can only be attained through the guidance of a true spiritual teacher (Satguru) and by following the correct spiritual path as prescribed in the holy scriptures.
Ignorance: The Real Darkness
According to Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj, ignorance is the root cause of all suffering. People remain trapped in the cycle of birth and death because they lack true knowledge about their real identity and the purpose of life. Most individuals perform rituals and worship without understanding their true significance, relying on blind faith and traditions passed down through generations.
Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj teaches that the real darkness is the ignorance of the soul’s true nature and the correct way to attain salvation. Lighting lamps and performing rituals are meaningful only when accompanied by the light of true wisdom.
The Role of the Satguru
Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj emphasizes the indispensable role of a Satguru in dispelling the darkness of ignorance. 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 guides seekers on the path to liberation.
He often cites examples from the lives of great saints like Kabir Sahib, who illuminated the world with the light of true wisdom. Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj continues this tradition by spreading the message of scriptural worship and true devotion.
Scriptural Evidence: The Path to True Wisdom
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.
The Bhagavad Gita
In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna emphasizes the importance of true knowledge (Jnana) and the guidance of a realized Guru. Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj explains that the Gita advocates surrendering to a true spiritual teacher who can impart the correct way of worship and lead the soul to salvation.
The Vedas
The Vedas, the oldest scriptures, also stress the necessity of acquiring true wisdom and following the path shown by a Satguru. Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj highlights that the Vedas describe the Supreme God and the method of attaining Him, which is often misunderstood due to lack of proper guidance.
The Guru Granth Sahib
The Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism, repeatedly mentions the importance of the Satguru and the light of true wisdom. Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj quotes verses that emphasize the need to dispel ignorance through the teachings of a true Guru.
Real Diwali: An Inner Transformation
Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj teaches that the real Diwali is not about external decorations but about inner transformation. Lighting lamps and decorating homes are symbolic acts; the true lamp to be lit is the lamp of wisdom 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
- Seek the True Guru: Find a Satguru who can provide the correct interpretation of scriptures and guide you on the path to salvation.
- Understand the Scriptures: Read and understand the holy books with an open mind. Seek clarification from a knowledgeable Guru.
- 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.
- Live a Righteous Life: Let the light of wisdom reflect in your actions. Practice honesty, compassion, humility, and self-control.
- Serve Humanity: Share your knowledge and resources with others. Help the needy and promote social harmony.
Diwali and Social Responsibility
Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj also emphasizes the importance of social 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 Wisdom
Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj explains that true wisdom 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. 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 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 wisdom, 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.
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