Page 69 - LCNL Diwali Magazine 2022

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Happy Diwa
Happy Diwali RAGHUVANSHI 2022 - 2023 65
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have not only been created by the Creator, but we have also light ourselves. Instead of asking Maha Lakshmi for the
been created OF the Creator. So, as we light these beautiful bounty of wealth, let us instead ask how we may restore
lamps we pray for the divine vision to be able to behold that that bounty for the world. In planting a tree, we are planting
Divine in all around us and also within ourselves. the grace of Maha Lakshmi. In cleaning our rivers, we are
cleaning Her glorious form. In stopping any instances of
Rama Rajya violence against women and girls, we are protecting Her.
When Rama returned to Ayodhya and took the throne of Puja does not only mean that which we do sitting in our
the city, it was the beginning of what is called “Rama Rajya” mandirs; it is how we live our lives. Arpan (offering) is not
or the rule of Rama. Rama Rajya is referred to, again and done only during a religious ritual; it teaches us how to live.
again, not only in the Ramayana but in innumerable other Let every minute and every moment be an opportunity to
literary works, as really an age of perfection. It is the age to perform puja for Maha Lakshmi. Let everything we do be an
which we are always trying to return -- a time of peace, joy, offering to Her.
harmony, health and abundance. However, the Ramayana
gives us very specific details of what Rama Rajya entailed. Each lit diya not only brings individual light, but it also can
These include a complete eradication of despair, poverty, be used to light others! One single burning candle can light
illness, suffering, illiteracy, and violence. The world of Rama innumerable other candles. On this Diwali, let us not only
Rajya was one in which all people had sufficient resources, light the oil lamps but let us become the lamps which bring
education, training, good health and were loved and cared light and then light others. Instead of throwing fireworks
for. into the sky, causing air and noise pollution, let us become
the fireworks, illuminating this world through the goodness
When we celebrate Diwali, we must similarly be prepared of our deeds and the selflessness of our actions.
to work toward creating Rama Rajya which began as soon
as Rama returned, hence began from Diwali. Rama did not It begins with one tree, one toilet, or even picking up
simply wave a magic divine wand and make poverty, illness, one piece of litter from the road or the bank of a river. It
illiteracy, malice, and despair vanish. Rather He called upon continues with the switching off of one light, the protecting
the citizens of Ayodhya to join hands in bringing about this of one girl, one woman, or one resource. From here begins
new world order. a chain of light that can propel us forth into a new era.
Make the resolution and launch a new era of light in which
In the same way, if we are truly going to celebrate Diwali, all may bask. Hope and light are in your hands on this
we must be prepared to join our hands and create a world Diwali day.
in which no one – yes, no one – sleeps hungry, lacks basic
education or health care, or is the victim of violence. It is If we can take a pledge on this Diwali Day to truly be the
not enough to just light diyas and eat sweets on Diwali. To light and help bring in an era of Rama Rajya, then the lights
really celebrate, we must vow and pledge that from the next of our lamps will continue to burn not only for a few hours
morning we will WORK toward creating Rama Rajya here and but on and on throughout the year and for years to come.
now.
On this holy day of Diwali, I pray that you will take this
Maha Lakshmi - the Goddess of Prosperity opportunity to examine your own lives and take a pledge to
fill your lives – every word, every thought and every action
Diwali is also a celebration in which we worship Maha -- with light, thereby bringing light and life to others.
Lakshmi, the Divine Feminine, the Goddess of Prosperity
and Abundance. However, it is common for many to May the light of love & devotion
shine brightly in your hearts.
mistakenly perceive Maha Lakshmi as the Goddess of May the light of understanding shine in your minds.
tangible wealth, to whom we pray when we want financial May the light of harmony glow in your home.
improvements in life. However, true wealth is not merely the May the light of service shine forth
number written on our bank statements or on our income ceaselessly from your hands.
tax balance sheet. May your presence light the lamps of love
wherever you go.
May your smile, your words and your actions be as
True Wealth is the light which shines forth from within us; sweet as the sweets of this festive season.
it is our cup which runneth over with love, compassion, May Maha Lakshmi bring you the true wealth
gratitude, and joy. Maha Lakshmi is the Divine Mother. of health, happiness, peace & prosperity
She gives and gives like the Sun, and like Mother Ganga upon you and all your loved ones.
-- selflessly, with no discrimination, no hesitation, no
expectation, and no vacation! Maha Lakshmi can be seen With deepest love and blessings,
and worshipped not only in Her gorgeous form in our In the service of God and Humanity,
mandirs, draped in a shiny red saree, but also in all that
gives and gives: the rivers, the trees, the very air that we
breathe, the crops that nourish and sustain us. All that is
green, all that is beautiful is She.
Swami Chidanand Saraswati
BE the Light
swamiji@parmarth.com
For this festival of lights, let us instead resolve to be the www.PujyaSwamiji.org & www.Parmarth.org

/PujyaSwamiji