Diipava’lii or Diwali is the ‘celebration of light’.
It is celebrated on the darkest night of the year, which is the 10th new moon in the northern hemisphere. (Oct 17 / 18 2009)
Celebrations include colorful lights, fireworks, and sentient merrymaking.
The inner significance is that despite the darkness all around, one should illumine the mind and rid oneself of all kinds of ignorance, superstition and dogma through deep mediation and contemplation. In essence, one should become the embodiment of love, truth and light.
The term diipa in Sanskrit means lamp, and Diipa’valii refers to lighting the lamp within.
This is a day of universal significance for one and all and is being celebrated by more peoples and communities each and every year.
The swastika is an ancient symbol in yogic life and refers to permanent victory in life: liberation in individual life and justice in collective life.
We all know that one nefarious character in our 20th century tainted this symbol both in form and in meaning, but his wicked intentions have nothing to do with the true and inherent meaning of the swastika symbol.
In Sanskrit the prefix su means great or goodness and vasti means being. Thus, becoming the embodiment of greatness and benevolence. That is the victory depicted by the swastika.
Often this swastika symbol is used in yoga and in Diipa’vali celebrations, as shown in the above photo. Here is one special song about the Diipava’li:
“Aka’s’he a’j ranger mela’ manete a’j a’lo...” (Prabhat Samgiita #64)
In the sky there is a festival of color. In my mind there is a flow of light. The air is filled with fragrance, and everything is sweet. With the realization of the Divine within, my heart is filled with rhythm and song. With the sweet, tender touch of life, all the darkness has vanished. On such a glorious day, may we light the candle of light within, together with all…
Here is more information about the swastika:
