Asato
Maa Sat Gamaya
Tamaso Maa Jyotir Gamaya
Mrityor Maa Amritam Gamaya
Aum Shanti Shanti Shanti |
Lead
me from falsehood to truth
Lead me from darkness to light
Lead me from death to immortality
Aum Peace Peace Peace |
With the eternal verses
of this ancient Hindu prayer of hope and optimism, expressing
the highest desires of mankind, the Hindu American Foundation
(HAF) wishes one and all an auspicious, joyous and fruitful
Deepavali. The Deepavali
resolution HAF authored and that was introduced into
the House of Representatives last month by Congressman Joseph
Crowley (D, NY) celebrates the message of this day for so
many Hindus, including Sikhs and Jains, and recognizes its
utmost significance. Despite the diversity in Hindu rituals,
practice and beliefs, Deepavali binds all Hindus together
with its symbolic power and the festive frenzy of its celebrants.
HAF is honored today to bring Deepavali messages and blessings
from many of the most prominent and respected Hindu spiritual
seers of our time and hopes that their words will inspire
new perspectives and inspirations among all celebrants.
Deepavali is celebrated
on the fourteenth day of the waning phase of the moon in
the month of Kartik (October - November). It is the darkest
night of the darkest period of the year, and yet it is a
celebration of light! The celebration of Deepavali symbolizes
the aspiration of all Hindus to vanquish the ignorance that
subdues humanity and to drive away the darkness that engulfs
the light of knowledge.
Every cultural practice
associated with Deepavali is in sync with this deep sentiment.
The dark night is illuminated with millions of small lamps
(the word “Deepavali” itself means “rows
of lamps”). Hope and optimism are reflected in the
celebrations of the New Year in many parts of India and
in the actions of merchants that balance their accounts
and begin a new fiscal year on Deepavali. It is a fresh
start for all. All homes and business establishments are
specially cleaned on this day; but the Hindu also knows
that the real effort is also to cleanse one’s own
heart—to make it fit as an abode for God.
It is the sheer joy that
the people of Ayodhya must have felt as their Lord Ram returned
victorious after slaying Ravana, and the relief of the people
of Pradyoshapuram when Lord Krishna destroyed the demon
Narakasura that we relive today and celebrate exuberantly
in so many ways. Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth and prosperity
is worshipped today as celebrants light lamps in their homes
in anticipation of her annual visit. For in the meaning
of “Shubh Laabh,” the words always found with
the Goddess, celebrants appreciate the progressive Hindu
philosophy that sees righteous acquisition of material wealth
as part of an orderly ascent to the acquisition of spiritual
wealth.
Deepavali is a period
of hope as well as of thanksgiving. It is a time of optimism,
of renewal, of sharing and of joy. Diwali is heralded as
the triumph of good over evil, of righteousness over treachery,
of truth over falsehood, and of light over darkness. On
this Deepavali day, the Hindu American Foundation appreciates
your continued support and redoubles its efforts to serve
as a voice for all Hindu Americans. A happy Deepavali to
one and all!
