Deepāvali – freedom from the eclipse of self-ignorance

Chinmaya Mission – Mauritius

«The question of changing the date and time does not arise because the date of Deepavali has been set according to the Hindu authority and should be respected and observed »

In chapter 2, verse 27 of Bhagwad Gita, Lord Krishna tells human kind through Arjun that

“Indeed, certain is death for the born, and certain is birth for the dead, therefore over the inevitable you should not grieve.”

Similarly, we all know that an eclipse is a phenomenon of nature and, like all natural events, they come and go.

It has also been said that an eclipse could have adverse natural effects. The Hindu tradition has prescribed dhyaanam (contemplation), japam (continuous recital of the Lord’s name) and pooja (worship) in order to purify and revitalize the mind. Similarly a power cut may harm perishable vegetables in a refrigerator unless the generator is activated instantly to bring back electricity.

According to the Hindu tradition, devotees should respect, observe and accomplish their nitya karmas (daily duties and activities) and their naimittika karmas (occasional duties and activities such as Deepāvali, etc). Thus the real and full time seeker of truth has to be vigilant and alert at all times through his life.

Indeed the definition of Deepāvali is very well illustrated in verse 11 of chapter 14 of the Bhagwad Gita which states that;

“When through every gate (sense) in this body, the light of intelligence shines, then it may be known that SATTWA is predominant.” Therefore when the full time devotee, in his endless quest for liberation turns his senses of perception, mind and intellect inward (Avali), it is the recognition of the Deepa (atma jhyoti).

It is stated between verses 4 to 23 in chapter 3, Karma Yoga of the Bhagavad Geeta, that nature (Prakriti) acts continuously in whatever atmospheric conditions. Similarly man has to act and perform his duties. Therefore the question of changing the date and time does not arise because the date of Deepavali has been set according to the Hindu authority and should be respected and observed.

OM TAT SAT

With Prem and Om

Chinmaya Ashram
Charles Jolivet Steet, Beau Bassin
Tel: 464-2561

 


* Published in print edition on 31 October 2013

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