Diwali has ended. All sleep-deprived card enthusiasts are finally trying to make up on the sleep backlog and this will surely take some days. Others are groaning with self-pity and guilt for indulging in too much food and drinks, with family and friends, in back-to-back parties and are resolving strict diets and detox to bring the functioning of their liver and general metabolism in order. Meanwhile, the debate over Patakas or no-Patakas continues; the former group always seems to find a way to show their happiness at decibel levels and AQIs that is disturbing to the latter group. The Farm Fires continue and the hue and cry over the killing pollution levels again starts.
Everything seems to be like before. Next year we will have the same scenario repeated.
What are we celebrating? Diwali, right? Diwali is the celebration of joy in Lord Ram’s return to Ayodhya after His victory over Ravan. The festival is celebrated over centuries right from the ‘Treta Yug’ to the present day and will continue as an integral part of Sanatan Dharam (which itself is eternal). Lord Ram will come again in Diwali time next year. Time to ask ourselves: When will we discover Lord Ram within us, when will He enter our hearts?
We have till now used the occasion to celebrate, to indulge in parties and cards, and to have fun and frolic with family and friends. All this is no doubt important if along with this each one of us imbibes a small part of Lod Ram in our lives. This is not too difficult.
We just need to resolve to be more compassionate, to be more caring, to respect others, to protect the weak and the needy. It is when we discover Ram within us that we realise that the greatest wealth is not in materialistic things but in leading a life full of compassion and respect for others. Ram enables us to undertake the journey of self-discovery and personal growth. We will then experience abundance of love, joy and purpose through self-development & self-awareness.
All this is done by doing small things; first, to the persons who are in our contact – the house helps, the drivers, the guards, the cleaners – and then trying to extend our circle of goodness. The small things are not only in materialistic gifts, but in giving them respect and understanding their struggles.
छोटी छोटी बातों से राम पूर्णता दिलों में आते हैं!
और राम का पूर्णता आना कोई छोटी बात नहीं!!
