Awaken the inner light

In the ritual of Deepavali, when we all light lamps, it is a graphic reminder to dispel not just external darkness but mainly our own inner darkness dominated by the inertia of habits that limit us. Rather than saying outright, 'See your inner light,' these rituals invite us to explore and discover the light within. These symbols remind us of the dormant wisdom within, waiting to be rekindled.

In Jainism, Deepavali marks the spiritual awakening of Lord Mahavira. In Sikhism, it honours the day that Guru Hargobind Ji, the sixth Sikh Guru, was freed from imprisonment. Buddhists in India, too, celebrate Deepavali as the day when Emperor Ashoka converted to Buddhism, and spread the religion. South India celebrates Deepavali as the day Krishn defeated the demon Narakasur and released thousands of unmarried women and kings from his jail. North India celebrates King Ram's return to Ayodhya after he defeated Ravan and rescued Sita from Ravan's captivity.

Ramayan and Mahabharat show that it is not greater might that leads to victory but dharma, or righteousness. The Kauravs lost the war because they supported an unethical, immoral cause. A similar lesson is found in the Ramayan. Zarathushtra, the ancient Persian prophet, taught that 'Asha', which represents truth, order and righteousness in the universe, would ultimately prevail over 'Druj', a concept that implies deceit, falsehood and chaos.