The meaning behind Diwali
While Diwali is more commonly known as the "festival of lights", the most importnat spiritual meaning is The inner light. Hindu philosophy is centered around the belief that there is something more than just the physical body and mind which is pure, infinite, and eternal. This is called the Atman. The festival celebration of Diwali refers to the light of higher knowledge. It refers to the infinite, Immanaent and transcendent reality. With the awareness of the light inside of yourself, comes compassion and the awareness of the oneness of all things, like that of Brahman. (main God in Hindu religion). This brings anand (joy or peace).
While the story of Diwali is told differently, and the festivities all vary from various religions, (festive fireworks, worship, lights, sharing of foods and treats), the meaning is all the same – to celebrate and worship in the Inner Light.
While the story of Diwali is told differently, and the festivities all vary from various religions, (festive fireworks, worship, lights, sharing of foods and treats), the meaning is all the same – to celebrate and worship in the Inner Light.
Gods
Diwali is a time of celebration of the ridding and defeat of the evil spirits and Gods. Diwali marks and celebrates the return of Lord Rama, along with Sita and Lakshmana, from his 14-year-long exile and vanquishing from the demon-king Ravana. In joyous celebration of the return of their king, the people of Ayodhya, the Capital of Rama, illuminated the kingdom with earthen lights and by bursting firecrackers
The firecrackers are lit to drive away any evil spirits. During Diwali, people clean out their houses for the wecloming of the goddess Lakshmi, who is the goddess of wealth and beauty.
The firecrackers are lit to drive away any evil spirits. During Diwali, people clean out their houses for the wecloming of the goddess Lakshmi, who is the goddess of wealth and beauty.