$JES 203 First Step of Jainism Level 2 Book

Author(s): JAINA Education Committee
Publisher: JAINA Education Committee

Page 66

Jain FESTIVALS
4.3 Diwali
This dark moonless night,
Every star shines bright, Every candle (Diya) I light, I pray let me be filled with Joy of Knowledge and light, In Darkness I know, not my way,
In Light I see with ease As I trod on my way.
In this fast-paced world, there is no lack of information. It flows from all sides (like darkness). If we do not light the lamp (knowledge of destination & direction), we will get lost in this maze of information.
To reach destination is what I desire,
Path may be many, But well lit is what I desire, Knowledge fills me with Light,
This dark moonless night, Every star shines bright,
I pray, I pray, For Knowledge and light.
Diwali is a festival of celebrations in India and among Indians all over the world. It is an occasion for happiness and togetherness. This is an occasion where everyone, irrespective of his or her religious and economic background, celebrates Diwali. It teaches us to uphold the true values of life, to destroy ignorance that prevents humanity, and to drive away darkness that engulfs the light of knowledge.
“If you desire to do anything with darkness, you have to work with light.” Darkness by itself has no existence; darkness is the absence of light. If it is pitch black, a single weak little lamp dispels that darkness. That simple little lamp dispels the all-permeating darkness.
The word 'Diwäli' comes from the Sanskrit word, 'Deepävali'. 'Deep' means light and *Ävali' means a row, i.e. A row of lights. Diwäli is celebrated on New Moon Day, the last day of the year in the month of Ashwin or Äso. People show their happiness by lighting earthen lamps, and decorating their houses with rangoli, and inviting family and friends for a feast. In Jainism, the lighting of lamps is symbolic of lighting the lamp within us. Just as a light brightens everything around it, our presence should brighten people around us. We should be of help to others and bring peace and happiness to them and to ourselves. It marks the beginning of the New Year and is a brand new beginning for all. Diwali is celebrated for five days, each day has its own significance and myth.
In the same way, if we want to do something in our life we need to learn. For Knowledge is the light of the soul. Knowledge can dispel the emptiness of our mind.
If we were angry, gloomy, sad, feeling dull, or feeling useless, the best solution would be to stop, sit, and relax. Try to understand where we are heading, which direction we are leading our life; or is somebody else directing our life. Each individual can take control of his or her own life.
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THE FIRST STEP OF JAINISM
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