Ahimsa Times 2007 11 SrNo 89

Author(s): Ahimsa Times
Publisher: Ahimsa Times

Page 7

AHIMSA TIMES - NOVEMBER 2007 ISSUE - www.jainsamaj.org
Page 7 of 11
Buddhists, and Jains in the United States; Whereas the word `Diwali' is a shortened version of the Sanskrit term 'Deepavali', which means a row of lamps': Whereas Diwali is a festival of lights, during which celebrants light small oil lamps, place them around the home, and pray for health, knowledge, and peace; Whereas celebrants of Diwali believe that the rows of lamps symbolize the light within the individual that rids the soul of the darkness of ignorance; Whereas Diwali, falling on the last day of the last month in the lunar calendar, is celebrated as a day of thanksgiving and the beginning of the new year for many Hindus; Whereas for Hindus, Diwali is a celebration of the victory of good over evil; Whereas for Sikhs, Diwali is feted as the day that the sixth founding Sikh Guru, or revered teacher, Guru Hargobind ji, was released from captivity from the ruling Mughal Emperor; and Whereas for Jains, Diwali marks the anniversary of the attainment of moksha or liberation by Mahavira, the last of the Tirthankaras, who were the great teachers of Jain dharma, at the end of his life in 527 B.C.: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the House of Representatives--(1) during this time of celebration, in order to demonstrate support for Indian Americans and the Indian Diaspora throughout the world, recognizes Diwali as an important festival:(2) acknowledges the international religious and historical importance of the festival of Diwali:(3) recognizes and appreciates the religious diversity in both India and the United States and throughout the world; (4) acknowledges and supports the new relationship of collaboration and dialogue in international efforts between the United States and India; and(5) in observance of and out of respect for the start of Diwali, the festival of lights, acknowledges the onset of Diwali and expresses its deepest respect to Indian Americans and the Indian Diaspora throughout the world on this significant occasion.
Moreover I, as Secretary-General, All-India Jain Minority Forum, New Delhi, India, would like to point out that historically the Jain religious tradition has alone the claim to have started this festival of lights, although others have adopted in the course of time. The story is as follows: "The oldest and clear mentions of Diwali are find in Jain books. As you know Buddha Purnima is the day of nirvana of Lord Buddha. Similarly in Jainism, Diwali is a major festival for the jains because it is the day of nirvana of Lord Mahavira. The term Diwali was first used by Jain Acharya Jinasena who wrote in his Harivamsha Purana in 778 AD The exact date is clearly specified in the Jain tradition. It is mentioned in Harivamsa Purana written by Acharyasri Jina Sena in the year 783 AD. This deals primarily with the life and story of the jewel of Harivamsa 22nd Tirthankar Arishta Nemi, cousin of Sri Krishna. In the last chapter (66th sarga), the author shares this vital information about the origin of Deepavali. Bhagawan Mahaveer reached Pawapuri and settled in manohar udyan in the outskirts of this town (sloka 66: 15). When the fourth division of the time (dushama sushama) cycle was left with 3 years and eight and half months, He attained Parinirvan (Moksha, the eternal state of the soul state, from which it never returns back to mundaneness any time) (sloka 66: 16-17). The four-fold order of clestial beings then cremated His mortal body following the established procedure.) (sloka 66: 18). Pawanagari went glowing with the lamps lit by all celestial beings assembled there) (sloka 66: 19). King Srenik and other kings along with people assembled there also celebrated the occasion) (sloka 66: 20). From then on, every year people started celebrating this occasion with deepamala or rows of lamps. Thus born the festival of Deepavali ) (sloka 66: 21).Lord Mahavira attained nirvana on this day at Pavapuri on on Chaturdashi of Kartika Krishna. The Kalpasura of Bhadrabahu give the reason for lighting of lamps. The kings who were present during the nirvana of Lord Mahavira said "since the light of knowledge is gone, we will make light of ordinary matter." Diwali is not mentioned in either the Ramayana of Valmiki or Tulsidas. I am sure The Washington Post will publish this correction and clarification in the best journalistic tradition of fair reporting.
-Bal Patil Secretary-General, All India Jain Minority Forum, New Delhi, Ex-Member, Media Expert Committee, Govt. of India,Ex- Member, Maharashtra State Minority Commission, Govt. of Maharashtra, Mumbai.Ex-President, National Society for Prevention of Heart Disease & Rehabilitation, Patil Estate, 278, Tardeo Road, Mumbai400007, Tel:, 98692 55533,Email: balpatil@globaljains.com
FESTIVALS
DIWALI CELEBRATED IN UNITED STATES
This year the Diwali festivities reached White House and the US Congress recognised the importance of a immigrant Indian Community. Some 150 eminent Indian American community leaders from all over the US attended the White House celebrations on November 7 in the "Indian Treaty Room" - where once treaties with the American Indians (Red Indians) were
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8/11/2009