For us living in a city with neon lights and digital billboards, light does not necessarily inspire or captivate us. The lights of high rise towers tend to sometimes overpower the moon. The screen of our smart phones literally lights up our day. In this rapidly evolving world how does the festival of lights- Diwali impact our minds?
This vibrant Hindu festival which derives its name from Sanskrit meaning ‘row of lights’, has been celebrated for centuries, commemorating the victory of light over darkness. It takes centre stage in India, and is celebrated with equal extravagance and adulation to deities in Sri Lanka. The common rituals include lighting lamps and illuminating homes, in addition to making delightful sweets. But within this spectrum of light how does this young generation respond to the illumination of their inner minds?
It is no secret that young people ‘possess’ many more things than a decade ago. From their smart phones, laptops, gym equipment and cars, there is a sense of liberation. There is no harm in owning stuff. In addition the youthful mind is now in a generation of freely expressing their emotions - be it in the form of calculated protests or captivating romance. Expressions of love are in an entirely new league, with realms of online romance. The Bhagavad Gita says “Detachment is not that you own nothing, detachment is that nothing owns you”. This is how one should consolidate their minds. Some folks have so much info and photographs on their smart phone that when the phone is lost they too are lost. Does the desire to get more, blind our appreciation of the good things we have at this moment in our life. What enslaves you- your high tech gadgets, the number of likes on facebook, your sensual lover or the exotic cocktails? Do these experiences cloud the light in your life? Swami Vivekananda opined “Anything that makes you weak physically and spiritually, reject as poison”.
The ‘older’ generation was once young like all of us. They did ‘cool’ stuff that was appropriate for their era. Whilst we share many common values with them, there is growing concern about the ‘decrease’ in attitudes, manners and actions. We are accused of copying the west, but I have met very caring and decent youth in some of these countries.
Does our daily life reflect the light of the religion that we follow? Do our words and deeds lighten up another person or only dim their hope? Diwali is a reflection of light. Likewise in the Bible Jesus Christ often called on his followers to be ‘the light of the world’. As a young man in ancient Israel he was able to bring thoughts of reform, which were interpreted by the defiant Romans as a threat to their authority. This is why St. Francis of Assisi said “All the darkness in the world, cannot extinguish the light of a single candle”. In our relentless pursuit to establish our careers and goals do we let the ‘light’ out of our journey, and as we look back see a path that is unclear?
My mind drifts back to a vibrant Catholic priest who is not known to this generation. Rev. Fr. Peter Pillai lived a few decades ago. He was an outstanding scholar in mathematics, and studied at Cambridge going on to obtain his PhD and DD. Yet with these many degrees he chose to return to Ceylon and be ordained as a priest. This young man later taught at St.Peters College and became rector of St. Josephs College, Colombo. He was able to influence an entire generation. This is a classic example of sharing the light to bring hope. There were such scholars from other religions too.
We live in an age where ‘direct engagement’ with humans is less. Facebook messages, online banking and Skype chats are common. Wishes are sent via e- cards. When was the last time you visited a sick friend taking a meal that you cooked? When did you post a birthday card to a classmate? Should not this digital convenience enhance our lives and give us more time? Do we use this time to help others?
In order to shine the light, the light must be inside you and remain in you. May the radiant glow of Diwali lighten up your mind.