Wisdom from the Story Behind the Festival of Diwali

Happy Diwali,

Diwali represents the win of good over evil. And in many ways, that's what this week has already been and so the moment is quite apt to share some wisdom from the story behind this great festival of India. 

We have been watching Ramayan, the story behind the festival of Diwali, with our kids. The story is full of wisdom and core human values. Each Sunday we watch one episode and discuss what we’re learning. There are lessons around control of the mind and senses, moral action, fulfillment of duty, being a keeper of one’s word and honor and much much more. 

Specifically in Episode 28 of Ramayan, Lord Ram visits many different sages in the forest while in exile himself to fulfill his duty as a son. I personally respect the sages of all religions and learn from them any chance I get. So in that same spirit, whether you celebrate Diwali or not, I thought to share these pieces of wisdom with you to bring the light of Diwali into your life. I find these teachings to be universally applicable. 

Here’s a summary of key teachings: 

#1 Mind & Restlessness - The greatest power is of the mind but the mind is like an antsy horse who never stands still. Through yoga, one can control the fluctuations of the mind. Such a mind is under the command of the all encompassing spirit and has access to all the powers of the World. 

#2 Self-Reflection - You must keep assessing the good and bad deeds you do in every moment. To assess your deeds, there is one definite way. You must think that if I were to die right now, how will my deeds be assessed? If there is any mistake, make amends at once. Never think that today's mistake can be resolved tomorrow. Sometimes, time won't give you till tomorrow.

#3 Knowledge & Wisdom - To walk on the path of righteousness, you must gain knowledge. If you don't gain knowledge, you keep roaming blindly on the wrong path. 

#4 Knowledge & Interpretation - The rain water falls equally on everything, yet some plants produce red fruit and some produce yellow leaves. In the same way, the same knowledge has many different impacts amongst different beings based on their upbringing and emotions. 

#5 Duality & Freedom - Where there is life, there is also death. Where there is good, there is also bad. If you only seek comfort, you will find discomfort standing right there in the shadows. One who puts joy and sorrow aside and settles into the soul is the one who finds everlasting happiness. That is true liberation. 

#6 Anger and Resentment -  Things written on stone stay for a long while yet that which is written on water, can hardly be kept. One should harbor anger and resentment for as long as things stay written on water. 

#7 Giving - You can give something besides wealth. One sweet word, a loving smile is worth more than wealth. 

#8 True Nature - Each creature is an avatar of God but forgets its true nature because it’s caught in cosmic delusion. By knowing the inner God of oneself, one can become free. We have trapped ourselves and then we keep searching for the path to liberation. This is the great cosmic delusion of God. 

I hope these short and succinct teachings bring some insight into your daily life on this day of Diwali that you can apply towards your own growth journey. I would love to hear what resonated for you!.

Happy Diwali & Jai Shree Ram!

- Nitin