"There is a light that shines from the distance of 12 billion years ago- a Light as ancient as the universe Herself.
It is this Light that has illumined the buddhi of the rishis who have produced the world's oldest extant knowledge of the Self contained in Hinduism. Let us celebrate this Infinite Light within the abundance of the One Self."
                      -- Sri Swamini Mayatitananda

Mother sends Light and Blessings for Deepavali

   The Divine never gives us more gifts than we can handle at any given time. At this crucial time of challenge for human mind and spirit, the magnificent occasion of Deepavali arrives bringing with it an abundant of reprieve and lightness. Deepavali is the Hindu Festival of Light – celebrated by millions of people throughout India and the world. It occurs on the last day of the dark fortnight of Kartika (October – November). This celebration is derived from several Hindu legends: It is the auspicious time when Goddess Lakshmi – Mother of prosperity & familial wellbeing - comes to visit the home. Traditionally, the hearth is cleaned and decorated with flowers, fruits, and sweets, and windows, gateways and courtyards illumined with dipa –earthen lamps filled with ghee - to welcome the Goddess’s presence. The dipa is a metaphor for hope and truth and the acquisition of knowledge that eliminates darkness. Seize this occasion to give hope and offer prayers for inner harmony and world peace. Light a dipa, take a sankalpa and make a commitment to life’s harmony necessary to alleviate the troubled mind and dark times. This is an excellent time to invest in gold, silver and new acquisitions for your home.

    Deepavali also commemorates Lord Rama’s victory over the demon Ravana, and slaying the horrendous
demon, Narakasura, by Satyabhama, Lord Krishan's wife. As legend would have it, Narakasura was a monster who ruled the kingdom of Pradyoshapuram. He was constantly offending the gods and sages by creating havoc during their penance and rituals and usurping territories belonging to Aditi, the king of Suraloka. Narakasura was a malevolent character who had also kidnapped and imprisoned 16000 women in his palace. Finally, the gods approached Lord Krishna and pleaded with him to protect them from this demon. Satyabhama was already outraged by Narakasura's disrespect for women. She appealed to Krishna to give her a boon to destroy Narakasura. Krishna granted Satyabhama her request.

    With Krishna as her charioteer and source of empowerment, Satyabhama entered the battle field and successfully beheaded Narakasura. Due to a curse, Narakasura was destined to be killed by a woman. Satyabhama released the imprisoned women as Bhudevi, mother of the slain Narakasura, declared his death as an occasion for celebration. Since then, Deepavali has been celebrated with light, abundance and joy – gift of the Goddess Lakshmi whose dharma for the protection of truth may be emulated by every woman.

    Narakasura’s demise is a cosmic triumph that symbolizes success of the greater good over the ills of our time. Deepavali is considered Light Time – an illumed juncture in space that is the right time to recognize that all eventualities (including the present political outcome in USA) has its basis in karma – the ever spinning, unrelenting wheel of life that accounts for each and every one of our actions, past to present. Thankfully, we do have the power to recast our dismay and grief into love and joy; and to gather our strength to put right the wrongs. At this auspicious time, remember to take a deep breath, light a dipa for every wish you make, forgive all, and reclaim your joy!

Lovingly,
Sri Swamini Mayatitananda