Speech of HH Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji – Deepavali message – October 19, 2017 – Mysore
Courtesy: Avadhoota Dattapeetham FB Page
People around the world are celebrating Deepavali. We are happy for the occasion.
At times, untimely rains impact our celebrations. We complain about those natural happenings.
When you don’t complain about the bountiful gifts, you receive without asking; how can you talk about such little inconveniences.
It is the method of the Almighty to balance the nature for our own benefit.
On this day, we have certain customs which are passed onto us by our elders.
Wear new clothes to renew your sense of life gratitude.
We should sit down (squat) on the floor to eat the food. Don’t get used to the tables and chairs. Body will become inflexible and rigid. Sitting down would also control the amount of food you consume.
Spoons should avoided to take Food. If someone says, hands are not clean; you could retort: you have the confirmation that no one has used these fingers in their mouths, unlike the the spoons.
It is recommended to use the five fingers and palm to mix and eat food. Never feel degraded when you use your palm to eat food. Take pride in your custom. These are related to the nerve endings concerning Pancha Pranas.
Banana leaf is also recommended instead of a plate whenever possible, especially during festivals. They have Medicinal values.
Wait till the food is served in full. That waiting period would teach you the patience and control over senses.
Having the full menu on the leaf, will give you the balanced view of food and help the mind decide the proportions. It is a scientific recommendation. If you just start eating item by item; it would be a haphazard way of consumption.
Light lamps according the number of years (of your age). Your dress should be made of cotton. Don’t go for synthetics at least on these days. It is neither safe nor convenient to the skin.
Why do you light an oil lamp? It is Symbolic to destroy ignorance And merging your consciousness in the Supreme Consciousness.
We celebrate this festival for three days, which is unique to INDIA. Instead of celebrating the western way of having a day dedicated to a member of family and conveying wishes over phone or internet, it is important to congregate at one place. Share your feelings and understand the sensitivities of the family.
Respect elders, parents, teachers who helped you earn a livelihood. Even those who are inimical to you will have no choice but to bless you when you prostrate. Festivals are such occasions to minimise animosities and renew connections.
Try to resume the sense of purity and happiness.
Develop devotion and dedication to your teachers and nation.
Sing your national anthem. We are safe and happy due to the security given by our soldiers, who care the least for their lives.
Whereas we are getting treacherous, deceitful and falsifying for temporary benefits. Try to salvage your situation on this festival day.
Share your resources by avoiding unnecessary expenses and purchases in the name of the Vice called Shopping.
Let us remind ourselves about the purpose of the festival called Deepavali.
May Datta Bless us.