Download Diwali – Hindu, Sikh, Jain

Diwali – Hindu, Sikh, Jain
India’s largest and best known holiday, Diwali (pronounced Di-vall-ee or
dih-WAH-lee), is popularly known as the "festival of lights"; however, its
most noteworthy meaning in a spiritual sense may be "the awareness of the
inner light".
Fundamental in Hindu philosophy is the belief that there is something
beyond the physical body and mind which is pure, infinite, and eternal,
called the Atman (pronounced in Sanskrit like Atma). Deepavali (Diwali) is
the celebration of this inner light, in particular of the knowing that this light
outshines all darkness (removes all obstacles and dispels all ignorance), and
awakens the individual to their true nature, not as the body, but as an
unchanging, infinite, immanent and transcendent reality. With the knowing
of the Atman comes universal compassion, love, and the understanding of
the oneness of all things.
In most regions, Diwali lasts for five days. It begins on the 14th day of the
dark half of the Hindu calendar month of Asvina. (Hindu months are each
divided into a light half, when the moon waxes, and a dark half, when it
wanes.) In 2009, on the Gregorian calendar, Diwali begins on October
17th.
The story behind Diwali, as well as the length and specific details of the
celebrations, varies widely from region to region; however, the essence is
the same: to rejoice in the inner light (Atman) or the underlying reality of all
things (Brahman) through festive fireworks, lights, flowers, the sharing of
sweets and worship.
Although it is a national holiday in India with its roots in Hinduism, it is
important to understand that in India Diwali is a holiday for all people
regardless of religion. There it is celebrated not only by Hindus, but also by
Jains, Sikhs, Muslims, Buddhists and others.
For the Jains: Diwali marks the attainment of nirvana by Lord Mahavira –
the last of the Jain Tirthankaras – on October 15, 527 BC and is one of their
most important festivals.
For the Sikhs: Diwali (also called Bandi Chhorh Diwas or "the day of release
of detainees") is a particularly important day because it celebrates the
release from imprisonment in 1619 of the sixth Sikh Guru, Hargobind Ji.
Traditional Greeting: Shubh Deepawali! is a traditional greeting. It
literally translates to “have an auspicious Diwali”.
Although truly a global celebration, Diwali is most widely – and
enthusiastically – celebrated in India where it is a holiday for all people of all
religions and faith traditions. With nearly 1.2 billion people, India ranks
second among all nations in population. On October 17th, as the world
celebrates Diwali, we ask that you pause and, in a manner consistent with
your faith tradition and/or belief system, send heartfelt feelings of love and
good will to all of our Indian brothers and sisters.
Shubh Deepawali to you and your family!
Shalom Salaam Peace
Kay & Dave Corby, Founders
Common Tables
“I will use whatever means are available to me to help you promote
Common Tables as a way to foster love, tolerance and peace among all
people. Let our collective involvement in Common Tables be an example to
others. Let us show what people of different faiths and beliefs can do when
they celebrate their shared commitment to Universal Spiritual Truth while
each follows the tenets of their own faith authentically.” Mike C., Colorado
Please use this link to Tell-A-Friend about Interfaith eLerts.
To learn more about the world’s faith traditions – including Hinduism,
Jainism, Sikhism, Islam and Buddhism – we invite you to consider the books
suggested in our online bookstore: The Higher Shelf.
© 2009 Common Tables