Deepavali

Deepavali

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            India is the land of multiple religions and innumerable traditions. Indians have always been tolerant to diversities. The sustenance of unity among people amidst practically evident differences revivifies the soul of India. The practical application of every religion is based on holy texts that contain the preaching of its leaders. However, in ancient India, the customary way of life evolved to be called Sanathana Dharma that we have termed now as a religion - Hinduism. In any other religion, one would be able to identify a person as to have created or formulated it, but Sanathana Dharma.

            The substratum of every activity as determined by Sanathana Dharma is based on the Veda. The Veda is all pervasive, singular, unlimited and undivided. The significance of the Veda is in its being "Apaurusheyam"; meaning as not to have created by any person or entity. However, Sages with a higher degree of intellectual perception absorbed the Veda and provided it in a form that can be handled by normal human beings. It was Krishna Dwaibhayana aka Ved Vyasa who categorised the basic essentials of the Veda into four major streams - Rig, Yajur, Sama and Atharvana.

            The resultant is the proliferation of Ashtaadasa Vidhya among human beings. The ancient mode of education comprised of imparting the Ashtaadasa Vidhya to eligible disciples adhering to the Brahmacharyaashramam. Hence the substratum of Hinduism comprises of the following eighteen texts -

• Four Veda - Chathurveda - Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda and Atharvanaveda;
• Four Upaveda - Ayurveda, Dhanurveda, Gandharvaveda and Arthasastra;
• Six vital segments - Shatangham - Shiksha, Vyaakarana, Kalpa, Nruktham, Jyothisham and Chandhas;
• Mimamsa,
• Nyaaya,
• Puraanas,
• Dharmasastras.

            Puraanas are a vital component of the Ashtaadasa Vidhya. There are umpteen number of Puraanas - Shiva Puraan, Vishnu Puraan, Skanda Puraan, Koorma Puraan, Matsya Puraan, etc.. of which; Bhagavad Gita is just a part of one Puraan. However, History evidence that much importance is being accorded to the Bhagavad Gita than any other.

            There are many texts that are termed Gita - Ram Gita, Shiva Gita are a few to mention. However, the mere mentioning of the term Gita, is acknowledged to refer the Bhagavad Gita. Such is the importance and reverence accorded to the Bhagavad Gita though it was not popularised with any human or divine intention. The popularity of the Bhagavad Gita transcends the geographical boundaries of India - the motherland of Hinduism and is seen to have been existent in the islands of Java and Sumatra.

            A prudent analysis would erode any element of ambiguity that such an importance accorded to the Bhagavad Gita can never be accidental. The essence of the Bhagavad Gita is the imparting of the eternal wisdom by Sree Krishna to Arjuna. There is no dearth of holy texts in Hinduism that imparts the eternal wisdom. As a matter of fact, it is the sole and essential focus of the ten Upanishads. Even Upanishads that posses a direct link to, and the ultimate peak of, the Veda are not revered as much as the Bhagavad Gita.

            Generally, imparting wisdom on the inherent ephemerality of materialistic pursuits and the singularity of the Aathma, by a Guru to a disciple would be conducted at a location that is serene, peaceful and tranquil. The psychological states of the Guru and the disciple too shall be pleasant, conducive and relaxed. The Bhagavad Gita was discoursed by the Guru - Sree Krishna to the disciple - Arjuna in the battlefield. The war was between justice and injustice with tension prevailing around, building up muscle and strength with every passing second.

            Uncertainty of life prevailed explicitly in the battlefield; in spite of which the Guru chose to impart the eternal wisdom to the disciple. It is sheer common sense to understand that at such a location - the war front, where remained no guarantee to life, Arjuna - the disciple surrendered unto Krishna to acquire the eternal wisdom; setting aside any kind of importance to any other element; even life. Hence the importance accorded to the Bhagavad Gita. The mere situational reference of Bhagavad Gita clarifies that eternal wisdom is precious than any element of materialistic pursuits of life; even life as it is! Hence the reason for the Bhagavad Gita to display unique divinity and consummate fame.

            Another incident linked to the life of Sree Krishna has gained importance that matches up to the Bhagavad Gita. The slaying of Bhowman by Sathyabhama, spouse of Sree Krishna. Bhowman is the demon king who ruled the land named, "Praagjyothisham". It is the capital of Assam during his period. He was known for his notorious activities typical of a Raakshasaa. He had earlier obtained a boon that he should not be slain by any other but his mother.

            Bhowman was born to Bhoodevi - Mother Earth and Lord Vishnu's incarnation - Lord Varaaha. Lord Varaaha after killing the demon King Hiranyaaksha rescued the Earth. Bhowman is born during that instance of the union between Lord Varaaha and Bhoodevi. However, since Lord Varaaha was drenched in the blood of the slain demon King Hiranyaaksha, Bhowman acquired the qualities of a Raakshasaa. Sathyabhama, spouse of Sree Krishna is an incarnation of Bhoodevi - the mother of Bhowman.

            Sathyabhama realised that Bhowman who was slain by her was actually their own son. The son of Varaaha and Bhoodevi; reincarnated as Sree Krishna and Sathyabhama. Any lady could be affected by two major sorrows - the death of one's husband and the death of one's son. The former suffering has a miniscule tinge of selfishness as the lady shall henceforth be bereaved of all the auspicious respects. However, the sorrow experienced by a mother on the death of one's son is beyond comparison.

            In spite of experiencing such a sorrow, Sathyabhama perceived the positive aspect of the incident - her son gaining the good fortune of receiving the presence and hence the blessings of the ultimate lord - Sree Krishna. The perception of the good by Sathyabhama, coupled with the realisation on the impermanency of the materialistic life, just like Arjuna; requested her lord, Sree Krishna that every human being in this planet that belongs to her - she being the incarnation of Bhoodevi aka Mother Earth; must celebrate the good merits and the resultant eternal wisdom gained by her son on this day; though his mortal journey would end.

            We, humans are the children of mother Earth. Hence, her son Bhowman becomes our brother! On the day our brother is slain, our mother Bhoodevi perceived the positives of the situation - our brother gaining the blessings and vision of the lord. Sathyabhama aka Mother Earth that we have inhabited, was so very focused on the positives of the situation that made her request Lord Krishna that the good fortune acquired by her son, must be characterised by every human being gaining the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi and the benefit of bathing in the holy Ganga on this auspicious day, when they anoint their heads with oil and bathe in warm water; irrespective of the location.

"Thaile Lakshmi; Jhalae Ganga!"

            In spite of the extreme sorrow of a mother - the death of her son; she perceived the good effects inherent in the mournful moment and absorbed the positives of the situation. Similarly, we humans too must develop the ability to perceive the positives in any given situation to remain optimistic and sanguine. He who derives pleasure out of other's suffering is a demon; one who allows others to suffer when he too is suffering is a lowlife; he who takes every effort to remove the obstacles and sufferings of others in spite of his own misfortune is divine.

            The auspicious day when our brother Bhowman received the vision and blessings of the Lord Shree Krishna is celebrated across India as Deepavali. Bhowman is also called as Narakasura. The Bhagavad Gita actuates one to remain steadfast in acquiring the eternal wisdom with no consideration to materialistic life. The practical application of which is characterised by attempting the amelioration of every other living being despite one's own suffering; hence becoming divine - the stature of Sathyabhama and the essence of Deepavali.

            The real celebration of Deepavali is not in bursting crackers, eating sweets and watching movies; but in taking every effort in our limited capacity to bring about a positive change in the lives of the suffering and the needy; termed Charity. Service executed in the good of humanity termed charity, is precisely the substratum and crux of every activity as decreed by Sanathana Dharma. Deepavali is the day of celebrating one's own yearlong efforts of charity.

            Incidentally, Deepavali is celebrated on the day of Amavasya - the new moon day. As decreed by the Sanathana Dharma, Amavasya is the day when one offers food to deceased ancestors every month in a year - the best form of charity that aims to bring solace to one's ancestors wherever they may be; in whatever form. Deepavali is the anniversary celebration of the efforts of charity of every human being within one's own limited capacity. Prudence is in celebrating this anniversary of charity by focusing our festive spending on efforts that benefit humanity.

Hail Deepavali!