04/11/2024
Queensburgh Arya Samaj held its first Diwali celebration recently.
QAS members celebrated together, in love, gratitude and appreciation for the Gift of Life... for each other... in our very first Diwali - the unique festival of lights.
The event was marked by a Special Havan, live music performed by its members, delicious cuisine and a wonderful warm bond of togetherness. We will forever cherish the memories made.
Though the traditional festivities may have passed, our celebration showed that the essence of Diwali remains timeless.
Diwali certainly is a celebration of the human spirit's capacity to overcome darkness, ignorance, and adversity.
As we performed Havan, lit diyas, embodied the spirit of togetherness and shared delicious meals, laughter and fun together, we affirmed our commitment to the values that Diwali embodies.
The significance of the ancient Vedic mantra, Om Asato Ma Sad Gamaya.. (from the text of the Brihad Aranyaka Upanishad, composed around the 7th century BCE) was highlighted during the celebration.
The word Brihad Aranyaka may be roughly translated as Great Wilderness or Forest.
As a new organization assembled only a few months ago, we expressed gratitude to the Supreme Spirit for showering Love and Grace upon us, for constantly working within each of us, bringing us out of the Wilderness of ignorance and into the Light of Knowledge.
We expressed this Mantra as is a Threefold Journey:
1. Ignorance to Truth : Asato Ma Sad Gamaya - From ignorance, delusion, and misconceptions to understanding, wisdom, and reality.
2. Darkness to Light : Tamaso Ma Jyotir Gamaya - From the shadows of fear, doubt, and suffering to the radiance of knowledge, love, and enlightenment.
3. Mortality to Immortality : Mrityor Ma Amritam Gamaya - From the limitations of mortal existence to the timeless, eternal essence of our true nature.
This mantra remains universally relevant, and we reflected on how it guides our new Samaj to: Seek truth and wisdom. Cultivate inner light and awareness. Transcend fear, mortality, and limitations. Connect with our eternal, divine essence.
We affirmed that this sacred mantra would always help illuminate the path of QAS, guiding us toward spiritual growth, self-awareness, and liberation.
In the context of the mantra "Om Asato Ma Sad Gamaya," we understood our true nature refers to the eternal, divine essence that lies within each individual. This concept is rooted in Vedic philosophy and we understood Our True Nature as :
1. Atman : The individual self or soul, which is a spark of the divine.
2. Association with Brahman : The term for ultimate reality, the unified field of consciousness.
3. Sat-Chit-Ananda : Existence-Consciousness-Bliss, the fundamental nature of the universe.
The entire Havan Ceremony together with this mantra opened understanding to the characteristics of our True Nature which is
Eternal : Beyond birth and death.
Infinite : Unbounded and limitless.
Pure : Unaffected by external impurities.
Conscious : Awareness and intelligence.
Blissful : Joyful and peaceful.
May this insightful mantra always guide us from ignorance (Asato) to truth (Sad), revealing our true nature. May we always strive to understand that realization is achieved through: Self-inquiry and introspection. Spiritual practices ( eg prayer, meditation, yoga). Cultivating virtues (e.g., compassion, wisdom). Transcends ego and limitations. Unites us with the universe. Reveals our inherent potential.
At its core, Diwali represents the eternal struggle between light and darkness. Light symbolizes knowledge, wisdom, clarity and understanding, while darkness signifies ignorance, doubt, fear, and chaos.
This dichotomy is universal. It transcends cultural and geographical boundaries. Diwali reminds us that the true Light is within us. That even in the darkest moments, the light within us can guide us forward.
The significance of Diwali extends beyond the individual to the collective. It celebrates the triumph of good over evil, justice over oppression, and love over hatred. This narrative is reflected in our personal struggles and global conflicts. Diwali encourages us to strive for compassion, empathy, and kindness, recognizing that these values can vanquish even the most deeply entrenched darkness.
As we illuminated our headquarters at QAS on that memorable evening , we remembered that Diwali also symbolizes the victory of knowledge over ignorance.
Education, critical thinking, and intellectual curiosity are essential tools in dispelling the shadows of misinformation and prejudice. By embracing knowledge, we empower ourselves to make informed choices, challenge unjust systems, and help to foster a more enlightened society.
Beyond its philosophical undertones , Diwali is also a celebration of community and connection. The festival brings people together, fostering a sense of belonging and shared joy. And it certainly did so at our QAS Special Satsang!
Our hearts are filled with gratitude, yet humbled by the experiences we had together.
As we exchanged joy, love and warm tidings and engaged in worship and lively conversations, we strengthened the bonds that unite us.
Celebrating Diwali reminded us that our individual struggles and triumphs are intertwined with those around us.
In an increasingly complex and fragmented world, Diwali's message of unity and resilience resonated deeply.
As we navigate the challenges of our time – social inequality, environmental degradation, and technological disruption – Diwali inspires us to seek the light within ourselves and others.
In our celebration at Queensburgh Arya Samaj for our first Diwali celebration, we were reminded of the profound significance of this festival. May our bonds of unity be strengthened. Like the lamp of the Diya, may QAS glow brighter, illuminating our path as we journey forward together .
