Thursday, November 4, 2010
Celebrating Diwali, 5 November
Tomorrow, 5 November 2010, begins the five day celebration of Diwali, the Festival of Lights. Observed by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and some Buddhists the world over, lighting a row of lamps or candles signifies the triumph of good over evil, consciousness over ignorance, peace over violence, and love over hate.
More specifically, Diwali is the time to acknowledge the inner light; the bright, inextinguishable light that exists within all of us. It is a celebration of non-duality and compassion. When we are radiating our most luminous selves, there is no need to blame anyone for the suffering in the world, just a fierce desire to shine even brighter.
The countdown to the winter solstice has definitively begun here in France. The hours of daylight are dramatically decreasing and the air is crisp, thus the season of inner reflection commences. Let's dust off the lamps in our hearts to get through the dark months, shall we?
Tomorrow, here in Paris, we will celebrate Diwali with a Candlelight Flow at Centre de Yoga du Marais, 18h30 - 20h. We will flow softly, consciously, and perhaps even feel a flicker of the Atman.
