Dear Readers,
The oncoming Festival of Lights shines its bright presence worldwide, as millions of diyas commemorate the auspicious five-day festivities, celebrating the victory of good over evil, the triumph of light over darkness.
Unfortunately, most times, the essence of a festival gets overshadowed by its more exciting and fun rituals. When the decibel of fire-crackers dwarfs the volume of sacred gratitude; when the suffocating smoke engulfs the soothing incense; when the true spirit of imbibing the victory of good over evil is reduced to mindless spending… then once again, we have missed the woods for the trees, even as blindly-followed rituals assume greater importance than the very religion that they were meant to simply garnish in the first place!
Fun is an absolute essential. But celebrating Diwali – Festival of Lights, under the cloak of ignorant darkness makes it more of an irony. A dark mind will always attract negativity – it is closed, insecure and loveless, and it fights its best fight to destroy the only thing that can liberate it – Light.
When we wilfully break the vicious cycle of selfishness and insecurities, and learn to extend our hearts to others with true compassion… that is when there will be light within us. When we bow our heads in sincere gratitude to the universe for all it has so kindly granted us, without following it up with that ‘wish-list’… that is when there will be light within us. When we follow the simple yet profound life-path laid down by our glorious Prophet Zoroaster – Good Thoughts, Good Words, Good Deeds… that is when the light within will shine so bright, it will illuminate not just our pathway, but even for others to find their way out of the darkness.
It is said, ‘Nothing can dim the light that shines from within’. Insomuch, true beauty lies not in the glow of one’s skin, but in the shine of one’s soul. This Diwali, may the light within you shine on brighter than ever!
Have a safe and fun weekend! Happy Diwali!
– Anahita
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