Asato ma sad gamaya Tamaso ma jyotir gamaya Mrityur ma amritam gamaya

From illusions lead me to reality From the darkness of ignorance lead me to the light of Knowledge From repeated births and death lead me to immorality

he festival of Deepavali epitomises this mantra. Deepavali is the triumph of truth over illusions; light over darkness; and life eternal over life temporal.

The word Deepavali literally means a row of lights. This light has become symbolic of all that is good (Shreyah). It is foremost a metaphor of enlightenment. Against the vicissitudes of lifes neer ending challenges this humble deya shines bright offering hope, solace and guidance to weary aspirants on the path to life eternal. The path is verily weary and filled with many deviant temptations. This deya is a beacon and triumphant reminder that all is not lost. Though the storms are threatening it cannot put out the inner flame of awareness. The outward light may flicker but the inner lamp is forever illumined. Buddha has said, Aapo deepo bhava become a light onto yourself. When Buddha was dying, his last utterance in this world was,'AAPO DEEPO BHAVA' -- 'Be a light unto yourself.' Don't follow anybody. Anand was crying, weeping because Buddha was leaving the body and he said to Buddha, 'You are leaving and I have

not yet become enlightened. What about me? What will happen to me? The world will be absolutely dark for me -- you were the light. And now you are going. Have compassion on us.' Buddha opened his eyes and said,'AAPO DEEPO BHAVA. The full statement of Buddha is given below: "Be lamps unto yourselves. Be refuges unto yourselves. Take yourself no external refuge. Hold fast to the truth as a lamp. Hold fast to the truth as a refuge. Look not for a refuge in anyone besides yourselves. And those, Ananda, who either now or after I am dead, Shall be a lamp unto themselves, Shall betake themselves as no external refuge, But holding fast to the truth as their lamp, Holding fast to the truth as their refuge, Shall not look for refuge to anyone else besides themselves, It is they who shall reach to the very topmost height; But they must be anxious to learn."