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Federation Of Jain Associations in North Ameri
We wish you and your family and Happy Diwali one of celebration, connection, and reflection!
(Watch President Obama's Diwali Message by clicking on the image above.
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DIWALI - Meaning, Significance, and Practice
As you are enjoying the fruits of past months Paryushan/Das Lakshan spiritual cleansing, soon we will be celebrating Mahavir Nirvan (official date is Nov 4. - same date as Diwali).
Celebrated on the new-moon day of Kartik, Mahavir attained Nirvana (attained liberation) in 527 BC. The festival falls on the last day of the month of Ashvin, the end of the year in the Indian calendar. But the celebration starts in the early morning of the previous day as Lord Mahävir commenced his last sermon (final discourse known as Uttarädhyayan), which lasted until the night of Diwäli.
Eighteen kings of northern India were present in his audience at the time of His final sermon. They decided that the light of their master’s knowledge should be kept alive symbolically by lighting of lamps. Hence it is called Deepävali or Diwäli, (Deep means a lamp and avail means series or multiple).
But the light of Lord Mahävir’s knowledge cannot be kept alive by just lighting the lamps. That is an external approach. Realistically, we should light up our internal lamps - awaken our inner vision by practicing the path preached by Lord Mahävir. As a traditional Diwäli lamp needs a clay bowl, oil, and cotton wick.
The inner lamp needs the right faith, right knowledge, right conduct and right Tap (austerity). External lamps needs oxygen while internal lamp needs self-effort. The resolution to adopt the practice of good conduct is the way to celebrate the Diwäli. Some fast for two days as Lord Mahävir did. Some people recite "Shri Mahävir Swami Sarvajnäya Namah” on every bead of the rosary (108 beads in one rosary) first followed by 19 rosaries of reciting "Shri Mahävir Swami Päragatäya Namah” on each bead. In brief, Diwäli is for enhancing the spiritual wealth.
Mahavir discarded the body and the bondage of karmas that night at Pavapuri.The celebration involves fasting, recitals of hymns and reading of Uttaradhyayan Sutra, which contains the final message of Lord Mahavir.In the early morning of the first day of the new year, Gandhar Gautam Swami, the first disciple of Lord Mahavir, attained absolute enlightenment.[1]
See if you can take some time off from work or go to work late and visit your temple on the morning of Nov 4, 2013. Also, please invite local college students to your home for Diwali puja, festivities, and of course dinner!