From a satsang with Paramacharya of SWAHA, H.H. Pt. Hardeo Persad
Amidst the celebrations of Divali around the world on October 20, an eternal mantra will remind us: Om Tamaso Maa Jyotir Gamaya: Lead me, from the darkness of ignorance, to light. On this sacred occasion, the Divine Mother in her manifestation as Lakshmi Devi, guides us from the shadows of negative tendencies into the radiance of wisdom, abundance and spiritual enlightenment.
The Churning of the Ocean and the Appearance of Lakshmi Maa
According to the scriptures, the Devas and Asuras, locked in eternal battle, were advised to churn the ocean of milk, ksheer sagar, in search of divine treasures. The mountain Mandarachal became the churning rod, Vasuki the serpent served as the rope, and Bhagavan Vishnu, in His Kurma avataar, supported the process as the base.
From this great churning, fourteen treasures emerged, the most radiant being Maha Lakshmi herself, resplendent on a lotus. Her appearance symbolises that from the churning and refining of the mind comes light, wisdom and prosperity. Our personal churning, of emotions, desires, ego and attachments, allows the Divine Mother to manifest within us as light, purity and knowledge.
Lakshmi Devi, the Shakti of Bhagavan Vishnu, represents the sustaining power of the cosmos. She is Chid Shakti, pure consciousness, manifesting as will (Iccha Shakti), right action (Kriya Shakti) and knowledge (Gyaan Shakti). Through her grace, we receive not only material prosperity but also spiritual wealth: the light of awareness.
The Festival of Lights and the Internal Journey
The radiance of the deeyas reflects an internal truth. Like the small flame enduring the night’s breeze, we too must keep our light alive, despite challenges. Steadfast belief, self-restraint and unwavering faith anchor us, just as Kurma avataar supported the churning mountain.
The churning within leads to the appearance of the six forms of spiritual wealth (shat sampat): faith, serenity, endurance, tranquillity, control of the senses and renunciation of selfish desires. These blessings of Lakshmi Devi lift us from spiritual poverty to the richness of divine awareness, transforming us into lanterns of light and strength for others.
Lakshmi Maa’s Spiritual Wealth
Lakshmi Devi is often described as standing upon a lotus, coins of prosperity flowing from Her hands. Yet the greatest of her blessings is not mere material wealth, but the illumination of knowledge, the serenity of faith and the empowerment that enables us to rise above ignorance. She is Siddhi-daayani, the bestower of success, both worldly and spiritual.
Let us remember that the true victory of the festival is the manifestation of light within us. When we surrender ego and cultivate purity, discipline and devotion, we invite the Divine Mother to manifest eternally within us.
This Divali, may we emerge victorious with the treasures of wisdom, compassion and devotion. May Lakshmi Maa grace us with spiritual abundance, dispel the darkness of negative tendencies from our hearts and minds, and lead us on the path of dharma and spiritual advancement.
