5 DAYS OF DIWALI: Creation exists in layers

The physical comprising of the five elements is only one layer to it. As you progress in the sadhna of yog, the various layers of creation unfold in front of you and you realise that the physical, which majority spend their life and birth pursuing, is just a small aspect of creation, a layer which is directly controlled by the world of ether, which is the subject of yog.

Most of us have grown up listening to stories from Ramayan, of the noble king Ram, his virtuous wife Sita and devoted brother Lakshman. Diwali, as most understand, is the day when these three returned to Ayodhya after an exile of 14 years. In this article, we will highlight how it is perceived in the realm of energy. Lord Ram is a reflection of the energy of Preserver (Vishnu), Devi Sita an incarnation of his force (Goddess Lakshmi) and Lakshman is a reflection of the Sheshnaag, which is where the two energies rest.

These three shaktis manifested in physical creation (bhulok) for a purpose, to uphold dharma and to protect creation. All through their life they did just that, and once the purpose was fulfilled, they returned to Vaikunth – first Lakshman, then Sita and finally Ram. You might be aware that Devi Sita spent her later life in the ashram of Rishi Valmiki. Very few know that it was not Lord Ram who asked her to go. In fact, it was her who sought his leave, because her purpose in physical creation was over and she knew that if she continued after, it would be only for bhog, which would tie them to physical creation, whereas their destination was Vaikunth. So she left. Even Lord Ram lived off Kusha grass after she left.

The festival of Diwali starts from Dhanteras and spreads over five days culminating on the day of Bhai Duj. These are extremely potent days for manifestation and sidhhis.

Dhanteras, is the day of Dhanwantari, the physician of devas, who emerged with an amrit-kalash (pot of nectar) along with Goddess Lakshmi on this day. On this day, sadhna and charity are performed under Guru sanidhya by those seeking good health and wealth. Also, a diya is lighted on this day for Yama, the lord of death, to balance the three forces.

The next day, Narak Chaturdashi, is the day when goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu, in their incarnations as Satyabhama and Krishna, killed the demon Narakasura. It is the day of Lakshmi sadhna for siddhis or spiritual boons.

Diwali or Kartik amavasya is the day to celebrate the siddhis so gained. Lighting of diyas on this day is symbolic of the siddhis with which one illuminates the body to mark the homecoming of Raam (the energy of Vishnu).

Govardhan Puja is associated with the lifting of the Govardhan Parvat by adolescent Krishna, incarnation of Lord Vishnu, to protect the villagers. Once again, it is a day when energy of Vishnu peaks.

Bhai Duj, is associated with the episode of Goddess Lakshmi making Asur Bali her brother and asking him to release Lord Vishnu whom he had taken to Paatal lok with him. It is the day of return of Laxmi and Vishnu.

Vishnu is the preserver, who runs Creation and Lakshmi is his force. The five days thus abound in the experiences and manifestations pertaining to physical creation through right practice of yog under a Guru. Guru gives you a mantra, which when chanted as prescribed, is bound to fructify into siddhis.

(Yogi Ashwini is the Guiding Light of Dhyan Ashram. To attend Diwali Yagya and Siddhi Mantra Chanting at Dhyan Ashram, register at www.dhyanfoundation.com).