In honour of the victorious return of Lord Krishna, after destroying the enemies, the joyous populace illumined the entire city. That glorious state of victory over the enemies was called Diwali which is the corrupted form of 'Deepavali', meaning 'an array of lights'.

In Hinduism, the great saints and sages gave out the subjective philosophy of true living in the form of stories in order to entertain the average man who otherwise would not be able to follow the exhaustive and deeply learned arguments of the Master.

Philosophy expounds the ultimate Reality and the higher Consciousness. Such significant stories, which are in themselves complete and attractive, when they also signify something nobler and diviner, are called mystic stories. Mysticism is the heart of all scriptural literature. It is the medium by which the ancient seers explained the inexplicable, described the indescribable.

Destroying the political enemies of a nation is not in itself an assurance of prosperity, peace and joy. No doubt, a nation must destroy its enemies and keep a constant, alert vigilance to defend its freedom, but its population must grow in their economic expansion, they must be trained and educated to live harmoniously, striving enthusiastically in all the fields of productivity. This program of prosperity in the political field is very well understood by the average man and, therefore, the great mystics of old took this as a striking metaphor to indicate the spiritual unfoldment that must be subjectively gained by every seeker in his own inner personality.

We as individuals must endeavour to destroy all the negative tendencies of lust, greed, selfishness, egoism, vanity and so on by the cultivation of the positive qualities of love, kindness, cheerfulness, understanding, mercy, compassion and other spiritual virtues. When the individual does destroy in himself all his subjective enemies and cultivates the inner riches, that personality becomes enriched in the Light of Life and becomes really a noble example that lights up the path for others to break through this world of existence.

On this sacred the day of Diwali all over India, at the dusk, when darkness gathers around, all homes are illuminated by lights in tiny mud pots with oil and wick. Although the government houses and public buildings will be illuminated by floodlights and electric bulbs, private houses of even the wealthy will be decorated, from the gateway onwards, over the porches and even upon the roof, with these little flames of hope and joy. This indicates a society wherein each member is a little lamp of piety, goodness, love and mutual understanding. And in such a society alone, the real goodwill and enduring prosperity can come to stay – victoriously.

Let this day be a day of prayer and expression of love. Get out of your homes in the evening and embrace every other individual in the society – because they too are small flames of the same Light Divine.

May this day be considered a day of peace and cheer, reassuring man that he is essentially divine. When the base vulgarities in us are cleansed, the pure Divine Light can impart a joyous sense of perfection in the ways of men.

Diwali is a day dedicated to inner purity and noble character. Cultivation of character is the promise for the national resurgence. Political awakening, economic growth, social reforms and educational programs are all wonderful programs, but let us remember that all these depend upon the character of the people. Here is a happy day dedicated to the opening up of our individual hearts.

Let all meet their friends and neighbours at the same table and partake of bread. Let all misgivings be forgotten, all grievances be forgiven. Let us remind ourselves, at least on this great day, that we can be victorious over our impulses, and come to illumine for the world around the Lamp of Wisdom from the Land of Spiritual Light.

Swami Chinmayananda is the Founder of Chinmaya Mission