Diwali 2023
Today is the beginning of Diwali, well known as a festival of light, but what does the symbolism, iconography of light and ritual practices in this period illustrate.
The word Yoga indicates connection, union, this is pretty well known. It comes from the Sanskrit Yug, which means to unite.
The term can be used for pretty much anything, if you were an artist, this yoking is how you connect with your artform, inspiration and creations.
We can see this in modern, postural, posture focused Yoga, even if the practitioner is only looking to have a healthy body, they do this by creating a strong connection with it, via the practice of the yoga asanas.
However if we look at its meaning in the context of most Yogic traditions, texts etc, what this is aiming for is a connection with and absorption with the very essence, the very source of all existence.
This is understood as a natural inclination, that somehow and at some point we will be drawn towards this. We are just drawn to that greater, vaster aspect of ourselves.
This is the ultimate state, the ultimate fulfilment, beyond feelings of lack, seperation or inadequacy.
Hence in this state, the Yogi or Yogini seeks for nothing else.
This is the symbolism of Diwali, some of its myths and origins are from the epic Ramayana. In it, Rama and Sita, return home to the city, they have been exiled from for many years. This is a joyous moment for them, the pain of their seperation is overcome and the inhabitants of the city welcome back this couple, who are so dear to them.
Diwali is understood as the festival of ligh
t, as it is this light that draws us home, to the essence of ourselves, to the creative source of everything.
I hope you experience this light at the source of your being today.
