Sri Sri Jagadguru Shankaracharya Mahasamsthanam, Dakshinamanaya Sri Sharada Peetham, Sringeri



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Dakshinamnaya Sri Sharada Peetham, Sringeri

Deepavali Anugraha Sandesha

 

Sringeri November 3, 2013

Following is the Anugraha Sandesha by Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamiji in Kannada elucidating the significance of Deepavali.

For the benefit of non-Kannada speaking devotees, also provided is a transcript of the Anugraha Sandesha in English aswell as English captions in the video.

Kindly note that English captions have to be enabled in the video player.

Transcript

  • Among the festivals that we celebrate every year, the Deepavali festival is an important one.
  • “Deepavali” means – a row of lamps.
  • A Lamp represents Jnana (knowledge).
  • Move away from darkness towards light of Jnana – this is the message of Deepavali.
  • Darkness represents ignorance.
  • Dispelling Ignorance and Attaining Jnana – is the essence of Deepavali.
  • Jnana is most important to man.
  • Bhagavan says in the Bhagavad Gita – Na hi Jnanena Sadrisham Pavitram iha Vidyate.
  • There is nothing that is as Pavitra as Jnana.
  • The Shastras say that Mukti (liberation) can be obtained only by Jnana.
  • Hence Jnana is of paramount importance.
  • We must acquire this Jnana and dispel ignorance.
  • This is possible only through a Sadguru.
  • Without a Guru’s Grace, ignorance remains and the acquisition of Jnana does not come about.
  • When we realize this fact,
  • And make efforts towards acquiring Jnana,
  • Our life becomes purposeful.
  • May this Deepavali festival bring about such a realization and inspire everyone.
  • May everyone rid themselves of their mental impurities,
  • be of a pure mind,
  • and cheerfully and lovingly engage with all.
  • Sri Adi Shankaracharya has said
  • Tvayi mayi ca anyatra eko vishNuH
  • Vyartham kupyasi mayi asahahisNuH
  • – “When the same consciousness pervades you and me,
  • “who hates whom? Who can be angry with whom?”
  • Hence hate and anger are unwarranted.
  • Everyone must be amicable and loving to all.
  • This is Our Message on this occasion.
  • May this Deepavali bring about the welfare of all.
  • May everyone joyfully celebrate this Deepavali and be a recipient of God’s Grace.
  • Bhagavan Krishna Paramatma annihilated Narakasura on the Ashwayuja Krishna Chaturadashi.
  • Hence the day is called Naraka Chaturdashi.
  • It is on this day that Bhagavan put an end to Narakasura and brought about the wellbeing of all.
  • Hence on this occasion, we must remember Bhagavan with utmost devotion, worship Him and be a recipient of His Grace.
  • May everyone be a recipient of Bhagavan’s Grace and live with joy. Such is Our blessing on the occasion of this Deepavali Mahotsava.
 
  • Just as in this body, the embodied one passes through boyhood, youth, and old age, so does one pass into another body. With reference to this (birth, aging and death), the wise man is not disturbed. Bhagavan Sri Krishna on Significance of God
  • An object continues to be dear as long as one derives pleasure from it and it is detested for the duration that it causes pain. The same object cannot be always liked or disliked. Sometimes, that which is not dear may become dear. Moreover, that which was loveable can turn unpleasant. The Atma, towards which affection never wanes, is always the most beloved. Jagadguru Sri Adi Shankara Bhagavatpada on Shatashloki
  • Blessings are the monopoly of God and we must all pray for his gracious blessings. Jagadguru Sri Chandrashekhara Bharati Mahaswamigal on Significance of God
  • It is pitiful that when many of us are asked, “who are you?”, The first thought that arises is “I am a Keralite”, or “I am a Punjabi”, etc. The thought that should immediately stem is “I am an Indian”. If people first feel that they are Indians and only then think of divisions, the nation will have great prosperity and the divisive forces will not be operative as they are today. Jagadguru Sri Abhinava Vidyatirtha Mahaswamigal on Significance of God
  • Instead of using the tongue for speaking futile issues, use it to chant the names of God. God shall then guide you along the right and beneficial path. Jagadguru Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamigal on Significance of God's Names