Before we celebrate Diwali…

With the advent of Diwali – preparations are in full swing to welcome this festival. Young or old, rich or poor, people from all walks of life are fused with a new zest and enthusiasm.

One of the first signs of Diwali is that we find households being cleaned. People make lists and are motivated to tackle the tasks that they have been shirking and piling. Thus, this occasion helps them to achieve freedom from the clutter that has accumulated over a year.

During Diwali, it is a common custom to worship the broom. Why do we do that? Because the broom represents Sadhana – the practice of inner cleansing. While we achieve the outer cleaning of our wardrobes, furnishings, household stuff etc., what about our inner cleansing?

Sadhana is a reminder for us to do our inner cleansing to purify our mind. Just as we dispose of old household items that are no longer required, we also need to let go of old mental impressions that do not serve us.

Relationships and events in our life are an arrangement for Sadhana. People may behave in ways that either please or disappoint us. But consciously giving a happy and positive response, despite this dual behavior, is our Sadhana.

Diwali is also a reason for people to go shopping. We would all like to usher this festival with new clothes, gadgets, furnishing, appliances etc. So, as we shop for Diwali, we need to ask ourselves this one important question:

Is this a Need or Want?

‘Needs’ are items that are essential. They can be things that are required every day, such as food and clothing.

‘Wants’ are items that we would like to possess because we simply like them or we see others owning them. They are not essential for our basic living. A branded expensive watch or the latest cell phone, when we already have a good one, would be a Want.

Tempted by desires, we sometimes give in and buy things, which may lead us to excesses. This can lead to regrets later as we may have insufficient funds to fulfill our Needs. Hence, we first need to take care of all our Needs, and then seek to fulfill our Wants.

The Need or Want question creates a new awareness within us. It saves us from blowing our money on unnecessary Wants and prevents any later repentance. This will surely help us celebrate Diwali in the right manner.