The Hindus have just celebrated Deepavali which many pass off as a festival of light [over darkness] Being a Chinese, I have always wondered why this day is refer to as ' Chu Yao Jie ' meaning to celebrate the annihilation of the Devil.
From the many cultures, most of the celebrations are symbolic in nature and points towards a lofty message. The celebration of Deepavali is always preceded by the breaking of coconut and towards dusk, oil lamps [using only coconut oil] are lit. One must realized the significance of this ritual.
The coconut represent one's Ego. The Ego in Hinduism and other religions is regarded as the Devil that veiled the Light of Brahman within ALL. The Ego represented by the coconut must be broken [with wisdom] to reveal the essence within [The oil from the kernel ] the Heart which then shines to removes all the darkness of Ignorance. This Light is symbolized by the light from the oil lamp.
Prior to Deepavali, elaborate designs and pictures [Kolam] were made from coloured rice laid out on floor, all to be swept away after Deepavali. This is to symbolize the impermanent and Maya nature of the Universe. Upon removing the Ego, all illusions disappear and only the Light of Awareness remain. In Buddhism this is known as Anuttara Samyak Sambodhi.
The celebrations continue and will continue, but the message is lost in the festivities.
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