The world of Tzu Chi May 2021 (Vol.134)

and devas, or human characters. They commemorate certain events, while passing down spiritual wisdoms and values. This is also true of Deepavali. The core spiritual wisdom and value of Deepavali is the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance. However, different versions of legends and stories are cited in different parts of India, which include these four: 1. Rama defeated Ravana (the ten-headed demon king) and returned to Ayodhya to ascend the throne. 2. Lord Krishna taught Indra (the God of Thunder and Lightning) a lesson, to enable the villagers to resume their duties and practise Dharma. 3. Lord Vishnu incarnated as Vamana, tricked to defeat Mahabali (the Asura King). 4. A day to pray to Goddess Lakshmi (the Goddess of Wealth), on her birthday, for blessings. Deepavali celebration for Malaysian Hindus Prior to Deepavali, Malaysian Hindus clean up and decorate their houses, as well as light up oil lamps and create kolams (design made out of coloured rice grains) at the main entrance to their houses. Common designs include peacocks, flowers, geometric patterns, and others. The purpose of the kolam is to feed birds, ants and other insects. Moreover, Tamil women make kolams to seek blessings such as wealth, beauty and happiness from the Goddess Lakshmi. On the other hand, lamp lighting has an important symbolic significance. Lamps placed on the ground are known as “deepa”. They symbolize the human body. In Hinduism, the human body comprised of five elements—fire, water, air, space, and earth. The flame of deepa symbolizes the spirit or soul. By lighting and holding the lamp, Hindus learn to feel and appreciate the brightness of the light, and to pass it on to others. Each person symbolizes a lamp in this world. On the morning of Deepavali, most Hindus rub oil on their body and take a bath, signifying the cleansing of body and spirit. After that, a praying ceremony is held at home, whereby parents and elders in the family bless the younger generation. Then, they dress up for visits to relatives and friends. A careful observation will tell us that Deepavali is associated with Lord Vishnu and his many incarnations, like Rama, Krishna, Vamana, and his spouse, Goddess Lakshmi. Through many legends and tales, this joyous festival has a greater significance of raising awareness on eradicating negative and unwholesome thoughts, such as, desires, anger, greed, obsession and self-centredness, while moving towards goodness and brightness. • CEO of Action Foundation • Veteran researcher of Malaysian cultures and history • Dedicated researcher, speaker and tour guide of Hinduism and Hindu temples in Malaysia Tang Ah Chai TZU CHI 134 17