Saralnama5 kinds of light exist in human life, says Vidyaranya Swami's Panchadasi. These are the physical light of lamps, light of senses, mind, intellect, and the Self. The eternal Self, known as Kutastha-deepa, illuminates all aspects of our life. Diwali is about awakening this inner light and removing ignorance. The festival's spirit has been overshadowed by consumerism, leading to fleeting happiness. Diwali offers a chance for self-reflection and rediscovering the ever-illuminating lamp of awareness. The Bhagavad Gita states, 'The Self is the light of lights, beyond darkness.' Classical Indian philosophy provides frameworks to access this inner lamp of reality, turning Diwali into a celebration of Nitya Deepawali – the perpetual Diwali of the soul. (Updated 20 Oct 2025, 19:59 IST; source: link)
Key Points
- 5 kinds of light exist in human life, says Vidyaranya Swami's Panchadasi
- These are the physical light of lamps, light of senses, mind, intellect, and the Self
- The eternal Self, known as Kutastha-deepa, illuminates all aspects of our life