Diwali Gratitude
On this auspicious day of Diwali, known as the festival of lights, I’m in sacred reflection of how our lineage has consistently kept the sacred illuminated light of Vedic jnanam/wisdom alive for the benefit of all throughout the course of time. From Bade Baba, to Baba, to our Guru Acharya Shunya, the light of Satyam, of Truth, is so alive and active for us to utilize because of our lineage's commitment to dharma. Each Guru in our Sarayu Sampradya diligently tended to the spiritual flame of the Veda's while on the quest for moksha, and for the spiritual liberation and radiant health of all beings~that light is so deeply illuminated today!
Our lineage has always invited many communities and people from all walks of life to come and receive the warmth, light and purification of its sacred flame. The teachings that we receive are the kindling to our internal fire.
Today on Diwali, I’m celebrating our kula and our collective journey towards purification and moksha. The divine presence that I feel today feels like we are all gathered around the same fire on a global level while receiving emotional and spiritual comfort. Where I live in the foothills of the Sierra Mountains of Northern California, it can get very cold. The only source of heat in my home is through our fireplace. My 12 year old son, Donovan Rohan has become our family’s fire keeper. I watch him as he builds the base of the fire, how he adds kindling to it, and how he then stacks smaller pieces of wood, followed by bigger pieces of wood. He has to keep the chute open to allow oxygen to get the flame going and to build enough heat to catch and start an active fire that will properly heat our home. It's a conscious process of knowing the right amount of fuel, fire and air to keep the fire burning all night to keep our home warm. There are tips and tricks that are needed to do this properly.
First, you need dry wood, which means protection from the snow and rain. There is a lot of preparation involved in sawing big and fallen tree logs and then splitting them into properly sized pieces for the fireplace. Then you need to stack the wood in the shed in a logical order so that when you grab the logs on a daily basis there is a steady foundation and no other logs fall on your toes and feet.
We then gather small sticks and small scraps around our land that have fallen from the trees for kindling. We gather gifts from nature to help layer the fireplace in a criss cross pattern to let enough air flow through. You have to ensure that your kindling isn’t wet or else you will end up with a lot of smoke. On top of this you seasonally need to clean the fireplace. There are many steps involved, and we must stay aligned with nature and the elements to have a clear mind with wisdom to keep our family's hearth~our heat source ablaze.
I’m sharing this story as an example of how being a student in this lineage connects many dots for me, it brings a spiritual lens to each and everything that I do in this life, in all of my yajna’s and actions. I am grateful for the sanctuary, warmth, and hope that our lineage brings to me. I have learned how to alchemize my inner darkness to light, and how to then share that spiritual warmth with others. Today I feel renewed by Diwali and the sense of unity that it brings.
Sharing a poem called a Flame for Diwali;
In hearths we build a gentle flame,
A glow that calls the soul by name,
It dances warm through shadowed air,
A quiet answer to despair.
The fire cracks with tales of old,
Of light that breaks through nights so cold.
As families gather, hearts align,
Around the spark, a sacred sign.
So too, in homes the diyas gleam,
Like whispered prayers in lamp-lit dreams.
Each flicker speaks of hope anew,
Of love enduring, pure and true.
From heart to shrine, the fire flows-
A light within that gently grows.
For every spark we choose to raise,
Becomes a blessing set ablaze.
🔥💖🔥