Shubh Deepawali: The Light Within

 

The Light Within (via Grok)

After praying to the Sea for several days, seeking its help in crossing to Lanka, Ram gets frustrated by the Sea's inaction. In the conversation that follows, Goswami Tulsidas says:

“विनय न मानत जलधि जड़, गए तीनि दिन बीति।
बोले राम सकोप तब, भय बिनु होइ न प्रीति॥”

“The dull-minded ocean would not heed humble entreaties, and three days passed in vain.
Then Lord Rama, angered, said — ‘Without fear, there can be no love.’”

Sometimes, picking up a weapon seems to be the only option. At least that's what the state of the world often reflects. But perhaps this Diwali offers us a different teaching from the same story. The Ramayana doesn't end with Rama's anger—it continues with wisdom. After his display of force, the ocean finally responds, not with submission born of fear alone, but with guidance. The ocean reveals a path forward - build a bridge, seek Vibhishana's counsel, and cross with determination.

The lesson here is subtle but profound. Sometimes strength must be shown, but it is wisdom, collaboration, and constructive action that ultimately prevail. Rama could have boiled the ocean dry in his fury, but instead he built a bridge—stone by stone, with the help of countless hands. That bridge, not the threat, is what we remember the most.

When the entire world seems to be darkening outside us, the source of light is most often found inside. As new conflicts flare up across continents, the road for peace needs to start from within us. Among the many diyas we light this year, lets light one within ourselves. And let's spread this light within to the world around us.

This Diwali, remember that the greatest victories come not from the weapons we raise, but from the bridges we build.