Synonyms:

arjunah uvaca–Arjuna said; sthita-prajnasya–of one who is situated in fixed Krsna consciousness; ka–what; bhasa–language; samadhi-sthasya–of one situated in trance; kesava–O Krsna; sthita-dhih–one fixed in Krsna consciousness; kim–what; prabhaseta–speak; kim–how; asita–does remain; vrajeta–walks; kim–how.

Translation:

Arjuna said: What are the symptoms of one whose consciousness is thus merged in Transcendence? How does he speak, and what is his language? How does he sit, and how does he walk?

Synonyms:

sruti–Vedic revelation; vipratipanna–without being influenced by the fruitive results of the Vedas; te–your; yada–when; sthasyati–remains; niscala–unmoved; samadhau–in transcendental consciousness, or Krsna consciousness; acala–unflinching; buddhih–intelligence; tada–at that time; yogam–self-realization; avapsyasi–you will achieve.

Translation:

When your mind is no longer disturbed by the flowery language of the Vedas, and when it remains fixed in the trance of self-realization, then you will have attained the divine consciousness.

Synonyms:

yada–when; te–your; moha–illusory; kalilam–dense forest; buddhih–transcendental service with intelligence; vyatitarisyati–surpasses; tada–at that time; ganta asi–you shall go; nirvedam–callousness; srotavyasya–all that is to be heard; srutasya–all that is already heard; ca–also.

Translation

When your intelligence has passed out of the dense forest of delusion, you shall become indifferent to all that has been heard and all that is to be heard.

Synonyms:

karma-jam–because of fruitive activities; buddhi-yuktah–being done in devotional service; hi–certainly; phalam–results; tyaktva–giving up; manisinah–devotees who are great sages; janma-bandha–the bondage of birth and death; vinirmuktah–liberated soul; padam–position; gacchanti–reached; anamayam–without miseries.

Translation:

The wise, engaged in devotional service, take refuge in the Lord, and free themselves from the cycle of birth and death by renouncing the fruits of action in the material world. In this way they can attain that state beyond all miseries.

Diwali (or Divali) comes from the Sanskrit word Deepavali which literally means “a row of lights.” This auspicious holiday, known in English as the “festival of lights,” is celebrated by Hindus around the world, and for most Hindus marks the beginning of the New Year. It historically symbolizes the victory of good over evil and celebrates light and life on both community and personal levels. On the one hand, it is a time to rejoice and feast with friends and family. Homes are cleaned and decorated with bright earthen lamps in every corner, and delicious meals are prepared and shared with all. Old accounts are closed, and arguments are settled.

On a more personal level, however, Diwali is a time to turn inward and light the lamps of knowledge and truth in our hearts and minds so that we can dispel the forces of darkness and ignorance within us and allow our innate brilliance and goodness to shine forth. Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, is the principle deity associated with this festival. During Diwali we ask her for assistance in cultivating and accumulating spiritual wealth, such as compassion, forgiveness, and loving-kindness.

Diwali is a time to reflect on and evaluate our thoughts, words, and actions over the past year. It is a time to acknowledge and better understand our prejudices, negative behaviors, and bad habits so that we may begin the process of transforming ourselves. It is a time to discover how we can be more loving, kind, respectful, and skillful towards ourselves and others. And since all wealth, be it material or spiritual, should be shared with others who are less fortunate, Diwali is also a time to reflect on the various ways we can assist others and shine our light out into the world.

Just as the flame of a lamp always points upward, Diwali is most importantly a time to celebrate and appreciate life and to look forward to the coming year with a renewed sense of purpose and passion. In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, Diwali is a reminder and an opportunity to “Be the change you want to see in the world!”

To Name This Day:

• Light a single candle and spend a few minutes softly gazing at the flame. Breathe deeply. Close your eyes and picture the flame that is burning brightly in your heart. Continue to breathe deeply. Meditate on your innate brilliance, goodness, and wholeness. Let your heart open wide and embrace your inner light.

• Recite the following Vedic chant/prayer in Sanskrit and/or in English

Om Asato Ma Sad Gamaya
Tamaso Ma Jyotir Gamaya
Mrityor Ma Amritam Gamaya
Om Shanti Shanti Shanti

Lead us from untruth to truth
From darkness to light
From death to immortality
Om Peace Peace Peace

• Take some to time to journal.

1. Make a list of the personal qualities that dull your inner light such as greed, anger, and laziness. Commit yourself to getting rid of one of these qualities starting in the here and now.

2. Make a list of qualities that nurture your inner light such as compassion, kindness, and generosity. Commit yourself to further cultivating one of these qualities starting in the here and now.

3. Identify some simple yet transformative ways in which you can share your inner light/spiritual wealth with others. For example, saying “Hello. How are you?” to all those you encounter and really listen to their answer, smiling at people you encounter while sitting on the train or standing in line at the post office or grocery store, and quietly blessing others as they pass by you on the street. Commit yourself to implementing one of these gestures starting in the here and now.

Synonyms:

buddhi-yuktah–one who is engaged in devotional service; jahati–can get rid of; iha–in this life; ubhe–in both; sukrta-duskrte–in good and bad results; tasmat–therefore; yogaya–for the sake of devotional service; yujyasva–be so engaged; yogah–Krsna consciousness; karmasu–in all activities; kausalam–art.

Translation:

A man engaged in devotional service rids himself of both good and bad actions even in this life. Therefore strive for yoga, O Arjuna, which is the art of all work.

Synonyms:

durena–by discarding it at a long distance; hi–certainly; avaram–abominable; karma–activities; buddhi-yogat–on the strength of Krsna consciousness; dhananjaya–O conqueror of wealth; buddhau–in such consciousness; saranam–full surrender; anviccha–desire; krpanah–the misers; phala-hetavah–those desiring fruitive action.

Translation:

O Dhananjaya, rid yourself of all fruitive activities by devotional service, and surrender fully to that consciousness. Those who want to enjoy the fruits of their work are misers.