It was late in the night of Diwali that Mahavira left his earthly body and achieved liberation. It is said that some eight kings of the region who were present at the time, decided that the light of their master’s knowledge would be kept alive symbolically by the lighting of lamps. Hence it is called Dipavali, from dipa, or Diwali. [It is worth mentioning at this point that Bhagwan Mahavira sat in Samosaran (round circle conference with his disciples) for a period of 72 hours after attaining Kevalgnana –Omniscience- to deliver his sermons. He did not use the medium of voice at all as he was observing silence (maunvrata). His sermons were in the form of thoughts radiating from his enlightened self. It is said that those pure thoughts emanating from Bhagwan Mahavira continue to reverberate in the atmosphere even to date].
Jains celebrate Diwali in various manners. Some fast for two days as Mahavira did. Others celebrate Diwali in the traditional Hindu fashion. Hindus celebrate Diwali to commemorate the victory of Lord Rama over the evil king Ravana. We, members of Shree Jain Sangh, East London and Essex will celebrate Diwali with a variety programme and refreshments on Sunday, 2 November 2014 at The Forest View Centre in Romford from 2 pm onwards.
Dinesh Sheth
Newbury Park, Ilford
