Diwali: the festival of lights & Lakshmi

Let's talk about Diwali, the Festival Of Lights... and of Lakshmi, the Divine Mother aspect who brings the blessing of prosperity and abundance to everyone. 

CELEBRATE DIWALI AT DUSK TIME: 

Because the time of day when Maha Lakshmi is the most accessible is the dusk time (neither day nor night, but twilight, in between the extremes of light and dark), the tradition is the we light oil lamps or candles at that time, to welcome the Lakshmi energy into our homes and hearts. 

Keep reading for a simple way you can get a lot out of Diwali. 

MORE ABOUT LAKSHMI: 

Here is a detailed teaching about Lakshmi (including Her eight aspects), and some Lakshmi mantras that are incredibly powerful and helpful. (We made it for Her days during the Navarathri, but everything about Lakshmi applies to this Diwali celebration, as well.) 

WHAT YOU CAN DO: 

Start by cleaning up your home or living space. The divine energy as Lakshmi is extremely refined, and peaceful -- She likes everything pristine, pure, clean, no loud noises or messy space. 

If you have some rosewater, you can spray it around after you've cleaned the place up, and light some incense. 

Then, just around sunset time, open your front door (or other doors as well). 

Set out a small trail of candles (tea lights work well!), making a path from a few feet outside your door to your threshold, and then inside your door(s), as well. (You can put the candles like a foot apart from one another, or even more.) 

Light the candles, leaving the door(s) open... and when it is truly dusk time, sit down to meditate quietly, asking Lakshmi to come in and bless your home. (If you know a Lakshmi mantra or prayer, you can recite that, internally. Or you can simply recite "Om Lakshmi" in order to invite Her energy in.) 

Keep doing this until the dusk time has passed, and it is truly dark. 

See what happens!

UCBK DIWALI FIRE HOMA (CEREMONY): 

At UCBK, we'll be observing Diwali through a special fire homa (ceremony) on Diwali day. Everyone is welcome to attend, as we livestream the holy fires, and receive the Lakshmi blessings. 

Happy Diwali, everyone!