Happy Diwali to all, especially my Hindu friends

Diwali or Deepavali (meaning a row of lights) is a popular Hindu feast known as the "Festival of Lights." It will begin this coming Wednesday. It is celebrated through festive fireworks, deyas (oil lights), flowers, sharing food, sweets, presents, worship. I remember this wonderful time in October while growing up in Trinidad. Even though we were not Hindus, we still lit many deyas around our house. The homes of Hindu friends were always filled with these beautiful lights as they welcomed family/friends with great hospitality.The festival is associated with several different stories in Hindu mythology. The most popular is the celebration of the home coming of Lord Rama, King of Ayodhya with his wife, Sita and brother Lakshmana to their ancient city from a war in which he killed the demon king Ravana. It is believed the people lit oil lamps along the way to light their path in darkness. In the central and southern parts of Trinidad, these beautiful deyas brighten many homes. Even in the local Benedictine monastery, the evening vespers are all centered on light with deyas surrounding the Abbey's altar. I recall the excitement of that time while we Christians sang psalms on the theme of light and afterwards visited the homes of our Hindu workers who were ecstatic that we would honor them by doing so. At its most significant deeper meaning, Diwali conveys an awareness of the inner light. The inner light shines deeply, dispelling all ignorance and obstacles. For Hindus, this awakening to that light frees a person from the limitations of his or her own fragile nature. With the realization comes an appreciation of compassion and care. When put into practice, the individual can achieve "a higher knowledge." Joy is evident in such a person's life. As a Christian, I believe, joy, is the true ingredient of a well-balanced spirituality. Hence the reasons why I like this Hindu feast, a reminder not only of great times in Trinidad but my own inner desire to become a more joyful person! "Rejoice in the Lord always!"