Triumph of Light Over Darkness: as I see it!

Diwali, the festival of lights, is celebrated as the victory of light over darkness. Every year, as we light diyas and watch fireworks illuminate the sky, we are reminded of an eternal truth: the journey of overcoming darkness is one that begins within each of us. This festival reminds us of the timeless message that no matter how much darkness surrounds us, it only takes a single spark of light to break through. But this year, as I prepare for Diwali, I find myself reflecting on the deeper meaning of this celebration and what it means to truly embrace the light within.

In a world filled with so much uncertainty, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the darkness around us. But I’ve been contemplating lately: what if darkness is simply the absence of light? What if it’s not something to fear, but rather an opportunity—a challenge for us to find the light within ourselves? Let's explore the philosophy of light as I see it, this Diwali.

For me, light represents the virtues we strive to cultivate—hope, kindness, courage, and resilience. These qualities do not simply manifest in easy moments; they shine brightest when we need them the most, during times of uncertainty or hardship. Diwali then, is not just about lighting lamps externally, but also about kindling an inner light that drives away the shadows of fear and despair.

I believe that philosophy is not just a set of ideas to think about but something we must live, breathe, and practice. It's about transforming our own lives by applying wisdom, not just talking about it. For me, the true value of philosophy lies in its practicality—being able to take the lessons we learn and use them to address real-life challenges.

One of the most significant lessons I’ve come across is the concept of an "inner compass." In a world where we are constantly bombarded with expectations—from society, family, and even ourselves—it can be difficult to discern what is truly right for us. The practice of philosophy, however, has taught me to turn inward, to discover my own direction, and to be guided by my inner light.

Darkness and light coexist in all of us. There are times of confusion, sadness, and even hopelessness. But I’ve come to understand that those moments of darkness do not exist to bring us down—they are there to help us grow. It’s in these challenging times that we have the greatest opportunity to nurture our inner light. Every human being has this spark within them, and it’s our responsibility to protect it, nourish it, and allow it to shine.

The choice to be a light-bearer is one that we all must make. It’s not always easy, and the path is often fraught with challenges. But it is precisely in these moments of difficulty that our true potential is revealed. We have the power to choose—to cultivate our virtues, to rise above our fears, and to share our light with others. This is what makes us human. This is what gives us the ability to bring about positive change.

One thing that has resonated deeply with me is the idea of living as a philosopher-volunteer. This means seeing goodness not as an occasional act but as an identity—something that defines who we are. It’s about always being ready to serve, even when it’s uncomfortable or inconvenient. It’s about sharing our light, not because it’s easy, but because it’s necessary.

Ultimately, I’ve come to believe that we each have a role to play in the ongoing evolution of life. If we can focus on our inner light and commit to nurturing it, not just for ourselves but for others, then we can truly contribute to the triumph of light over darkness. It’s not a one-time victory but an ongoing journey—one that requires courage, generosity, and an unwavering belief in the potential for good.

This, for me, is the real triumph: not allowing darkness to define us, but instead choosing to be a beacon of light, again and again.

As we light our lamps this Diwali, let us embrace this philosophy of light. May this Diwali inspire each one of us to shine brighter, to spread joy, and to be a source of light for others. Wishing everyone a joyful Diwali filled with love, light, and the warmth of shared moments!