Kartik Purnima: Why do we light oil lamps?

While researching the basis of lighting oil lamps or diyas on Kartik Purnima, I came across this very informative article by Sadhguru on their official website (isha.sadhguru.org). This is what he has to say on the significance of lighting a lamp today.

“Ours is a culture where we did not do anything that is not scientific and naturally for the enhancement of the human being, so that they can reach towards their ultimate wellbeing or liberation. The lamp is indicative of enlightenment, awareness, consciousness and ultimate liberation. All this is symbolized with the lamps that we light. So when you light a lamp before you start your day, it is because you want to bring the same quality into yourself.  It is symbolism; it’s a way of invoking your own inner nature.

It is a part of tradition that to create the right kind of atmosphere, the first thing that you do is light a lamp. But those of you who light a lamp, if you simply be there around it, you will notice it makes a difference. You don’t need to believe in any God. It need not even be dark, the lamp need not be a visual aid, but do you notice it makes some kind of a difference? This is because the moment you light a lamp, not the flame itself but around the flame a certain etheric sphere will naturally happen.

Where there is an etheric sphere, communication will be better. Did you ever sit around a campfire in your life? If you did, you would have seen that stories told around the campfire always have the maximum impact on people. Have you noticed this? The storytellers of yore understood this – stories told around the campfire are always the most effective stories. Receptivity will be at its best.

So if you want to start anything, or you want to create a certain atmosphere, a lamp is lit. This comes from the understanding that when you light a lamp, apart from the visual aspect, it fills the whole place with a different kind of energy.” 

So, whether you believe in God or no, light a lamp today to invoke your inner nature. What a rich tradition and culture we have inherited.

Wish you all a very happy Gurpurab and Kartik Purnima!