Diwali - Festival of Lights
From time immemorial, Diwali has been a festival of hope, celebrating the victory of light over darkness. This beautiful time is one that is precious to the ever-loving goddess, Sri Lakshmi, who blesses Her children with the wealths they need: the most important treasure being spiritual realization.
Diwali is perhaps best known as the Festival of Lights because of the many lamps that are illuminated on the windowsills and thresholds of homes, which beacon Sri Lakshmi into hearts and homes. Says Amma, "the practice of lighting lamps in the house has been prevalent in India throughout history. The lamp, deepa, is symbolic of cosmic Consciousness. By lighting the lamps, we are praying to Divine Mother to light the inner lamps and dispel all darkness."
An Important Time for Spiritual Practices
In times such as these, it's especially important to devote extra time to our spiritual practices for the well-being of ourselves, our loved-ones, and all inhabitants of our beautiful world.
During Diwali in particular, Amma suggests chanting Samputita Sri Suktam, a beautiful hymn to Sri Lakshmi which produces a tremendous amount of positive energy, especially when chanted while making offerings of milk and flowers to a Sri Chakra. "Beejas, seed letters embedded in this stotram, activate the granthis, knots in our subtle body, and take us to higher levels of consciousness," says Amma, "Pray to Sri Maha Lakshmi Devi to always reside in our homes."
For Books and CDs on chanting the Samputita Sri Suktam, visit Amma's Bookstore.
Sacred Fire Ceremonies at Amma's Penusila Ashram
On Tuesday, October 28th, two very special fire ceremonies will be performed, the Sri Sukta and Sri Dhana Lakshmi Homas. Performed in Amma's holy presence, these beautiful acts of worship will be performed in order to increase global wealth of all kinds. If you would like to sponsor this special event, your name, and the names of your loved ones, will be recited by the priests at Penusila Ashram as the homas begin. You'll later received blessed prasad (offerings) directly from the homa ceremony for additional blessings.
All proceeds from sponsorships will help support Amma's loving mission of peace, including her housing project and free medical programs for the poor. For more information about how you can sponsor these and other acts of worship visit: http://www.karunamayi.org/India/IndiaHomasandPujas.shtml
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