Virtual Festivities for Diwali 2020 Diwali celebrations for most people is the time to clean and decorate the home, exchange gifts, and indulge in sweets and treats. For seekers of self-realisation, Diwali is a festival that reminds them to light the lamp of knowledge within. By the immense grace of Param Krupalu Dev and Pujya Gurudevshri, a week-long online Diwali shibir was organised from 13 – 19 November, 2020. The festivities comprised 7 pravachans by Pujya Gurudevshri on chapters 8 and 9 of Shri Simandharswamine Vinantiroop 125 Gathanu Stavan, which disclosed the profound spiritual significance and benefits of idol worship in Jainism. Evenings filled with Devotion On Dhanteras, Pujya Gurudevshri gave a deeper understanding on the four forms of charity – donating money, objects, time or kind words. Devotees listened intently to the first meetings and subsequent surrender, faith, and spiritual stability of Pujyashri Lallujimuni with Shrimad Rajchandraji and that of Pujyashri Bhramachariji and Pujyashri Lallujimuni. Thanks to the graceful wisdom of Pujya Gurudevshri, the Chopdapujan ritual at the Ashram is an opportunity to praise and pray to inculcate the rich treasure trove of virtues of great enlightened masters and saints. This year, the Master lovingly guided all in attendance to also jot down the virtues of five peers – as a sincere prayer to attain those virtues. Lord Mahavir’s Nirvana The evening of the New Year reverberated with the glorious story of Gautamswami’s love for Lord Mahavir, followed by intense chanting to commemorate Lord Mahavir’s nirvana. The New Year morning started with the ceremonial opening of the temple doors in the Ashram. Pujya Gurudevshri in His New Year’s message said that if you simply change your viewpoint, you will be able to maintain happiness and purity. Seekers also watched the Master’s grace in action through a video documenting past Diwali celebrations, reliving an evening of devotional singing by Snatam Kaur, and witnessing His virtual tours around the world during lockdown. On the final day of Jnan Pancham, Pujya Gurudevshri performed a pious pujan of Shri Vachanamrutji. Distanced only by geography, He ensured that seekers congregated virtually to ignite the lamp of knowledge through an elevating Diwali celebration.
