Distinguished Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, sending early Diwali greetings to 1.2 billion Hindus of the world, has urged them to take a vow of undertaking at least one charitable project during the coming year for less fortunate members of the community.
Zed, who is the president of Universal Society of Hinduism, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, wished “joy and light in every heart” to all Hindus on Diwali, which falls on October 24 this year and is considered the most popular Hindu festival.
Quoting scriptures, Rajan Zed said that charity was a duty, which should be undertaken with sympathy and modesty. He advised Hindus to focus on inner search, stay pure, explore the vast wisdom of scriptures, make spirituality more attractive to youth and children, stay away from greed, and always keep God in your life.
Stressing renunciation, Zed pointed out that three opening words of ancient scripture Isha Upanishad: “tena tyaktena bhunjita” said it all— “By renouncing it {the world}, enjoy it.” Bhagavad-Gita, another ancient scripture, also promised “freedom through renunciation”.
Consumerism had resulted in neglecting spiritual values, Rajan Zed noted and quoted Bhagavad-Gita, which says: there are three gates to self-destructive hell—greed, anger, and desire. Abandon these three. A person freed from these three gates of darkness, seeks what is best and attains life’s highest goal.
Diwali, the festival of lights, aims at dispelling the darkness and lighting up the lives and symbolizes the victory of good over evil.
Hinduism is the oldest and third largest religion of the world, and moksh (liberation) is its ultimate goal.