Chinmaya Mission's Swami Abhedananda: 'every day can be Diwali'

AS DIWALI approaches, the Swami Abhedananda of Chinmaya Mission South Africa shares profound insights on the festival's true spiritual essence, highlighting how the Mission's “Nourish to Flourish” initiative exemplifies Diwali’s principles of inner light and selfless service.

- POST REPORTER

SWAMI Abhedananda, resident acharya of Chinmaya Mission South Africa. | Supplied

(Supplied)

As homes across Durban prepare to shimmer with light this Diwali, Swami Abhedananda calls on the community to look beyond the glow of diyas and the sparkle of fireworks — toward a celebration of inner illumination, selfless love, and righteous living.

Speaking in a telephonic interview from Cape Town, Swamiji shared that the true meaning of Diwali lay not only in festivity, but in rekindling the light of dharma, humility and gratitude in our hearts.

“Diwali is significant because it is the victory of Bhagwan Ram over Ravan - a reminder that dharma or righteousness is always victorious.”

The lighting of lamps represents the victory of righteousness and clarity over confusion and illusion.

Each diya, he said, was a reminder of the divine spark that resided in every being.

Swamiji said light should be nutured through selfless action, devotion and introspection.

He cautioned that the modern world, with its growing focus on material gain and status, risked losing sight of this deeper spiritual essence.

“When money becomes the centre of our life, when power becomes the centre of our life, we are sure to break the society,” he said.