Guest guest Posted October 26, 2008 Report Share Posted October 26, 2008 Geeta I used to have a close friend who is Hindu. He moved away, so i don't see him anymore. However, I did go to several Diwali celebrations with him. Lot's of food, beautiful saris and prayers or chants. I do believe that most of the winter holidays have their origins as a celebration of lights due to the winter solstice. I even went to see an abridged version of the Mahabarata (I don't remember the correct name or spelling). If I remember correctly it has something to do with good vs evil. I don't know the correct greeting for Diwali. I wish you and your family a happy, healthy and peaceful Diwali.Pink Joyce IPF 3/06 Pennsylvania Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 26, 2008 Report Share Posted October 26, 2008 Pink I had a girl who worked for me in my last job and she was Hindu. I would learn a bit about each holiday or celebration as it approached. Now, one think I felt which may be a reflection on her as an individual or on those who practice the religion, is that the celebrations, holidays, even sacraments, were approached more spiritually than most of us approach similar days. The reality is that in our fast paced world we often just see these days as a day of no work and don't devote the time or energy to experience deeper meaning. Other than a blessing over our meal, how many truly gather to give thanks over thanksgiving? I've known people in retail and by the time they hit Christmas they were so exhausted that their main thought was " thank goodness for a day off before the sales start back tomorrow. " I've had very close Jewish friends who truly respected the meaning of holidays and I've known others who didn't alter their diet even on days it was appropriate. When we gather our families for special days, do we just socialize and enjoy their company or do we discuss the day. Maybe this is something to think about in the next months. Are you going to give thanks for the turkey or tell those with you how much you give thanks for them? And, don't just say I'm so thankful for you but say why and what is so special about them and what they bring to your lives. Although Diwali has several different significances and is interpreted somewhat differently by different religions the underlying celebration was the " Festival of Lights " celebrating brightness over darkness, good over evil. Maybe its a reminder to all of us to cleanse and renew ourselves a little and think of the good and the good we can do, to renew our spirits. Even if its not our religion or our holiday those are certainly positive things for all of us. > > Geeta > I used to have a close friend who is Hindu. He moved away, so i don't see him anymore. However, I did go to several Diwali celebrations with him. Lot's of food, beautiful saris and prayers or chants. > > I do believe that most of the winter holidays have their origins as a celebration of lights due to the winter solstice. > > I even went to see an abridged version of the Mahabarata (I don't remember the correct name or spelling). If I remember correctly it has something to do with good vs evil. > > I don't know the correct greeting for Diwali. I wish you and your family a happy, healthy and peaceful Diwali. > > Pink Joyce IPF 3/06 Pennsylvania > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 27, 2008 Report Share Posted October 27, 2008 - -- In Breathe-Support , Joyce T Rosenberg wrote: Pink Joyce, You seem to know a lot about Diwali, I agree that there seems to be a pattern in the different festivals of different communities, for example Diwali and Christmas come together and as you riightly said in winter. Mahabharata and the Ramayan are the 2 big epics in Hindu scriptures. Diawali marks the return of Lord Rama who comes home after 14 years of banishment to be crowned once again after his battle with Ravana, who represents evil so yes ,it is the victory of good over evil. ' 'Wish you a happy Diwali 'is how we greet each other on this day. Thank you so much for your wishes. Have a good day love Geeta > Geeta > I used to have a close friend who is Hindu. He moved away, so i don't see him anymore. However, I did go to several Diwali celebrations with him. Lot's of food, beautiful saris and prayers or chants. > > I do believe that most of the winter holidays have their origins as a celebration of lights due to the winter solstice. > > I even went to see an abridged version of the Mahabarata (I don't remember the correct name or spelling). If I remember correctly it has something to do with good vs evil. > > I don't know the correct greeting for Diwali. I wish you and your family a happy, healthy and peaceful Diwali. > > Pink Joyce IPF 3/06 Pennsylvania > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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