in lamps of varied forms;
non-otherness is the Wisdom,
that Diwali-Day unfolds.To light the flame of Spirit,
in children young and old;
to kindle the Supreme in them,
is Balvihar’s sacred goal.With yogic wings they shall fly,
across this fated sea of life;
From anna to ananda soaring,
above karma’s recurring tides.Eventually Self-inquiry,
will lead them to yonder shore;
together with all those parents,
who embrace the ancient lore.
Say, what will parents answer,
when children ask “who is God”?
unless they are versed in Vedanta,
how can they guide their children home?
Who with adoring eyes worships,
as other than the lord;
beholds only an idea,
for mental seeing is not God.
By invoking His names and glories,
with mental purity is one graced;
but can finite acts yield the Infinite,
which alone by Knowledge is attained?
How can worship of an other
the Indivisible ever gain?
How can that One be experienced,
if Divisive ignorance still remains?
The soul, world and God,
apart stand in ego’s gloomy hold;
but when this phantom is dethroned,
in Self they merge in blissful whole.
When the ego is devotionally offered,
in complete surrender to the Lord;
He reveals Himself as the Ātman,
for the Ātman is the Reality of God.
With radiant countenance the Seer,
in Egoless State absorbed;
mindless sees Brahman,
amidst all names and forms.
In identity with the Spirit,
the Uncreated as abode;
in equal vision revels,
who sees the One in all.
Hence, read Vedanta ye parents!
Fulfill Dharma’s highest law!
Strive toward Liberation!
and heed to Freedom’s call!
So reflect carefully with faith,
on the non-otherness here proclaimed;
for to see the Self in others,
ushers love’s beatific state.
Who sees Brahma in their children,
Who sees Brahma in their play,
Who sees Brahma in their mischief,
to Brahma goes without delay!