A period of more than a week during the last month was an occasion of festivity and joy. This occasion was nothing but the festival of Holi which announced at the top of its voice (heard in the forms of drum-beats, merry noises etc.)—Hey, this is the time to sing and dance. And, people sang, danced, threw dry and wet colours on each other and greeted others by holding them in warm embraces. All this was so contagious that even those, who did not know much about Holi, participated in this festival and shared the joy of people with great enthusiasm.
Many anecdotes are associated with this festival. In different words these anecdotes convey one single thought—victory of good people over bad people. This victory is commemorated with joy which is writ large on the coloured faces, is expressed in the songs of merry singers and demonstrated through the swiftly rocking bodies of the dancers.
Dear children, this occasion conveys a great truth i.e., if you are good, you will be victorious over others. This victory is won not only over those who are not good but also over those who are good! Your goodness wins their hearts. And, then you indwell their hearts.
Most revered Swami Sivananda ji Maharaj repeatedly said—'Be good, do good.' What is meant by being good? Here are some ways to be good:
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Think that God is present everywhere and in all beings and things.
- Be convinced that God is your real mother and father who has created you, has brought you in this world through your parents and sustains you.
- Think that others, too, are, like you, God's offspring and, so, all of them, including you, are brothers and sisters of one and the same family. Also think that you are linked with others through brotherly kinship.
- Feel that you are living every moment in God's presence; you are never without Him.
When you become good, and you are always good, then you automatically do others good. Your doings become a source of welfare of others, your work becomes selfless service; you are always ready to share with others what you have, you ever want to 'give to' rather then 'take from'. And, this goodness makes you experience the real joys of life, prominent among which are the joys of 'sharing' and giving away'.
When you are enriched with this experience of joy, then you really celebrate the festival of joy called Holi. When goodness becomes a part of your nature, when you are nothing but good, you do nothing but good, then you celebrate Holi throughout your life—not only once a year.
The next Holi is only eleven months ahead. Through this period of time, until the next Holi, think again and again as to how many times you have celebrated Holi in this way—once, twice, at short intervals, at long intervals.
My dear little readers, we expect you to tell us what you think about what we have told and have been telling you through this column. Also tell us what more you want to read in this column and what those things are which you want to know about from us.
With all love and Om,
Affectionately yours,
The Divine Life Society Headquarters
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