Starter: Celebrating the True Spirit of Diwali
Diwali is a festival of lights, joy, and togetherness. It’s a time to celebrate with family, share happiness, and express gratitude. However, amidst all the festivities, it’s easy to get caught up in materialism and comparisons, especially for children. As parents, you might wonder how to teach your children the deeper meaning of Diwali and guide them towards true happiness.
The beautiful bhajan ‘Payoji Maine Ram Ratan Dhan Payo’ by the saint-poet Meera Bai offers valuable lessons on finding joy and contentment beyond material possessions. Let’s explore these lessons and how they can help children and parents connect with the true spirit of Diwali.
Main Course :
Lesson 1: True Wealth Lies in Contentment, Not Comparison
In ‘Ram Ratan Dhan Payo’, Meera Bai expresses her joy at receiving the greatest treasure—the blessings and love of Lord Ram. The song emphasizes that true wealth isn’t measured by money or possessions but by the love, peace, and blessings in our lives. This message is especially relevant for children today, who often feel pressured to compare themselves to others and chase after superficial desires.
Example for Children:
Explain to your children that just like Meera Bai valued her connection with Lord Ram, they too can find joy in their blessings—a loving family, good health, and the chance to learn and grow. During Diwali, instead of focusing solely on gifts or celebrations, encourage them to appreciate what they already have and express gratitude for it.
Activity:
Encourage your children to write a “Gratitude List” this Diwali, where they can list five things they are thankful for. This simple activity helps them focus on their blessings and understand that true wealth comes from within.
Lesson 2: Moving from Darkness to Light
One of the core messages of Diwali is moving from darkness to light—both physically and spiritually. In Meera Bai’s song, her devotion to Lord Ram lights up her life with happiness, even amidst challenges. This lesson is beautifully captured in the following shloka:
Shloka:
"ॐ असतो मा सद्गमय। तमसो मा ज्योतिर्गमय। मृत्योर्मा अमृतं गमय॥"
"Lead me from untruth to truth, from darkness to light, and from mortality to immortality."
This shloka emphasizes the importance of seeking truth, wisdom, and enlightenment, which aligns perfectly with Diwali’s theme of spreading light and goodness.
Example for Children:
Explain to your children that Diwali is not just about lighting diyas but also about bringing light into our minds and hearts. It’s about letting go of negative thoughts, comparing ourselves to others, and instead focusing on kindness, gratitude, and positivity.
Activity:
As a family, recite this shloka every evening during Diwali. Discuss its meaning and encourage your children to think of one negative habit they want to let go of and one positive quality they want to embrace. This activity fosters self-reflection and a deeper understanding of Diwali’s true essence.
Lesson 3: Inner Strength and Faith in Difficult Times
Meera Bai’s life was full of challenges, but her unwavering devotion to Lord Krishna kept her strong and joyful. She faced societal pressures and hardships but never lost faith. Her story teaches children to find their inner strength and remain positive even when things don’t go their way.
Example for Children:
Share the story of how young Meera Bai received a small statue of Lord Krishna as a gift. Unlike others who sought wealth, she valued her connection with Krishna above everything else. Despite facing criticism and challenges, she remained devoted and joyful. Tell your children that just like Meera Bai, they can find strength and happiness in their values and faith, even when things around them are tough.
Activity:
Encourage your children to create a small “Faith Jar” this Diwali. Each day, they can write a note of something they are grateful for or a moment when they felt strong despite difficulties. This simple practice will help them build resilience and find joy in their everyday lives.
Desert : Lighting Up Lives with Values and Gratitude
This Diwali, let’s go beyond the external celebrations and focus on lighting up our hearts with the values of contentment, gratitude, and inner strength. Meera Bai’s ‘Payoji Maine Ram Ratan Dhan Payo’ offers timeless lessons that resonate with the true spirit of Diwali—finding wealth in love, peace, and blessings.
As parents, teaching these lessons to your children will help them appreciate what they have, let go of comparisons, and develop a strong sense of self-worth. Let’s make this Diwali not just about lights and gifts, but about values that brighten our lives and strengthen our bonds.
Lets Do Some Action: Bringing Diwali’s Light into Your Family
This Diwali, try singing this beautiful bhajan ‘Payoji Maine Ram Ratan Dhan Payo’ with your children and reflect on its message together. Practice the gratitude activity, recite the shloka as a family, and share stories that inspire inner strength and faith. These simple practices can create lasting memories and instill values that will guide your children throughout their lives.
If you enjoyed this article, share it with other parents and let’s spread the true spirit of Diwali far and wide! Wishing you and your family a very happy and blessed Diwali!
Amit More
Samskara Leadership Mentor | Empowering Children with Moral, Spiritual and Leadership Values through Devotional Songs Shlokas & Ancient Scriptures |
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