It is a known fact that sufferings are a part and parcel of human life. Sometimes there seems to be no solution for many of our problems. Fear of failure or loss makes us weak. Is there any meaning for all these sufferings? Is there a way out? These questions remain unanswered in everybody’s mind. Sankata Deepa changes our outlook towards sufferings and strengthens us to face them courageously.
A caterpillar has to go through an arduous struggle while breaking out of the cocoon – only then will it transform itself into a colourful butterfly. It is this kind of struggle which strengthens us and brings out our true nature. Hence, accepting that sufferings are for our own growth is the first step in dealing with them. Sri Guruji – Swami Vivekananda says that sufferings have a great spiritual significance. He says that 90% of the sufferings are due to the karmic load accumulated over the past lives; 7% of them are opportunities to develop the divine qualities of Love, Patience, Forgiveness, Dutifulness and Selflessness; 3% of the difficulties are to test one’s dedication. Just as a coach trains the athletes through various strenuous exercises, so also God trains us by making us undergo several hardships. Hence, Sri Guruji says that the difficulties of life are to be considered as the ‘prasadam’ of God. Difficulties also make us introspect and thus lead to further improvement. Thus it was rightly said by Swami Vivekananda, “On a day when you do not come across any troubles, take it from me that you are on the wrong path”.
Sankata Deepa removes fear and instills the faith that through sadhana one can sail across the rough seas of sufferings towards the shore of bliss. The intensity of sufferings may be minimized, inner strength to bear the suffering may increase, help from unexpected quarters may completely solve our troubles - God’s grace can do wonders in many such ways! Just like the cry of a child draws its mother’s attention, so also the sincere sadhana of a devotee quickly attracts God’s grace.
Sankata Deepa is a satsang program conducted in the houses of devotees. Relatives and friends are invited. A representative of Divine Park leads through stotra recitation, bhajans and oath taking. Two coconuts (with husks) are placed in front of God – symbolizing the sweet bliss enclosed within the husk of karmic load. Collective prayers are offered by all the relatives and friends during the program. The sadhana should be continued for a period of at least 33 days.
As it is better to teach a man fishing rather than providing him a fish, so also Sankata Deepa shows the way to face any difficulties by inspiring people to take up the path of sadhana.
