A celebration of light
By: Nita Daw
Tags: Spirituality, Prison, Hindu Mythology, Diwali, Prison Reform

Today I attended a Hindu prayer session lead by the Hindu chaplain within the confinements of the prison walls in the South West region of UK.

I am so grateful for the women that volunteer each week to continue the traditions of their faith and culture. Hindu and Sikhs standing together, showing gratitude, sending warm wishes and blessings to those less fortunate than them.

In all my scepticism, I can accept that things are not always as bad as they appear to be, at least not on the surface. One can show gratitude regardless of the situation they may find themselves in.

Prisoners giving ‘prasad’ (a devotional offering of blessed food) to officers caught some stern faces by surprise. Women exchanging hugs gently asked the chaplain whether they could help set the table for the celebratory lunch.

I have always been moved by the interest shown by the English, as they gracefully show a willingness to learn about Indian culture. For a moment it was not prison. I suppose we are all prisoners of our own minds and this door is tightly shut when we stand in our own way.

I feel society’s view on ex-offenders is erroneous and with the help of the media, a rather damaging one. Rehabilitation is a revised terminology for punishment. As for a teacher in offender education I find puts one in position of great responsibility to society, taxpayers and the individual carrying out their sentence. A much greater responsibility which by far supersedes monetary value. Let us not forget that corporal punishment had only been abolished in 1986 within the education system. This is disturbing to me and unnerving to consider the measures taken for power and psychical order.

The celebration finished with singing and dancing in the style of ‘garba’; a traditional dance usually carried out during the Navratri period, celebrated in the previous month. This auspicious event is an expression of expanded consciousness showing gratitude to the divine. Harmonious cheer elevated from the circle of dance and joy filled the softly lit incandescent room.

I used to believe that our sins may never be forgotten (by us at least), therefore we must learn to forgive. For the past decade however I have been seeking something more, although more seems to be hidden amongst the shadows.

It is said in the Bhagvad-Gita that “Religion without philosophy is only a sentiment or sometimes fanaticism, while philosophy without religion is mental speculation.” Krishna says, “Those who overcome the impulses of lust and anger which arise in the body, are made whole and live in joy.” This is also a conditioning which takes personal effort to develop and master.

Just like me, these women had come from their own struggles. Just for this moment my feelings of despair had dissolved. There were no expectations, no prejudice, no resentment towards life and its unparalleled uncertainties.

The whole process is to understand the real position of the self in relation to the higher self. Hence these women today in a unity of spiritual harmony and good intention.

Obtaining more perhaps means taking a chance on oneself and to take the time to know thyself. Just as Krishna slayed the demons and brought light to the world, we too can conquer the inner self critic by recognising and illuminating the light within.

Happy Diwali