麻豆社

Good morning. Today, Hindus around the world are celebrating Diwali 鈥� the Festival of Lights. And this year with restrictions mostly relaxed, thankfully, this may involve visits to families and temples, and participation in community festivities. Diwali typically involves gifts, fireworks and lots of food, especially sweets. But, with the Hindu New Year starting tomorrow, it is also a time for looking ahead and making commitments.

Perhaps for many Hindus, it will be hard not to relate such reflection with the future of the planet and the pledges that are being made on behalf of the global community at COP26 - pledges such as: the stopping of deforestation, cutting methane emissions, and getting financial institutions to invest in a low-carbon economy. Such promises are encouraging 鈥� but as we know: making a promise is the easy bit. Keeping one鈥檚 promise is much more difficult. Many worry if the headline targets coming out of Glasgow will really be met?

The Bhagavad-gita categorises three types of commitment and resolve. Some people, it says, have unbreakable determination 鈥� they persevere because it鈥檚 the right thing to do regardless of what it asks of them. Others remain committed only as long as it suits their personal interests and circumstances. When the situation becomes challenging, they find an excuse to bow out. Then, there are those whose expression of commitment was never more than a mirage, a delusion they held about themselves being strong, fearless and capable.

The story behind Diwali tells of Ram鈥檚 efforts to rescue his kidnapped wife, Sita. Sita is described as the personification of divine love and is intimately connected with Mother Earth. In the text, Ram鈥檚 ally called Sugriva is chastised for delaying his pledge to help Ram save Sita. Sugriva is warned: 鈥淓ven the most earnest leaders may neglect their promises. But, one should fulfil one鈥檚 commitments 鈥� even at expense to oneself. And should do so before the due date 鈥� for to complete one鈥檚 vow at a later time, may prove worthless.鈥�

The Diwali story reminds Hindus that we are called to be heroes for our families, community, society and for the world. And, it says, real heroes don鈥檛 boast or offer empty promises 鈥� they deliver on their words. Any world leader making bold commitments during this fortnight to curtail disastrous climate change is, I think, to be commended. But the actual fulfilment of their pledges will require many more heroes, including future leaders along with the rest of us as global citizens acting together, committed with unbreakable determination to discharge those promises. Happy Diwali.

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