Let Your Digital Light Shine: Diwali Reflections on Technology and Love

1) Expansion is Love: Cultivating Universal Digital Connection  

The teaching states, "Expansion is Love. Expansion is the essence of Love. Love is God. Live in Love," and that light has no boundaries, prejudices or favorites.

●      Responsible Use: View technology and social media as a tool for enlargement and enclasping—a means to expand your circle of love and compassion beyond physical and geographical boundaries.

●      Actionable Application: Use your platforms to connect with and support diverse communities without prejudice ("mine and thine"). Share content that uplifts, unites, and promotes universal human values. Avoid creating or participating in exclusive or divisive digital echo chambers.

2) Overcoming Digital Egoism, Greed, and Fear. 

Sri Sathya Sai Baba warns that the tangles of fear, greed, egoism, and aggrandizement extinguish the spark of love.

●      Responsible Use: Be vigilant against the negative tendencies amplified by social media metrics.

●      Actionable Application:

○      Egoism: Do not equate your self-worth with the number of followers, likes, or comments you receive. Maintain humility and resist the urge for constant, aggressive self-aggrandizement.

○      Greed: Limit the excessive consumption of content (endless scrolling) and the chase for digital wealth or fame. Practice digital mindfulness to prevent technology from becoming a burden or a drag on your time and charity.

○      Fear (FOMO): Transcend the "fear of missing out" (FOMO) by realizing that true worth comes from your inner self (Brahman), not from outward possessions or online activities.

3) The Sequence of Action: God, World, Myself

The path of a spiritual seeker (Sadhaka) is defined by the sequence: God, first; the world, next; myself last. The reversed order ("myself first, the world next, God is last") means "God is lost."

●      Responsible Use: Apply this sequence to your digital priorities to ensure your actions are principled and service-oriented.

●      Actionable Application:

• God/Principle (First): Let every post, comment, and shared link be guided by ethical principles (Truth, Love, Right Conduct). Verify information and refuse to participate in spreading rumors or negativity.

• The World (Next): Use your platforms for selfless service (Seva). Share verified, helpful information; organize community support; or raise awareness for just causes.

• Myself (Last): Allocate minimal time for self-interest, entertainment, or purely personal promotion. Consciously limit digital consumption to prioritize meaningful, real-world duties and relationships.

4) Service (Seva) and Silence: Mindful Digital Conduct. 

The highest form of adoration is Seva (service) done in Love. The call is to celebrate through silent lighting of lamps and silent service through Love, not by exploding crackers to disturb the peace.

●      Silent Lighting: Before posting, pause and consider if your message is a "light" (constructive, peaceful, helpful) or an "exploding cracker" (trolling, aggressive commentary, spreading anger or noise).

●      Silent Service: Dedicate time to discreetly helping others online—offering emotional support, providing credible resources, or defending those being harassed—without seeking public acknowledgement or reward.

●      Duty without Attachment: In line with the Karma Marga (path of work), do your digital duty (e.g., sharing a positive message) and leave the rest to God—do not be overly concerned with the "fruits" of your activity, such as how many people see it or respond to it.

Celebrate Diwali by Digital Seva

Instead of noise or negativity, light lamps of encouragement, empathy, and responsible sharing. Let your online presence be a lamp that uplifts others. 

In essence

Use technology as a lamp of love—bright, pure, and unifying. Let your digital footprint shine with compassion, wisdom, and service.