In today’s hyperconnected world, the glow of our screens has in many ways replaced the glow of lamps. Yet, Diwali reminds us that real light comes from within—from the intention behind every message, post, and click. As we navigate technology and social media, may we use these tools not to amplify ego or noise, but to spread light: kindness, knowledge, and service.
Light expands when shared, just like love.
Use technology to spread knowledge, kindness, and inspiration. What you post can ignite positivity in countless hearts without losing its power.
Light knows no boundaries, prejudices, or favorites.
On social media, let us rise above divisions of “mine vs. yours,” likes, or competition. Let our words and actions unify, not divide.
Keep God first, world next, self last.
In the digital world, this means:
● Prioritize truth and values (God)
● Share what benefits the community (world).
● Put ego and self-promotion last (self).
Choose your path wisely.
● Jnana (Knowledge): Seek and share truth online.
● Bhakthi (Devotion): Use tech with reverence and gratitude, as a tool for good.
● Karma (Action): Dedicate your online activity to service, not just self-gain.
Guarding the Inner Light
Sri Sathya Sai Baba reminds us that love loses its glow when consumed by fear, greed, or ego. On social media, these appear as self-promotion, endless scrolling, and the pressure to stay visible. By practicing digital mindfulness—sharing with purpose, pausing before reacting, and valuing truth over validation—we keep our inner light bright amid the noise of the online world.
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.
🪔 I will use technology to spread light, not darkness.
🪔 I will share with love, truth, and respect.
🪔 I will put values first, community next, and self last.
🪔 I will let my digital presence be a lamp of kindness and service.
✨ This Diwali, I choose to live and shine in love—online and offline. ✨