"On this day (Dipavali) we light thousands of lamps with a single lamp. We light many candles with the flame of a single candle. But, remember that only a burning candle can light other candles. An unlit candle cannot light other unlit candles. Only one who has earned wisdom can enlighten others who are in ignorance. One who is himself unillumined cannot illumine others, dwelling in the darkness of Maya (delusion). One must light one's own lamp from the Universal Light of Love and there from one can transmit illumination to all who seek and strive. All lamps shine alike, since they are all sparks of that Parama-Jyoti, the Universal Luminosity, that is God."
(Sai Baba, SSS. Vol. XI. dis. dtd 26-10-81, p. 182)
