Guru Purnima

"Gurur Brahma Gurur Vishnu Guru Devo Maheswara;

Gurur Sakshat Para Brahma Thasmai Sri Gurave Namaha"

Guru is Brahma, Guru is Vishnu, and Guru is Maheswara. In this world, everything is a manifestation of Divinity. All are the embodiments of Divinity. In fact, all that we see is nothing but the Divine Cosmic Form (Viswa Virat Swarupa).

Today is Guru Purnima. 

Guru Purnima is celebrated on the Full Moon Day (Purnima) of the Hindu Calendar Month 'Aashad'. It is celebrated by worshipping our Spiritual Guru. It is one of the most sacred festival in India and the day is considered to be extremely auspicious and holy day. 

It is also known as Vyas Purnima in remembrance of Sage Ved Vyasa, the Guru who wrote the great epic 'Mahabharat'. Sri Ved Vyasa  was born on this day. He completed the codification of the four Vedas on this day and also completed the writing of the eighteen puranas on this day. It was also on this day that the Buddha attained enlightenment and taught his disciples. Hindus and Buddhists both celebrate this day. 

In our great tradition, a unique place as high and equal to God has been given to the Guru (the spiritual teacher). A Guru is necessary in our path towards spiritual progress. The real purpose of the celebration of  Guru Purnima is to express our gratitude to our own Guru. It dates back to the ancient times of gurukuls or ashrams where students use to get their education. On this day students visit their Gurus in order to show respect to them with gifts of coconuts, clothes and sweets. These gifts are called 'Gurudakshina'. Saints, monks and men of God are honoured and entertained with acts of charity with deep faith and sincerity. So worshipping a Guru is like worshipping truth & knowledge. Devotees from all over gather at ashrams, matha or place where the seat of Guru,Guru Gaddi exists. Paduka Pujan, worshipping of Guru's sandals is performed by devotees. Devotees sing bhajans and do special kirtan sessions on the day. 

The period Chaturmas (the “four months”) begins from this day; Sannyasins stay at one place during the ensuing four rainy months,engaging in the study of the Brahma Sutras and the practice of meditation. They live on milk and fruit on this day and practise rigorous Japa and meditation. 

Lord Dattatreya, regarded as God and the Guru of Gurus, considered NATURE Herself as His Guru, and learnt a number of lessons from Her 24 creatures, and hence he is said to have had 24 Gurus. 

"Guru" means the one who dispels ignorance i.e. the Guru is the teacher who removes the fundamental ignorance, which hides the knowledge of the Divine Truth from us. A qualified spiritual master is essential to learn self-realization. A real Guru imparts gynana (true knowledge) and teaches how to raise one's consciousness beyond material physical boundaries. He teaches meditation to attain real peace of mind, true self-knowledge, eternal happiness, liberation from karmas, develop true love for God. 

Guru Purnima signifies the elimination of all darkness and evil from the mind. On this day, one should try to transform one's heart making it pure and sacred. The realisation of that wholeness is the real Guru Purnima.  Thus Guru Purnima is an occasion for cleaning the mind to make it absolutely pure. One should resolve today to turn our thoughts to God; to strive for the purification of our own heart and to seek self-realization. As long as the mind is filled with darkness (evil thoughts) there is no meaning in celebrating Guru Poornima. The real significance of Guru Purnima does not consist in worshipping the Guru with some offerings, but in getting rid of the darkness of ignorance. "Purnima" refers to the full moon, but the full symbolizes the mind filled with delight. There is a close association between the mind and the moon.

Wishing All A "Divine Guru Purnima" May our Guru's blessings be upon us! May we cut the knot of ignorance and shine with peace, joy and light everywhere !

OM SAI RAM