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Spirituality:
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Gurupurnima Mahotsava
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"The full moon day in the Hindu month of Ashad (July-August) is observed as the auspicious day of
Guru Purnima, a day sacred to the memory of the great sage Vyasa. All Hindus are indebted to this ancient
saint who edited the four Vedas, wrote the 18 Puranas, the Mahabharata and the Srimad Bhagavata.
Vyasa even taught Dattatreya, who is regarded as the Guru of Gurus."
Guru Purnima is the day when the disciple wakes up and expresses gratitude. The purpose of the Guru Purnima
(or Poornima) celebration is to review the preceding year to see how much one has progressed in life,
to renew one's determination, and to focus on one's progress on the spiritual path.
Guru Puja (literally "worship of the guru") the practice of worshiping the guru through the making of
offerings and requesting inspiration from the guru. Vows and commitments made by the disciple or chela,
which might have lost their strength, are renewed.
"God is the lord of all creation. After offering to Him, enjoy only that which is left over by Him. Do not
rob what belongs to others."
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The day of full moon, Purnima, in the month of Ashadh of the Hindu calendar is traditionally celebrated as
Guru Purnima (IAST: Guru Pūrṇimā, sanskrit: गुरु पूर्णिमा) by Hindus. On this day, devotees offer puja (worship) to
their Guru.
The day of full moon, Purnima, in the month of Ashadh is traditionally celebrated as Guru Purnima by Hindus.
Also known as Vyas Purnima, the day is celebrated in remembrance and veneration to sage Ved Vyas. He is the
Adi (original) Guru of the Hindu Dharma, who classified the Vedas, wrote the eighteen Puranas and the
Mahabharat. On this day, the Guru is offered Pujan (worship)by the disciples. First we shall consider the
role of a Guru in life.
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Sri Vyasa has done unforgettable service to humanity for all times by editing the four Vedas,
writing the eighteen Puranas, the Mahabharata and the Srimad Bhagavata. We can only repay the
deep debt of gratitude we owe him, by constant study of his works and practice of his teachings
imparted for the regeneration of humanity in this iron age. In honour of this divine personage,
all spiritual aspirants and devotees perform Vyasa Puja on this day, and disciples worship their
spiritual preceptor. Saints, monks and men of God are honoured and entertained with acts of charity
by all the householders with deep faith and sincerity. 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.Mark fully the deep significance
of this great day. It heralds the setting in of the eagerly awaited rains.
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The water drawn up and stored as clouds in the hot summer now manifests in
plentiful showers that usher in the advent of fresh life everywhere. Even so, all begin seriously
to put into actual practice all the theory and philosophy that have been stored up in them through
patient study. Aspirants commence or resolve to intensify with all earnestness, their practical
spiritual Sadhana right from this day.
Generate fresh waves of spirituality. Let all that you have read, heard, seen and learnt become
transformed, through Sadhana, into a continuous outpouring of universal love, ceaseless loving
service, and continuous prayer and worship of the Lord seated in all beings.
Live on milk and fruit on this day and practise rigorous Japa and meditation. Study the Brahma
Sutras and do Japa of your Guru Mantra, during the four months following the Guru Purnima.
You will be highly benefited.
The day of worship of one’s preceptor, is a day of pure joy to the sincere spiritual
aspirant. Thrilled by the expectation of offering his reverent homage to the beloved Guru,
aspirants await this occasion with eagerness and devotion. It is the Guru alone that breaks
the binding cords of attachment and releases the aspirant from the trammels of earthly existence.
The Srutis say: "To that high-souled aspirant, whose devotion to the Lord is great and whose
devotion to his Guru is as great as that to the Lord, the secrets explained herein become illuminated”.
Guru is Brahman, the Absolute, or God Himself. He guides and inspires you from the innermost core of your
being. He is everywhere.
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Have a new angle of vision. Behold the entire universe as the form of the Guru. See the guiding
hand, the awakening voice, the illuminating touch of the Guru in every object in this creation.
The whole world will now stand transformed before your changed vision. The world as Guru will
reveal all the precious secrets of life to you, and bestow wisdom upon you. The supreme Guru,
as manifested in visible nature, will teach you the most valuable lessons of life.
From this day of Guru Purnima, make your hearts sacred. Just as you wave away the mosquitoes
that bite you, brush aside any difficulties that assail you. Do not be depressed by sorrow
nor be elated by happiness. Develop equanimity and strive to attain Divinity.
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"Satchidananda alone is the Guru. If a man in the form of a guru awakens spiritual consciousness in you, then know for certain that it is God the Absolute who has assumed that human form for your sake. The guru is like a companion who leads you by the hand."
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