Guru Purnima — Full Moon of the Guru
The Importance of a Guru
A Guru is accorded very prominent status in the Eastern philosophical tradition. Hindu scriptures lay down Maata (Mother), Pitha (Father), Guru (Teacher), and Deivam (God) as the steps for an individual’s spiritual progress. Several ancient scriptures hail Guru at par with God.
Guru is a Sanskrit that means, ‘One who shows light.’ Yes, the Guru banishes his student’s ignorance by lighting the lamp of knowledge. Vedas say that God created Gurus as he cannot come to us to teach each and everything. Students of ancient times would learn from the Guru by staying with him in his place. They will perform all services to the Guru and, while completing their studies, will express their gratitude by paying Guru Dakshana.
Guru Mantra
A popular Sanskrit sloka given below will help you understand the importance of the Guru.
GururBrahma GururVishnu GururDevo Maheshwaraha|
Guru Saakshaat ParaBrahma Tasmai Sri Gurave Namaha||
Meaning of Guru Mantra:
Guru is the Creator (Brahma), Guru is the Preserver(Vishnu), Guru is Destroyer(Maheshwara)
Guru is the absolute (singular) Lord, My humble Salutations to that Guru.
Guru Purnima
Guru Purnima falls on the full moon day of Ashadha month of the Hindu calendar. It generally occurs during July or August of the Gregorian calendar. Devotees and students offer fruits, sweets, or flowers to their Guru.
On Guru Purnima, Sage Veda Vyas is worshipped by the devotees and spiritual aspirants to progress spiritually.
Things to do on Guru Purnima
- Visit your teachers and ‘Gurus’ to pay your respects and gratitude by touching their feet.
- If your Guru has passed away, you can visit their Jeeva samadhi or pay floral tributes to their portrait.
- Some observe fast during Guru Purnima as a mark of respect to their Guru.
- One may chant the name of their Guru and meditate upon them.
What makes a Guru significant
As mentioned earlier, the Guru is accorded high importance in tradition. Shastras hail the devotion towards one’s Guru as Guru Bhakti, the faith towards God. The Vedic tradition treats the Guru as a form of God and refers to God as “Adi Guru,” the first Guru, and “Moola Guru,” the original Guru. Below are some reasons that make a Guru significant for spiritual growth.
- When a guru admits a disciple or student under their wing, they take full responsibility for their spiritual growth.
- The grace of a guru safeguards a disciple or devotee from different forms of dangers and protects them from being misled.
- A guru’s guidance helps a disciple traverse the spiritual path without difficulty.
- Guru’s grace has the power to mitigate the problems caused due to maleficent place of Navagrahs (the nine planets).
- A guru teaches the student to uphold discipline and dedication effectively in spiritual life.
- The master answers the doubts arising in the minds of the spiritual seekers.
- A Guru explains the real meaning behind the scriptures to the students.
- The grace of the Guru will help the disciples overcome their life obstacles.
- A guru’s training is required to differentiate between real and unreal things.
- The blessings of the Guru can help you attain both spiritual and material goals.
