Guru Purnima: Honoring The Eternal Blessings of Guru

Guru, the dispeller of darkness, is a guiding light, enlightening our lives with divine wisdom, sacred guidance, and selfless love.

The sacred presence and direction of a Guru helps us overcome life’s biggest challenges and find our true connection with the divine light.

Guru Purnima is celebrated as a virtuous occasion to remember and express gratitude to the mentors and guides in our lives.

This year, the entire world will celebrate Guru Purnima on 10th July, the full moon of the Ashada month (June-July) according to the Hindu Calendar.

Let’s understand the history behind this occasion and learn more about the significance of the sacred bond of Guru-Shishya.

History and Origin of Guru Purnima

The origin of Guru Purnima lies deep in Hindu and Buddhist traditions. As per Hinduism, Guru Purnima is celebrated to honor the birth of the revered sage Vyasa, the author of the sacred Mahabharata, Veda, and Puranas.

Guru Purnima is also called Vyasa Purnima, as millions of devotees express gratitude to the sage Vyasa for sharing the spiritual wisdom.

In the yogic tradition, it is believed that on this day, Lord Shiva began his teachings to the seven sages or Saptarishis.

According to Buddhist traditions, on the divine day of Guru Purnima, Lord Buddha gave his first sermon at Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, after attaining enlightenment.

The Guru Shishya Parampara- A Sacred Bond

In India, the Guru-Shishya Parampara, a bond between the teacher and the student, has been the foundation for transmitting knowledge.

The Guru is the guiding light who dispels the darkness of ignorance and illuminates the disciple’s path with the grace of truth, wisdom, and liberation.

The Shishya, in return, offers devotion and surrender, following the Guru’s teachings with unshakeable faith.

From Arjuna receiving guidance from Lord Krishna to Eklavya offering his thumb in devotion and surrender to Guru Dronacharya, the lineage of Gurus and Shishyas has shaped history, culture, and society.

The relationship between a Guru and disciples is sacred and divine and cannot be described in a few words or verses. It is deeply spiritual, emotional, and transformative.

Significance of Guru in One’s Life

The word Guru is derived from Sanskrit, where ‘Gu’ means darkness and ‘Ru’ means remover.

A Guru is the remover of darkness, the one who guides you to awaken your dormant potential through the practice of spirituality and the method of meditation. On the path of yoga and spirituality, the Guru is often regarded as even greater than God, for without the Guru, one cannot recognize or reach the Divine. This timeless truth is beautifully expressed in the verses:

‘’Guru Brahma, Guru Vishnu, Guru Devo Maheshwara,

Guru Sakshat Param Brahma, Tasmi Shri Gurave Namah’’

The meaning of this verse is, the Guru is Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. The Guru is verily the supreme absolute. I offer my salutations to that Guru.

How To Celebrate and Honor Your Guru on Guru Purnima?

On Guru Purnima, devotees perform a series of rituals, celebrations, and reflections to express their gratitude for their Guru. Many visit the spiritual places, observe a fast, and dedicate their day to prayer and meditation.

Traditionally, disciples visited their Gurus and idols to seek blessings on Guru Purnima. As we evolve into a modern society, it’s time to change how we celebrate Guru Purnima.

Along with the worship of the Guru and rituals of fasting and other spiritual practices, let’s honor our Guru’s teachings in the form of actions.

The disciples of Dera Sacha Sauda celebrate the divine occasion of Guru Purnima with the welfare acts of Tree plantations, blood donation, and free medical camps for the needy to honor the teachings of their Guru, Saint Dr Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Ji Insan.

Taking care of the economically underprivileged, volunteers distribute monthly rations to destitute families, along with toys, stationery, and sweets to underprivileged children. They also set up cool drinking water stalls for passersby in their respective blocks to mark this sacred day.

Their actions serve as a humble tribute to their Guru’s teaching: ‘Serving mankind is serving God’—a timeless truth that has resonated through the ages.

Let’s Bow Down to The Givers of Light

In a world increasingly driven by material success, the guidance of the Guru is more vital than ever.

Whether it’s a spiritual master, a teacher, or a parent, the Guru brings clarity when there is confusion, hope when there is despair, and purpose when there is doubt.

As we celebrate Guru Purnima, let us bow in gratitude, have faith in our Guru’s teachings, and commit to following the path led by our teachers with humility, devotion, and purpose.

Happy Guru Purnima.