All Blogs · Theology Thursday ·Jul 10, 2023

Guru Purnima

Guru Purnima is a day to honor and express gratitude to our spiritual and academic gurus who guide us on the path of enlightenment and learning. It is an occasion to acknowledge the immense impact of teachers in our lives.

Indian academics celebrate this day by thanking their teachers as well as remembering past teachers and scholars.

Definition of Guru

'Gu' = darkness or ignorance

'ru' = dispeller

Translates to “dispeller of ignorance”

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Guru Purnima is celebrated in India, Nepal and Bhutan by Hiindus, Jains and Buddhists.

It is observed on the full moon day (Purnima) in the Hindu month of Ashadha (June-July).

The Great Sage Vyasa

Guru Purnima is dedicated to the great sage Vyasa, who is revered as a symbol of divine knowledge and wisdom. Vyasa is believed to have edited and compiled the four Vedas and authored the Mahabharata, making him a pivotal figure in Hindu scriptures.

Vyasa Puja is held at temples, where floral offerings and symbolic gifts are given away in his honour.

The festivities are usually followed by a feast for the shishyas (disciples), where the prasad is distributed.

Buddha’s Enlightenment

As per Buddhist tradition, the festival is celebrated in honor of the Buddha, who gave his first sermon on this day at Sarnath, India.

After attaining Enlightenment, the Buddha found his five former companions, and taught them the Dharmacakrapravartana Sūtra (the first sermon given by Buddha).

During Guru Purnima, monks generally remain in their temples. In some monasteries, they dedicate the day to intensive meditation.

Treenok Guha Purnima

In Nepal, Treenok Guha Purnima is a big day in schools. Students honor their teachers by offering delicacies, garlands, and special hats called topi made with indigenous fabric. Students often organize a celebration in schools to appreciate the hard work done by teachers.

Guru in Classical Arts

This holy festival is celebrated around the world by artists, where knowledge is passed down from teacher to student through personal guidance, mentorship, and spiritual teachings.

Students of Indian classical music & dance also follow the guru shishya parampara.

Guru Mantra

Gurur Brahma Gurur Vishnu Gurur Devo Maheshwaraha

Gurur Saakshaat Para Brahma Tasmai Sri Gurave Namaha

Interpretation

Guru is none other than Brahma - The creator, Vishnu - The sustainer and Shiva - The destroyer.

This is because the Guru creates, and sustains knowledge and destroys ignorance.

Through his guidance, he liberates the disciple from the ocean of samsara. For this, we bow down with humility and gratitude to the Guru.

Gratitude for Gurus

Guru Purnima is a day to express deep gratitude towards our gurus, acknowledging their selfless dedication, wisdom, and guidance. It reminds us to honor and value their teachings throughout our lives.

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