Happy Guru Purnima: Celebrating the Enlighteners of Our Lives
Today marks the auspicious occasion of Guru Purnima, celebrated on the full moon day of Ashadh Shukla. This day is dedicated to honoring our teachers and spiritual guides who illuminate our paths with knowledge and wisdom through Gayatri, Diksha, and the recitation of Vedic mantras.
The Essence of Guru Purnima
The word 'Guru' is derived from two syllables: 'Gu' meaning darkness, and 'Ru' meaning light. A Guru, therefore, is one who dispels the darkness of ignorance with the light of knowledge. This profound concept is rooted in the ancient texts of Tantra Shastra and Dharmashastra, highlighting the revered status of the Guru in our spiritual traditions.
In our scriptures, a Guru is venerated as an embodiment of the trinity of Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the preserver), and Maheshwar (the destroyer). This is beautifully encapsulated in the following shloka:
| Gururbrahma Gururvishnu Gururdevo Maheshwar: Guru: Sakshat Par Brahma Tasmai Shri Gurve Nam: |
Just as parents are considered deities, the Guru holds a divine status, often encapsulated in the phrase 'Acharya Devo Bhava,' which means 'the teacher is God.'
The Legacy of Veda Vyasa
Guru Purnima also commemorates the birth of Veda Vyasa, the sage who classified the Vedas into four parts: Rig Veda, Yajurveda, Sama Veda, and Atharva Veda. Born on this day, Vyasa's contributions to Indian spiritual literature are unparalleled, including his monumental work, the Mahabharata, often referred to as the Fifth Veda.
Vyasa's teachings are timeless, imparting the essence of dharma (righteousness) and humanity through the Puranas and Upa Puranas. His words resonate with the message:
| Ashtadasa Puraneshu Vyasasya Vachan Dvayam. Paropkar Punyaya, Papaya Parpidanam. |
This translates to the idea that doing good to others is a virtue (punya), while causing harm to others is a sin (papa).
Celebrations Amidst Challenges
Traditionally, Guru Purnima is marked by various ceremonies and programs in schools and organizations to pay homage to teachers. This year, however, public celebrations are subdued to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Despite the constraints, the spirit of Guru Purnima remains undiminished as we find ways to honor our Gurus from the safety of our homes.
Conclusion
Guru Purnima is not just a day of celebration but a reminder of the invaluable contributions of our teachers in shaping our lives. It is a day to express our gratitude and reverence towards those who guide us through the complexities of life with their wisdom and knowledge.
Let us take a moment today to thank our Gurus for their unwavering support and guidance. Happy Guru Purnima to all!
