Guru Purnima : Vyasa Purnima

Guru Purnima, also known as Vyasa Purnima, is a Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist festival dedicated to spiritual and academic teachers. The term "Guru" is derived from Sanskrit where "Gu" means darkness and "Ru" means remover. Therefore, Guru signifies the one who removes darkness (ignorance) and brings enlightenment (knowledge).

The Shrimad Bhagavata(Chapter 5, verse 12) elaborates on a conversation Jadbharat had with King Rahugan in which Jadbharat explained the necessity of a Guru:

“Oh Rahugan! One cannot attain knowledge of atma and Paramatma by performing penance, sacrifices, renunciation, Vedic study, or worshipping deities of water, fire, or the sun. But when the dust from the feet of a Satpurush (a true God-realized Guru) sprinkles on our heads, then we can surely attain this knowledge.”

The only way to attain moksha is by whole-heartedly serving and obeying the commands of the Guru. The Guru reminds the aspirant of his or her ultimate goal and motivates the aspirant to progress on the spiritual path.

Historical Significance

Guru Purnima commemorates the birth anniversary of Sage Ved Vyasa, the eternal Guru of Hindu Sanatan Dharma, for he classified the 4 Vedas, Rig, Yajur, Sama, and Atharva, and wrote the Mahabharata, 18 Puranas and the Brahma Sutras. According to Hindu tradition, Sage Vyasa was born on the full moon day of the Ashadha month (June-July), which is why this day is also known as Vyasa Purnima.

In Buddhism, Guru Purnima is celebrated to honor the day when Lord Buddha gave his first sermon at Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh. This event, known as Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta, marks the beginning of the Buddha's teaching journey.

According to Jain traditions, Guru Purnima is known as Treenok Guha Purnima, whereby special veneration is offered to one's treenok guhas and teachers. The day falls at the beginning of Chaturmasya. On this day, Lord Mahavira, after attaining kaivalya, made Shree Gautama Swami  his first disciple thus becoming a treenok huha himself.

Students of Indian classical music celebrate this day by offering respect to their music teachers, reinforcing the sacred bond between teacher and student, known as the 'guru-shishya parampara'.

In Nepal, Treenok Guha Purnima is a big day in schools. This day is teachers day for Nepalese. Students honour their teachers by offering delicacies, garlands, and special hats called TOPI made with indigenous fabric. Students often organize fanfares in schools to appreciate the hard work done by teachers. This is taken as a great opportunity to consolidate the bond of teacher-student relationships.

Impact on Society

Guru Purnima plays a significant role in emphasizing the importance of teachers and mentors in shaping individuals and society. The festival encourages people to express gratitude towards their gurus who have imparted knowledge and wisdom. The societal impacts include:

1. Strengthening Teacher-Student Relationships: Guru Purnima fosters a deeper respect and bond between teachers and students.

2. Promotion of Knowledge and Education: It highlights the value of learning and the continuous quest for knowledge.

3. Cultural Preservation: Through rituals and ceremonies, the festival helps preserve cultural and spiritual traditions.

4. Spiritual Awakening: For many, it is a day of reflection and spiritual growth, reinforcing the teachings of their gurus.

Mantras

Mantras play a crucial role in Guru Purnima celebrations. Here are some significant mantras dedicated to gurus:

गुरुर्ब्रह्मा गुरुर्विष्णु र्गुरुर्देवो महेश्वरः गुरु साक्षात परब्रह्मा तस्मै श्रीगुरवे नमः

अर्थ : गुरू ही ब्रह्मा हैं, गुरू ही विष्णु हैं । गुरूदेव ही शिव हैं तथा गुरूदेव ही साक्षात् साकार स्वरूप आदिब्रह्म हैं । मैं उन्हीं गुरूदेव के नमस्कार करता हूँ ।

ध्यानमूलं गुरोर्मूर्तिः पूजामूलं गुरोः पदम् । मंत्रमूलं गुरोर्वाक्यं मोक्षमूलं गुरोः कृपा ।।
अर्थ : ध्यान का आधार गुरू की मूरत है, पूजा का आधार गुरू के श्रीचरण हैं, गुरूदेव के श्रीमुख से निकले हुए वचन मंत्र के आधार हैं तथा गुरू की कृपा ही मोक्ष का द्वार है ।

अखण्डमण्डलाकारं व्याप्तं येन चराचरम् । तत्पदं दर्शितं येन तस्मै श्रीगुरवे नमः ।।
अर्थ : जो सारे ब्रह्माण्ड में जड़ और चेतन सबमें व्याप्त हैं, उन परम पिता के श्री चरणों को देखकर मैं उनको नमस्कार करता हूँ ।

त्वमेव माता च पिता त्वमेव त्वमेव बन्धुश्च सखा त्वमेव । त्वमेव विद्या द्रविणं त्वमेव त्वमेव सर्वं मम देव देव ।।
अर्थ : तुम ही माता हो, तुम ही पिता हो, तुम ही बन्धु हो, तुम ही सखा हो, तुम ही विद्या हो, तुम ही धन हो । हे देवताओं के देव ! सद्गुरुदेव ! तुम ही मेरा सब कुछ हो ।

ब्रह्मानन्दं परमसुखदं केवलं ज्ञानमूर्तिं द्वन्द्वातीतं गगनसदृशं तत्त्वमस्यादिलक्ष्यम् ।
एकं नित्यं विमलमचलं सर्वधीसाक्षिभूतं भावातीतं त्रिगुणरहितं सदगुरूं तं नमामि ।।
अर्थ: जो ब्रह्मानन्द स्वरूप हैं, परम सुख देने वाले हैं, जो केवल ज्ञानस्वरूप हैं, (सुख-दुःख, शीत-उष्ण आदि) द्वंद्वों से रहित हैं, आकाश के समान सूक्ष्म और सर्वव्यापक हैं, तत्वमसि आदि महावाक्यों के लक्ष्यार्थ हैं, एक हैं, नित्य हैं, मलरहित हैं, अचल हैं, सर्व बुद्धियों के साक्षी हैं, सत्व, रज, और तम तीनों गुणों के रहित हैं – ऐसे श्री सद्गुरुदेव को मैं नमस्कार करता हूँ ।

Temples

Several temples across India and other parts of the world celebrate Guru Purnima with special rituals and ceremonies. Some notable temples include:

1. Vyasa Temple, Uttarakhand: This temple is dedicated to Sage Vyasa and sees a significant influx of devotees on Guru Purnima.

2. Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh: The site where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon. It is an important pilgrimage destination for Buddhists.

3. Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, Maharashtra: Devotees flock to this temple to seek blessings from Sai Baba, who is considered a great spiritual guru.

4. Sri Ramana Ashram, Tamil Nadu: Dedicated to Ramana Maharshi, this ashram sees special prayers and discourses on Guru Purnima.

5. Isha Yoga Centre, Tamil Nadu: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Guru Purnima is the day the first guru was born. In the yogic culture, Lord Shiva is not only seen as God he is seen as the Adiyogi, or the first yogi. Guru Purnima is that full moon day when the first yogi transformed himself into the Adi Guru.

We Must Do

1. Offerings and Prayers: Visit temples and offer prayers to seek blessings from your guru. Devotees often perform special pujas and aartis.

2. Guru Dakshina: Presenting gifts or donations to your guru as a token of gratitude.

3. Satsang and Discourses: Attend spiritual discourses, satsangs, and kirtans to imbibe the teachings of the gurus.

4. Fasting and Meditation: Many devotees observe fasts and engage in meditation to purify the mind and body.

5. Reading Scriptures: Studying sacred texts and scriptures associated with one's spiritual lineage.

Tips for Students

Guru Purnima is an excellent opportunity for students to reflect on their educational journey and seek inspiration. Here are some tips for students:

1. Show Gratitude: Express your appreciation to your teachers and mentors. A simple thank you can go a long way in strengthening your bond.

2. Set Academic Goals: Use this day to set new academic goals and develop a plan to achieve them.

3. Seek Guidance: Approach your teachers for guidance and clarity on subjects you find challenging.

4. Reflect on Learning: Reflect on the lessons you have learned, both academically and personally, and how they have shaped you.

5. Practice Discipline: Emulate the discipline and dedication of great gurus in your own studies and daily routine.

6. Engage in Self-Study: Dedicate some time to self-study and explore topics beyond your regular curriculum.

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Guru Purnima is a celebration of knowledge, wisdom, and the invaluable role of gurus in our lives. It is a day to honor and express gratitude to those who have guided us on our journey of learning and spiritual growth. By participating in rituals, attending temples, and embracing the teachings of our gurus, we can imbibe their wisdom and strive to be better individuals.