Most people sleepwalk through life without any inkling of why they are here on earth. But a lucky few do discover the purpose of their life and fulfill it. When they finally leave the earth, they do so with peace and contentment of having lived the life they were meant to live. It is quite possible that such people had a Guru to lead them on the right path. 

For example, take a student who is confused about her choice of career. Her parents may want her to become a doctor or engineer, but she is not certain if she is cut out for it. But her teacher, who knows her aptitude and talents well, may suggest something different. Let us say that the girl is an excellent athlete. The teacher may guide her to follow her passion. In the process, she becomes a world-famous athlete and brings prestige and glory to her country and her family. Without the teacher’s guidance, she may not have achieved all this. 

The Guru plays a similar role in our lives. He guides us towards self-realization. He helps us focus on our goals without being distracted. He guides us to find the right path. He helps us to evolve spiritually as human beings and realize God. 

The story below illustrates the function of a Guru in human life. 

The Guru Who Was Never Satisfied

Once a Guru gave his disciple a piece of rock and asked him to carve a beautiful idol. The disciple took great efforts and made a beautiful idol. But when he gave it to the Guru, the latter said it was ugly and broke it into pieces. The disciple was shocked and disappointed. Then the Guru gave him another rock and asked him to carve another idol. This time, he took even more pains to carve the idol. Thinking it was perfect and that the Guru would be happy, he took it to him. But the same thing happened again. This happened a few more times. Each time, the disciple was very upset and dejected by the Guru’s harsh criticism. Finally, the disciple took his latest idol to the Guru. The reaction was the same, but this time the disciple was calm and smiling because he had learned to surrender to his Guru’s will. On realizing this, the Guru was very happy and embraced him. It was the moment the disciple attained self-realization. 

This story reveals that patience is an essential quality for spiritual seekers. To attain enlightenment, one has to renounce the ego totally. The Guru subjects us to many tests to see if we have patience, commitment, and surrender and if we have the strength and willpower to overcome hurdles. The Guru knows that without spiritual power, maturity and compassion, one cannot complete the spiritual journey successfully. 

History of Guru Purnima

In Indian culture, Gurus are like the Gods themselves. Guru Purnima is a festival that celebrates and honors all Gurus. This day also has manifold meanings for Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains.

It is also called Vyasa Purnima as it is the birthday of Sage Veda Vyasa, who wrote the Mahabharata and compiled the Vedas. 

On this day, Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment under the Bodhi tree.

The Jains’ spiritual leader and 24th Tirthankara, Mahavira, also gained his first follower, Gautam Swami, on this day. 

It is also believed that on Guru Purnima, the Adi Guru or Lord Shiva taught the seven sages or Sapta Rishis. 

Guru Poornima is on the full moon day (Poornima) in Ashadha month, which corresponds to June-July in the Gregorian calendar. 

How to celebrate Guru Purnima

∙ Wake up at Brahmamuhurtham and take a bath.

∙ Make offerings to Veda Vyasa and your Guru. The Mantra, “Gururbrahma Gururvishnu Gururdevo Maheshwaray, GururSakshat Parabrahma, Tasmai Shri Namah” is chanted.

∙ Visit your teachers and Gurus and pay your respects by touching their feet.

∙ Observe fast to seek the Guru’s blessings.

∙ Donate clothes and food to Brahmins and the poor.

∙ Read or listen to the Guru’s teachings.

∙ Do meditation. 

Significance of Guru Purnima

Guru Poornima reminds us of the importance of being grateful to our Gurus. Our Gurus give us knowledge and wisdom. They teach us to be good human beings. They help us to realize God. The Guru is one who removes the darkness of ignorance from our lives and shows us the truth behind worldly illusions or Maya. He is the guide who accompanies us on our spiritual journey. For all these reasons, Gurus have great significance in our lives.