Guru Purnima

गुरु ब्रह्मा गुरुर्विष्णु: गुरुदेव महेश्वर: ।

गुरु साक्षात्परब्रह्म तस्मैश्री गुरुवे नम: ।।

The full moon in the month of Ashad is observed as Guru-Purnima. However, this day is also known as Vyas Purnima. On this day Ved Vyas is remembered for his enormous contribution to ancient literature. Ved Vyas is credited with editing and arranging the four Vedas and also having written the eighteen Puranas, besides the Mahabharata.

In the times of the Gurkul, the Guru was paid respect on this day was literally worshipped and offered obeisance. A Guru in the Indian tradition is God on earth.

According to a shloka from Brahmanda Puran –

A Guru is Shiva sans his three eyes,
He is Vishnu sans his four arms
He is Brahma sans his four heads.
He is parama Shiva himself in human form

A Guru is not just who teaches you but to widen the scope of the word, s/he could also be someone who guides you through the different walks of life. S/he could be a friend, philosopher and guide. The Mahabharata refers to Dronacharya, Kripacharya and even Parshuram as Guru’s to different heroes, but wasn’t Krishna a Guru too? He guides Arjun during the war and delivers the great song of life, the Gita. Even today, modern day thinkers find relevance of what was said then in Gita then.

On this day, it is good to pay respects to all who have taught you and guided you through the journey of your life. Treat this as a Thanksgiving Day for your teachers and guides.

To conclude, many pseudo-spiritual gurus have changed the meaning and relevance of this day, but we don’t have to succumb to those attempts. Let us all identify our own Guru’s and pay respects, even if it means a silent wish for some, do so.