Today it’s 3rd July – Guru Purnima!. Guru Purnima is celebrated in honor of great sage Vyasa’s birthday. He was the ancient saint who wrote 18 Puranas, the Mahabharata, and the Srimad Bhagavata and compiled the four Vedas.
Hence, Guru Purnima is also known as a Vyasa Purnima. Vyasa is being described in Gita as a ‘Vyasa Vishal Buddhe’ means Vyasa with vast intellect. Sage Vyasa is known to be the Adi (original) Guru of the Hindu religion.
It is the day for the commencement of study of the scripture, which can enlighten the self or can help for the realization of the absolute. From holy Guru Purnima or this particular full moon day seekers of the truth, monks specially are supposed to observe “Chatur masa Vrata”, means vow for Four months during that period one is to undertake study of scriptures, especially Brahma Sutra, Upanishads and Gita (that is known as prasthantraya) and do introspection.
Guru Purnima is not the festival to offer garland to the Guru or presenting a few coins or good clothes. It is the festivity to adhere to the total purity, truth and character. Having absolute faith in Supreme and the form of Him.
On this day is of deep significance to the farmers, for it heralds the setting in of the much-needed rains, as the advent of cool showers usher in fresh life in the fields. It is a good time to begin your spiritual lessons.
Traditionally, spiritual seekers commence to intensify their spiritual ‘sadhana’ from this day.
The period ‘Chaturmas’ (“four months”) begins from this day. In the past, wandering spiritual masters and their disciples used to settle down at a place to study and discourse on the Brahma Sutras composed by Vyasa, and engage themselves in Vedantic discussions.
Dhyaana moolam guror murtih;
Pooja moolam guror padam;
Mantra moolam guror vakyam;
Moksha moolam guror kripa
“The Guru’s form should be meditated upon; the feet of the Guru should be worshipped; his words are to be treated as a sacred Mantra; his Grace ensures final liberation”.
