As per Vrat Chandrika chapter 12, Guru Purnima is celebrated on Aashad Purnima, remembering Bhagwan Ved Vyas.
As per Mahabharat Adi Parva 104.15, Ved Vyas expounded on the 4 Vedas-Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda and Atharvaveda and hence were given the title of ‘Vyas.’ Since he was of dark complexion hence he was called Krishna Dwaipayana. Dwaipayana because as per Mahabharat Adi Parva 63. 86, he was left at Yamuna Islands (}hi). He has been called one of the first Gurus and the practice is, that we take blessings and honour the Gurus or masters in our lives.
Meaning of Guru:-
As per Advayataraka Upanishad
xq’kCnLRoU/kdkj% L;kr~ #’kCnLrfUujks/kd%A
vU/kdkjfujksf/kRokr~ xq#fjR;fHk/kh;rsAA
Meaning- ‘GU’ means Darkness and ‘RU’ means who removes it hence Guru is the person who removes us from Darkness. Hence we should bow down to Guru on this day.
This day is very important to those who believe in the Guru-Shishya tradition. Narayan is known to be the Adi Guru and this tradition has continued to be passed on through lineage beginning from Bhagwan Narayan.
The lineages of enlightened masters in India who have protected and shared the highest knowledge across myriad subjects about the material as well as ethereal pursuits for the benefit of humanity since generations have been honoured in India since time immemorial, and that is what Guru Purnima is all about.
The Guru-Shishya (Master-Disciple) tradition is how every civilization in India ensured that they have access to knowledge that can uplift human health, enrich the human mind and advance learning.
Every Guru from a lineage (parampara) has made the eternal knowledge relevant and meaningful to the generation of their times. Great scriptures have come out of them, and the Gurus in every tradition have had impressive personas and traits. Remembering them and honouring them enlivens their qualities in us, even if for a brief time.
Story from Guru Geeta
One day, when Lord Shiva was immersed in worship, Goddess Parvati saw him bowing down. Seeing this, she asked, “You are the Supreme Consciousness. Who are you bowing down to?”
Shiva replied, “Dear Parvati, it is to the all-pervading Guru tattva that I bow down.” Guru Geeta comprises the many beautiful verses that follow in this conversation where Lord Shiva explains the Guru Principle and talks about the fortune of having a Living Master or a Guide in one’s life.
Acharya and Guru are not the same
There is a difference between an Acharya and a Guru. A teacher gives information about subjects but a Master transforms the life of the disciple or the student. He shares spiritual wisdom with those who seek to know, he also guides and leads the devotee to the final goal of liberation and perfection.
Guru of our times
One of the most revered spiritual masters of our times is Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, a pride of India who has successfully taken India and Indian wisdom of yoga, meditation and spirituality to over 500 million in the world, bringing a visible transformation in their lives through wisdom born from this land. They are stress-free, happy and willing to contribute in the betterment of humanity, in the footsteps of their Guru. His volunteers and devotees spanning 180 countries have been actively working in areas of education, running 1262 free schools across India; environmental conservation and reforestation, having planted 81.2 million trees in 36 countries and revived 72 rivers and tributaries in India that benefits 35 million people; transformed the lives of 8,00000 prisoners; provided skills training to 3.1 lakh rural youth and counting.
Signs of a Master
Gurudev talks about the signs of a master-“When you are in the presence of an enlightened Guru or Master, knowledge flourishes; sorrow and lack diminishes, joy wells up without any reason; abundance dawns; and all the talents manifest. To the degree you feel connected to the Guru, these qualities manifest in life.”
He also mentions that Guru Purnima is the day of the devotee or the seeker, for them to reflect on the last year and see how they have grown in their chosen paths, and how they have stabilized.
