Guru Purnima- Obeisance To All Gurus

 Many people are baffled with the meaning of “Guru.” Who is he? Do all of us need one? How do we get one? Is it really necessary to have a Guru? Should we go seeking for one?

“Guru” means a mentor, a teacher, a guide, a divine force that helps us move on the right spiritual path. He quenches our thirst for knowledge and with His radiance He illuminates our soul. Many people are blessed where the Guru walks into their lives and guides them. Maybe it was predestined from their previous lives. That is something we will never know. But what we do know that He is the only link to our Lord.

Now the question, is it necessary to have a Guru? Can everyone know everything? Can we all identify what is best for us? Do we know what are the negative characteristics that is causing our mind to deter and away from God? If you know these answers then I guess you don’t need one. 

On the full moon day of Ashad (Hindu month – July) is known as “Guru Purnima.” It is the birthday of the greatest Sage-Shri Maharishi Veda Vyasa. He compiled the four Vedas – Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, Atharva Veda and Sama Veda. He authored the Brahma Sutras, which contain the essence of Vedanta. He is known as Krishnadvaipayana, the son of Parasara. Then He also wrote the eighteen Puranas, including the deeply devotional Srimad Bhagavata. His aim was to help the simple–minded persons to understand and comprehend the deep meanings of the Vedas. To simplify the great teachings, he used legends, parables and many thought provoking anecdotes to help us open our minds.

Mahabharata was also graced by his wisdom and Lord Ganesh was his scribe when he dictated the epic to Him.During this season, it rains, giving new life to things. The sages traditionally stay at one place and engage in scriptural studies and contemplation. This period is called the Chaturmasya or literally the four months. Guru Purnima is the day from which this period commences.  The Guru of Gurus, Avadhuta Dattatreyaya is the son of Saptrishi Atri Muni and Ansuya. He is worshipped as Brahma-Vishnu-Mahesh in One. He regarded nature as his Guru. He spoke of his 24 Gurus, from each of whom He received knowledge. In transcending the Pancha Tattwas or five elements, He learnt patience from earth and forbearance, from the waters He learnt purity, from fire He learnt tapas (austerity) and self-knowledge, from the air He learnt to move without attachment, from the sky He learnt that the self is all-pervading. From the moon He learnt that the Self is eternal and unchanging, and it is only the mind that moves. From the Sun He learnt the nature of Brahman and the nature of duality.

In conclusion, we would like to say that we humbly bow and offer our obeisance to Maharishi Vyasaji, Lord Dattatreyaya and all the Gurus that have been born only to provide guidance and create a connection with the divine light. It is only with their Kripa (Mercy) that we will reach our final destination at the lotus feet of our Paramatma – Lord Shri Narayana/ Shri Hari/ Shri Krishna.