Guru Purnima-Serving the Guru

Again the scriptures guide the aspirant (1) Shvetashvatara Upanishad (6/23)  Advocates worship to the Guru in the same manner as the deity – God, to attain all there is to attain on the path of God-realization:Yasya deve para bhaktir yatha deve tatha gurau |Tasyaite kathitaa hi arthaaha prakashante mahatmanaha || (2) Bhagavad Gita (4/34)  The … Read more

Guru Purnima-Skanda Purana – Guru Gita

A famous verse known by heart by all Hindu children glorifies the Guru: Gurubrahma Guruvishnu Gururdevo Maheshwaraha |Guruhu sakshaat Parambrahman tasmai Shrigurave namaha || “The guru is Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh (Shiva), veneration to the Guru who is Parabrahman manifest.”The second line of the couplet does not literally mean that the Guru becomes Parabrahman – … Read more

Introduction of Guru Purnima

Devotional worship of the Guru – the preceptor – is one of the most touching and elevating features of the Hindu cultural tradition.  The auspicious moment of Vyaasa Poornima, chosen for observing this annual festival, is no less significant.  It was the great sage Vyasa, son of a fisherwoman, who classified the accumulated spiritual knowledge … Read more