Guru Purnima (A Message of Gratitude)
A Message of Gratitude
Guru Purnima is a day to pause and give thanks. In the rush of modern life, we often forget to acknowledge those who guide, support, and shape us. This special day reminds us to express our gratitude to them.
As the Shloka goes:
Gurur Brahmā Gurur Viṣhṇuḥ Gurur Devo Maheśhvaraḥ
Guruḥ Sākṣhāt Paraṁ Brahma Tasmai Śhrī Gurave Namaḥ
Meaning in English:
The Guru is Brahma (the creator),
The Guru is Vishnu (the preserver),
The Guru is Shiva (the destroyer).
The Guru is truly the Supreme Brahman (ultimate reality).
I offer my respectful obeisance to that Guru.
This shloka shows the high status given to the Guru in Indian tradition. The teacher is seen as the embodiment of all divine powers and the one who leads us from ignorance to truth. Celebrated across India and parts of Asia, Guru Purnima honours teachers—both spiritual and worldly—who remove darkness from our lives and bring knowledge. The word guru in Sanskrit means “one who dispels darkness.” Purnima means the full moon, and this day falls on the full moon of Ashadha (June–July).
Origin
The origins of Guru Purnima can be traced back to ancient India and the Vedic era. One of the earliest references to the guru-disciple tradition is found in the Upanishads, where spiritual knowledge was passed from guru to shishya (disciple) through oral teachings. The guru was not merely a teacher of skills or facts, but a guide to life, inner realization, and spiritual freedom.
Guru Purnima is traditionally believed to mark the birth of the great sage Ved Vyasa, the author of the Mahabharata and the compiler of the Vedas. It is said that on this day, his disciples gathered to express their gratitude and reverence toward him. Since then, Guru Purnima has been celebrated to honour all gurus, starting with Ved Vyasa, who is often referred to as Adi Guru—the first and foremost guru in Indian tradition.
In the yogic tradition, this day is also sacred because it is believed to be the time when Lord Shiva, the Adiyogi (first yogi), became the first guru. He is said to have transmitted yogic knowledge to the Sapta Rishis (seven sages) on this full moon day. Hence, Guru Purnima is also seen as the day when the spiritual wisdom of yoga was first shared with humanity.
Tradition
Across India, people celebrate Guru Purnima in different ways:
Spiritual gatherings take place in ashrams and temples, with satsangs, bhajans, and discourses. Some people fast or observe silence.
Guru puja is performed to honour living teachers with flowers, hymns, and heartfelt devotion.
Many reflect inwardly through meditation and prayer, while others remember and pay tribute to gurus who have passed away.
And beyond…
In Indian culture, the word guru is not reserved only for monks or spiritual teachers. It is a flexible and deeply respectful term that can be used for anyone who imparts wisdom or moral guidance.
Parents are a child’s first gurus. They teach us life’s basics—how to speak, love,and live. In Indian scripture, they are respected like gods.
“Matru devo bhava, Pitru devo bhava’’ (Respect your mother and father as divine).Grandparents as Keepers of Tradition:Grandparents, especially in Indian joint families, often play the role of moral storytellers and cultural bearers. Their life experiences serve as a compass for the younger generations.On Guru Purnima, many families in India encourage children to touch the feet of their parents and grandparents, offer them sweets or flowers, and seek their blessings. This simple act of respect carries a deep cultural and emotional meaning.
Spiritual teachers, schoolteachers, mentors, coaches, and even inspirational figures: Many educational institutions mark this occasion by honouring their teachers with speeches, songs, and ceremonies. Students give thank-you notes and small tokens of love. In universities, seminars or lectures on the importance of learning and mentorship are held.
In today’s digital age, online gurus—authors, educators, motivational speakers—who shape our thoughts and decisions also fall into this broader definition. However, we should always think critically and avoid blindly following anyone, especially on social media. A good mentor or teacher, whether met in person or through their work, deserves gratitude.
Not to Forget:
Every person who teaches us something valuable becomes a guru in that moment. And every act of guidance is an act of love. So on this Guru Purnima, let us honour not just the sages of the past, but the everyday gurus of our present—our parents, grandparents, teachers, and all those who help us grow into better human beings.