What is Guru Purnima and how it is celebrated?
- Guru Purnima is a Hindu and Buddhist festival that is celebrated in honor of spiritual and academic teachers. It falls on the full moon day (Purnima) in the Hindu month of Ashadha (June-July). The word Guru is derived from Sanskrit and means “teacher” or “guide.” The festival is an opportunity for disciples to express their gratitude and devotion to their gurus.
- Guru Purnima is celebrated by performing puja (worship) and offering prayers to one’s spiritual or academic guru. Devotees fast and spend the day in meditation, chanting, and reading scriptures. It is also a day to reflect on the teachings and wisdom imparted by the guru, and to commit to following their guidance in life.
- In some ashrams and spiritual centers, disciples offer gifts or dakshina (monetary offerings) to their gurus as a token of their appreciation. Many communities organize cultural events and satsangs (spiritual gatherings) to celebrate Guru Purnima.
- In the Buddhist tradition, Guru Purnima is celebrated as a day to honor Gautama Buddha, who gave his first sermon on this day at Sarnath, India. It is also celebrated as a day to honor all Buddhist teachers and the teachings of Buddhism.
- Guru Purnima is celebrated by performing puja (worship) and offering prayers to one’s spiritual or academic guru. Devotees fast and spend the day in meditation, chanting, and reading scriptures. It is also a day to reflect on the teachings and wisdom imparted by the guru, and to commit to following their guidance in life.
- Overall, Guru Purnima is a day to honor the tradition of guru-shishya (teacher-disciple) relationship and to express gratitude for the guidance and teachings received from one’s gurus.