The Significance of Guru Poornima

Today is Guru Poornima—an auspicious day in every truth seeker’s or devotee’s life. This is one of the most revered festivals to honor one’s spiritual master or teacher and is celebrated in India, Nepal, and Bhutan. So, on this auspicious day, let us understand the profound role of a true Guru in our lives and the significance of celebrating Guru Poornima.

“Guru” is derived from the Sanskrit syllables “gu” and “ru,” where “gu” means darkness or ignorance, and “ru” indicates dispeller. Therefore, a Guru is the dispeller of darkness and ignorance from our lives. When we are completely liberated from ignorance and realize the essence of who we truly are, we experience the state of Self–realization. But the true Guru doesn’t just stop there. He propels us further on the journey to being stabilized in that experience, for which he guides us to shed our past conditioning and surrender the ego.

It is a common myth that attaining self-realization is an impossible pursuit. Guru Poornima is one such opportunity to break this myth. It helps us understand that what we are currently experiencing is not the ultimate truth but an illusion. This can be called the illusory reality. Guru Poornima reminds us that self-realization is attainable, exemplified by the Guru’s attainment. The Guru thus becomes our role model and inspiration, making us genuinely bear faith in the divine potential to realize the ultimate truth. The Guru’s presence ignites faith within us, instilling the conviction that self-realization is indeed possible. Such is the transformative power of the Guru. Faith, along with unconditional love for the Guru, can make us like a magnet that can, in turn, attract divine vibes, purity, and, ultimately, Self-realization.

However, if we refuse to acknowledge this occasion of Guru Poornima as an opportunity to uplift ourselves spiritually, then we unknowingly shut the doors for self-realization for ourselves. Hence, the proper understanding of the role of a Guru in our life is crucial. It will deepen our thirst for the spiritual quest and stabilize us in the Self.

People often make assumptions based on their upbringing and whatever they have seen and experienced from childhood. Some say, “Women cannot attain self-realization in this lifetime, requiring a male rebirth.” Some say, “One needs to renounce the worldly way of life and become a recluse to attain Moksha or liberation,” or, “Moksha is possible only after death.” If we get entrapped in such myths, they manifest in our lives, shrouding our path to liberation. However, during this holy occasion, we can release faith in the ultimate truth and acknowledge that Self-realization is not a far-fetched goal but can be attained in this very world amid our relationships while living a productive life.

This allows us to appreciate the significance of the Guru’s profound role in our lives! The Guru’s mere presence can manifest wonders in our lives, but more importantly, it guides us to fulfill our real-life purpose—stabilizing us in our true nature.

Guru Poornima is an occasion to elevate our potential and possibilities. This occasion is of greater significance for us, more than it is for the Guru! Hence, it can be rather called the Shishya Poornima—the festival for shishyas (seekers of the ultimate truth). As devotees and disciples, let us explore and maximize the purpose of this sacred occasion!

~ Based on the teachings of Sirshree