Purnima means Full Moon. Guru Purnima is the Full Moon occurring in the month of Ashadha. It is dedicated to the spiritual path and Gurus who guide us on the way.
1. Why is this Full Moon so special?
This is the Full Moon that occurs after the Summer Solistice. This also signifies the advent of the Monsoon in India. Just as the rain drops falling on the ground create a reflection, this is a time for deep spiritual reflection. Just as the rain drops bring a vibrancy all around in nature, this is a time for us to renew our souls as well.
2. How does the Moon impact us?
The gravitational pull of the moon is responsible for tidal waves on Earth. Our body is also 60-70 percent water. Therefore, the Moon is the planet that rules our mind, emotions and hormones in astrology.
3. Why does this Full Moon impact us strongly?
This SuperMoon is almost 14000 miles closer to the Earth, than a typical Full Moon. This means that the tidal waves will be rising much higher than usual. This is an opportunity for us to elevate our mind, as the energies around us are supportive of this rise.
4. How does one get elevated?
The way to enlightenment and awakening can only be taught by a true Guru. Therefore, in India as per the Vedic principles, the Guru-Shishya parampara or Teacher-Student traditions are given the utmost importance.
5. Why is Guru Purnima celebrated today?
It is believed that Lord Shiva himself taught the Saptrishis (or the seven sages) about the yogic traditions on this day. Guru Purnima is also known as Vyasa Purnima as the great sage Ved Vyasa who wrote the Mahabharata, is believed to have first compiled the Vedas.
6. Why is the compiling of the Vedas significant?
The Vedas are the most ancient texts and considered as divine texts. They are believed to be the word of God himself. One acquired the knowledge of the Vedas (which were essentially mantras), ONLY through rigorous meditation. These learnings were passed on from Gurus to their disciples orally, for thousands of years. The sage who first understood the meaning of a mantra and widely propogated it, would be associated with that particular mantra. Ved Vyasa was the FIRST sage to compile the different mantras, in the written form.
7. What does Guru Purnima teach us?
a) The first learning is humility. We must accept that, we cannot acquire certain higher knowledge on our own.
b) The second learning is discipline. No spiritual knowledge can be acquired, without following a rigorous routine.
c) The third learning is gratefulness. We bow down to the Gurus, who taught us to elevate ourselves and made us a wiser person.
d) The last learning is selflessness. We must also pass on the knowledge that we acquired, when someone becomes worthy to understand it. It is our duty to guide others in their spiritual journey, as we were once guided
8. What can we do tonight, using the energies of the SuperMoon?
Today we can prepare ourselves better, by being mindful. As we wind down for the day, let us remember our Gurus and seek their blessings, as we journey on our spiritual path. Let us sit in silence, close our eyes and also bow down to the greatest Guru of all- GOD. Let us pray for the darkness in our minds to be dispelled, with the light of knowledge.
Relax. Reset. Revitalise.