The Guru's Advice

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The Guru Purnima

>From Subhamoy Das,

Your Guide to Hinduism.

 

How to Observe the Day

At the Sivananda Ashram, Rishikesh, the Guru Purnima is

celebrated every year on a grand scale.

1. All aspirants awake at Brahmamuhurta, at 4 o'clock. They

meditate on the Guru and chant his prayers.

2. Later in the day, the sacred worship of the Guru's Feet is

performed. Of this worship it is said in the Guru Gita:

 

Dhyaana moolam guror murtih;

Pooja moolam guror padam;

Mantra moolam guror vakyam;

Moksha moolam guror kripa

 

"The Guru's form should be meditated upon; the feet of the Guru

should be worshipped; his words are to be treated as a sacred

Mantra; his Grace ensures final liberation".

3. Sadhus and Sannyasins are then worshipped and fed at

noon.

4. There is continuous Satsang during which discourses are

held on the glory of devotion to the Guru in particular, and on

spiritual topics in general.

5. Deserving aspirants are initiated into the Holy Order of

Sannyas, as this is a highly auspicious occasion.

6. Devout disciples fast and spend the whole day in prayer. They

also take fresh resolves for spiritual progress.

 

The Guru's Advice

Swami Sivananda recommends: "Wake up at Brahmamuhurta

(at 4 a.m.) on this most holy day. Meditate on the lotus feet of

your Guru. Mentally pray to him for his Grace, through which

alone you can attain Self-realisation. Do vigorous Japa and

meditate in the early morning hours.

 

"After bath, worship the lotus feet of your Guru, or his image or

picture with flowers, fruits, incense and camphor. Fast or take

only milk and fruits the whole day.

In the afternoon, sit with other devotees of your Guru and discuss

with them the glories and teachings of your Guru.

 

"Alternatively, you may observe the vow of silence and study the

books or writings of your Guru, or mentally reflect upon his

teachings. Take fresh resolves on this holy day, to tread the

spiritual path in accordance with the precepts of your Guru.

 

"At night, assemble again with other devotees, and sing the

Names of the Lord and the glories of your Guru. The best form of

worship of the Guru is to follow his teachings, to shine as the

very embodiment of his teachings, and to propagate his glory

and his message."