The Guru's Advice

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The Guru PurnimaFrom Subhamoy Das,Your Guide to Hinduism.How to Observe the DayAt 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 AdviceSwami 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."