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Guru Poornima Pooja - Full Moon Day - July 10 -11, 2006 at Manasa Sarovar The guru is nothing but pure Consciousness, absolute Bliss, and eternal Wisdom. - Swami Chinmayananda "Na karmanaa, na prajyaa dhanena It is not through actions, progeny or wealth but through renunciation alone that immortality is attained. The annual function of Sri Guru Pooja presents a moment of introspection for us to check up how far we have progressed in this path over the last one year, and take lessons from it and resolve to march faster in the current year. “Yasya deve paraa bhaktir yathaa deve tatha gurau Tasyaite kathitaa hy arthah Prakasante mahatmanah, prakasante mahatmanah” – Svetasvatara Upanishad “These truths which have been declared here (in these scriptures) shine forth to the high-souled one (mahatma) who has the highest devotion for God and for his spiritual teacher (Guru) as for God. Yes they shine forth to the high-souled one”. In our great tradition, a unique place as high and equal to God has been given to the spiritual teacher (Guru). It is emphatically stated in our scriptures that the guidance of a Guru is essential in our path towards spiritual progress. Guru poornima is an occasion for cleaning the mind to make it absolutely pure. As long as the mind is filled with darkness (evil thoughts) there is no meaning in celebrating Guru Poornima.
The group performed Rudrabhisheka and Homa and chanted Ganesha Vashirsham, Shiva ashtotharam, Rudram, Chamakam, Purusha Suktham, Durga Suktham, Shanti Panchakam and Mantra Pushpam under the guidance of Mr. Rajagopalan. Guru Poornima, one of Owing to the passage of time Vyasa Purnima came to be called Guru Purnima. The real purpose of the celebration of Sri Guru Purnima or Sri Vyasa Purnima is to express our gratitude to the great Master Sri Veda Vyasa along with the one's own Guru.
Who is a true Guru? What is the truth underlying the Guru principle? Is he the one that teaches worldly education? Is he the one that explores the properties of matter, a Guru? Is he the one that describes in detail Natural Sciences, a Guru? No, they are only mere teachers, not gurus. In another sense, the term "Guru" means one who dispels ignorance i.e. the Guru is the teacher who removes the fundamental ignorance, which hides the knowledge of this truth from us. In fact, A true Guru is the embodiment of Brahmaanandha (transcendental bliss). A true Guru is one who enjoys and confers changeless supreme happiness. Thus a true Guru is necessary to make us understand the formless and attribute less Divinity.
"Gurur Brahma Gurur Vishnu Guru Devo Maheswara; Gurur Sakshat Para Brahma Thasmai Sri Gurave Namaha"
Guru is Brahma, Guru is Vishnu, and Guru is Maheswara. In this world, everything is a manifestation of Divinity. All are the embodiments of Divinity. In fact, all that we see is nothing but the Divine Cosmic Form (Viswa Virat Swarupa). The poornima or the full moon day has been fixed for revering him, for; the effect of the knowledge is to put an end to scorching agony and to shed cool comfort on the mind of man. Mahatmas and Sadhus are also honoured and entertained, and acts of charity done by all Grihastis with deep faith and sincerity. Mark fully the deep significance of this great day. Ashada Purnima heralds the Chaturmasa, or the setting in of the eagerly awaited rains. The water, drawn up and stored as clouds in the hot summer, now manifests in plentiful showers that usher in the advent of fresh life everywhere. Sadhus, Rishis and Sanyasis have to stay at one place and do all their rites i.e. religious ceremonies for four months commencing from "Guru Poornima". During these four months, Sannyasins stay in one place and study the Brahma Sutras, and also practise meditation. What is real Guru Poornima day? Is it simply the full moon day in the month of Ashada? This is the common view. But the great ones have given other meanings to it. One meaning is that it was on this day Vyasa began writing the Brahma Sutra. It was also on this day that the Buddha attained enlightenment and taught his disciples. For these reasons, the day is known as Guru poornima. On this day, one should try to transform his heart making it pure and sacred. The realisation of that wholeness is the real guru Poornima. One should resolve today to turn his thoughts to God; to strive for the purification of his heart and to seek self-realization. The real significance of Guru poornima does not consist in worshipping the guru (preceptor) with some offerings, but in getting rid of the darkness of ignorance. "Poornima" refers to the full moon, but the full symbolizes the mind filled with delight. There is a close association between the mind and the moon. Guru poornima signifies the elimination of all darkness and evil from the mind. Thus Guru poornima is an occasion for cleaning the mind to make it absolutely pure. As long as the mind is filled with darkness (evil thoughts) there is no meaning in celebrating Guru Poornima. Get rid of this darkness. Remember that nothing is impossible, what is required is sincere effort in right direction in right time.
Spirituality is neither the privilege of the poor nor the luxury of the rich. It is the choice of the wise man. - Swami Chinmayananda
The sight of the wonderful landscapes and objects of nature purifies the soul, as beating improves the quality of gold. - Sri Swami Tapovan.
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