Attitude of gratitude helps to cultivate positive thinking and develops happy mood. To express thankfulness and appreciation, for both the big and small things alike, is sign of contentment. Gratitude towards parents, teachers, well wishers is really important. But, when it comes to gratitude towards Spiritual Master ‘Guru’, the significance of gratitude increases many fold.
गुरुर्ब्रह्मा ग्रुरुर्विष्णुः गुरुर्देवो महेश्वरः।
गुरुः साक्षात् परं ब्रह्म तस्मै श्री गुरवे नमः॥
In Indian culture, a day is especially dedicated to pay gratitude towards Gurus, on full moon day (Purnima) in the Hindu month of Ashadha (June – July) every year. This day marks the first peak of the lunar cycle after the peak of the solar cycle.
Guru Purnima is not only about the embarkment of full moon but its the day when disciples across India and worldwide pay their heartiest gratitude to their Gurus, who brings out the souls engulfed in sorrows and griefs, into a peaceful world with their teaching.
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Who is a Guru?
गुकारस्त्वन्धकारस्तु रुकार स्तेज उच्यते।
अन्धकार निरोधत्वात् गुरुरित्यभिधीयते॥
A Guru is torch bearer of spiritual and worldly wisdom. He enlightens humans, shares His earned wisdom with no monetary expectation and believes in karma yoga (hard work).The word Guru is derived from two words, Gu and Ru. The sanskrit root ‘gu’ means darkness or ignorance, and ru denotes the remover of that darkness. Therefore, a Guru is one who removes the darkness of our ignorance.
Why at all we need Guru?
प्रेरकः सूचकश्वैव वाचको दर्शकस्तथा।
शिक्षको बोधकश्चैव षडेते गुरवः स्मृताः॥
In a day and age when people refuse to understand the true meaning and importance of religion, Guru explains this unifying thread. To step into a new field, we always need a guide. Even for worldly practices such as academics, sports or arts, one needs to have a teacher or trainer. And, gaining the knowledge of spiritualism – which is as deep as an ocean, is not possible without a true Guru.
How to know if your Guru is Supreme?
निवर्तयत्यन्यजनं प्रमादतः स्वयं च निष्पापपथे प्रवर्तते।
गुणाति तत्त्वं हितमिच्छुरंगिनाम् शिवार्थिनां यः स गुरु र्निगद्यते॥
When we meet the true Guru, our life gets enlightened so bright that no darkness can engulf. A true guru adopts the prevalent methods to make people understand the real purpose of life and he himself sets an example to live ideal life.
Roles of a Disciple
गुरु गोविंद दोऊ खड़े, काके लागूं पांय।
बलिहारी गुरु आपने, जिन गोविंद दियो बताय।
One needs to be fortunate enough to meet a true Guru in life but it requires strong determination to truly follow the path shown by Guru. Devotion with firm faith makes the way till the end. Foresight of Guru is beyond our perception or understanding. Time reveals the hidden benefits of Guru’s words. So abiding to rules formed by Guru and following the path in all senses is job of true disciples.
India is a multi religious country. Everyone has their own faiths and beliefs. Several towns function entirely due to pilgrims and tourists, and form a different world of their own. One such place is Dera Sacha Sauda, Haryana where over 65 million people from India and abroad find solace in the guidance of their spiritual master Baba Ram Rahim. It is the largest nonprofit socio-spiritual organization in India.
Journey of soul becomes much more joyful when one meets spirtiual master who enlightens the path and removes ignorance. Like a sun, Guru brings dawn in life and brightens every corner, fills light in heart and eyes. So on acupious occasion of Guru Purnima, bow down before your spiritual master who imparts immense wealth of knowledge and wisdom.
