Guru Purnima, coming up on Sunday 21 July, is a New Year for the spiritual seeker – a beautiful moment to reflect on our growth over the past year, and to feel grateful for all the knowledge we have received.
The planet Jupiter is named Guru in Sanskrit. It is the celestial teacher that allows us to move forward in life and gives a sense of purpose.
Why do we need a Spiritual Master/Teacher/Guide
Throughout life’s journey, learning unfolds at every turn. Every lesson learned has been guided by a teacher or guru—be it parents, tutors, coaches, or even those whose mistakes we have learnt from and have shaped our path. These mentors have imparted invaluable wisdom, shaping our knowledge and growth. Recognizing this fosters creates a deep sense of gratitude for them.
For those who strive to evolve as human beings and follow the spiritual path, guidance is needed from someone who has reached the goal and is essential to navigate the subtle and intangible realms of the mind.
Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar emphasizes that while self-effort applies to the conscious mind, transforming the subconscious into the superconscious needs some external influence or higher intervention—a role traditionally fulfilled by spiritual Masters.
The Meaning of Guru Purnima
‘Guru’ signifies one who dispels darkness, while ‘Purnima’ means the Full Moon. The Moon symbolizes emotions and the mind, while the Guru embodies wisdom, rationality, and knowledge. Guru Purnima harmoniously unites these aspects—emotional and rational—through spiritual wisdom.
This day is dedicated to introspection, a time to assess our spiritual growth over the past year—our successes and challenges. It is an occasion to renew our commitment to our spiritual journey, setting intentions for the year ahead.
Guru Purnima is a day for gratitude and reverence for our Gurus and mentors who light up our paths with wisdom. It’s also a day of self-acknowledgement, reflection, and self-love, recognizing that the most revered Guru resides within us.
Guru Purnima Rituals
- Each part of your finger is connected to a specific zodiac sign. Based on the placement of Jupiter in your birth chart, you can touch the corresponding part of your finger and chant your personal Jupiter mantra 11 times.
To find the specific part of your finger and your Jupiter mantra, visit the rituals section of the align27 app. - Listen to the Guru Paduka Stotram, a powerful mantra invoking the blessings of the Guru. The term “Paduka” symbolizes the sandals worn by spiritual Masters, revered as vessels of ancient wisdom.
- Write the Guru mantra “Gurur Brahmā Gurur Viṣṇur Gurur devo Maheśvaraḥ Guruḥ sākṣāt paraṁ Brahma tasmai śrī gurave namaḥ” three times in your sacred notebook dedicated to mantra writing. This brings abundance and prosperity into your life with the blessings of Jupiter (Guru).
- Reflect on your spiritual growth over the past year and set intentions for the year ahead.
- Honor Sage Veda Vyasa by chanting the mantra “Om Jum Sah Vyam Vyasadevaya Namah Sah Jum Om” 108 times during Jupiter hora.
Honoring Sage Veda Vyasa
Guru Purnima is also called “Vyasa Purnima,” as it is the birth anniversary of Sage Veda Vyasa. Vyasa had given knowledge on a wide variety of subjects and was the scribe of several fundamental Vedic texts, including the Mahabharata. Many spiritual Masters have shared their wisdom selflessly with the world. On Guru Purnima you can connect with the spirit of these enlightened Masters.
Discover the importance of Guru Purnima with insights from our expert astrologers. Learn how this significant day impacts you and uncover what lies ahead.
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