When the Moon Reflects the Guru’s Grace
Guru Purnima is a sacred occasion of deep reverence, a day to honor and express gratitude to the Guru—the one who dispels the darkness of ignorance and leads us toward the light of truth. Derived from Sanskrit, gu means “darkness”, and ru means “remover”; thus, the Guru is the remover of darkness.
Celebrated on the full moon day (Purnima) in the Hindu month of Ashadha (June–July), Guru Purnima holds special significance for spiritual seekers. While we may have many teachers throughout life—who guide us in music, science, or language—it is the spiritual Guru, the Satguru, who liberates us from the deep-rooted ignorance of the material world (samsara) and bestows the wisdom of the Self.
Ganesha writing the Mahabharata for Ved Vyasa
This auspicious day also commemorates the birth of Ved Vyasa, the great sage who compiled the Vedas and authored the epic Mahabharata. Hence, it is also known as Vyasa Purnima. The Guru-shishya (teacher-disciple) tradition, deeply embedded in scriptures like the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita, is based on this transformative relationship between seeker and guide.
From the nurturing love of our mother, the disciplined teachings of our father, to the intellectual guidance of school teachers—each play a role in our growth. Yet, it is the Satguru alone who purifies the heart and mind, making us ready to receive self-knowledge (Atma Sakshatkaram).
Payasam (sweet pudding) as prasadam (sacred food offering) from Vaju’s course Amrita Prasadam
On Guru Purnima, many observe fasting, offer naivedyam (sacred food offerings), and perform Guru Puja. Dishes like vermicelli payasam, fruits, and sweet curd are shared as prasadam, symbolizing purity and gratitude.
Vaju in the Amrita Prasadam Kitchen at Amritapuri
For us, this day is made even more sacred because of Amma, our beloved Guru. She is the embodiment of unconditional love and wisdom, tirelessly uplifting countless lives. In her presence, we feel profound peace, and in her teachings, we find clarity, courage, and compassion. She has comforted, guided, and transformed lives across the world, a true beacon of divine grace.
As we bow down in reverence, we recall the lines from the Guru Stotram:
“There is no truth beyond the Guru,
No penance greater than the Guru,
No wisdom higher than the Guru.”
To such a divine being, what can we offer but our tears of gratitude, and our prayer to merge with her holy feet?
Om Namah Shivaya.
May this Guru Purnima be a time of reflection, devotion, and the reaffirmation of our path—walking in the light of the Guru’s wisdom.
Thanks to Vaju for her inspiring satsangs for Amrita Prasadam, the Indian cooking classes in the AVA Membership.
𝗔𝗺𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗮 𝗩𝗶𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗰𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗺𝘆 𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗹𝘆 𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗶𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗼 𝗷𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗚𝘂𝗿𝘂 𝗣𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗺𝗮 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀.
🧘🏼♂️ Newly Released Talks by Swami Paramatmananda Puri: “On Guru”
Enjoy this series of digitally remastered talks from Swamiji. These timeless satsangs, lovingly preserved from our archives, continue to inspire and uplift listeners decades after the original cassettes were made. Get access here.
🙏🏼 On-Demand Retreat: “Obeying the Guru”
Join Vivek for a powerful retreat exploring the deep significance of surrender and obedience to the Guru. Find out more here.
🍨 Amrita Prasadam Special
This Guru Purnima edition of Amrita Prasadam—The Art of Indian Cooking—brings delight with enriching satsangs and festive recipes from Br. Rishi Chaitanya and Vaju. Find out more here.
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