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ARTICLEGuru Purnima - From darkness to light- Bana Shastri Ramanathe-mail: natyanjali@hotmail.com July 26, 2026 Guru Purnima is a special full moon day that is observed once a year. It is also celebrated to honor the birthday of the ancient enlightened Hindu Guru Veda Vyasa who organized and compiled the Vedas and authored the epic Mahabharatam - an encyclopedia of the ever-evolving human drama. As Guru Purnima approaches, I feel moved to express gratitude to my Gurus, guided by faith and a sense of responsibility shaped by my upbringing in traditional Indian culture. People of Indian heritage around the world celebrate Guru Purnima through rituals, worship, gift-giving, and other expressions of respect. When my own students offer their gratitude and appreciation on this day, I cannot ignore the meaning and significance of Guru Purnima. Guru Purnima is a Sanskrit term. Purnima means "full moon," whose gentle light brightens the earth and dispels darkness. In Sanskrit, "Gu" means darkness and "Ru" means to dispel; therefore, a Guru is one who shares knowledge that removes ignorance, much as a light bulb removes darkness from a room. Knowledge creates awareness, enlightens the mind, energizes the brain and body, and helps us recognize the grace around us. It is important to note the distinction between a Guru and an acharya: a Guru is a spiritual guide, while an acharya is an academic teacher who may teach subjects such as language, science, music, dance, or art. However, an acharya or teacher can also be a Guru. Many ancient civilizations believed that planetary movements and positions influence humans, birds, plants, oceans, and animals. On full-moon days, the universe is thought to hold greater energy: oceans rise, the earth trembles, and volcanoes may erupt. Some evidence suggests that the full moon can affect human behavior and the psyche. However, the lunar energy on Guru Purnima is believed to be gentler and more calming than on other full-moon days, without disturbing mental balance. It is also believed that, on this day, we can more clearly recognize and receive the grace around us, creating a positive and productive ripple effect. Students therefore choose this auspicious time to express gratitude to their Gurus and teachers for sharing knowledge and grace. Life is a process of giving and receiving. We often pay, pray, and praise with the hope of receiving something in return, a practice found in many religions. This is not necessarily wrong, especially if it encourages us, even for one day, to pause and honor the Gurus and teachers who share knowledge and guide us through life’s lessons. Sharing knowledge may seem like a transaction, but life itself is built on a practice of give and take. On Guru Purnima Day, I too feel blessed and have remembered with gratitude all my Gurus and teachers, many of whom are renowned in their respective professions. I have now evolved with new awakenings. I see Gurus and teachers as the messengers of this amazing universe who show up in various forms, shapes, colors, and sizes as needed, and as random experiences. They all teach us life lessons. I have stumbled upon that Aha.... moment and have realized that both friends and foes can be Gurus too, who enlighten us in different ways. One thing is certain - everyone that I have encountered including especially those who have taught me my very first steps and lessons have had an impact on my life and have influenced me in more ways than I can express. This amazing universe is full of grace and keeps revealing its messengers (Gurus and teachers) for us to learn and move - from darkness to light. I am grateful to this universe and its messengers. Happy Guru Purnima!  Bana Shastri Ramanath is the Director, Natyanjali Austin - San Antonio. Post your comments Pl provide your name along with your comment. All appropriate comments posted with name in the blog will also be featured in the site. |
