Guru Poornima (गुरु पूर्णिमा ): The Festival of the Teacher and Honoring the Guru Within
Guru Poornima is celebrated during the July full Moon, a special day devoted to showing gratitude to our teachers and guides.
Poornima Tithi and Guru Poornima begins at 5:29am PT on July 20th and ends at 3:16am PT on July 21st.
This important date invites us to express our thanks for the wisdom and guidance we have received from our teachers and spiritual gurus. It is a time to reflect on their teachings, and how they have illuminated our paths and helped us to grow both spiritually and intellectually.
As a Vedic astrologer who has trained with teachers from different Jyotish lineages from India, today holds particular significance for me. I studied with Souvik Dutta from Ancient Indian Astrology Classes for the longest duration among all my Jyotish teachers. I credit so many insights into this ancient science to his teachings and my other respected Jyotish teachers !
I am also very thankful for the wisdom I have gained in the last two decades from my interactions with students I have taught and from working with clients.
Honoring Our Inner Wisdom
Connecting with the bright light of the full Moon in nakshatra, it is also a time tp recognize the guru within ourselves. This includes the inner wisdom that exists within each of us. Let's take this moment to pause from daily distractions and show gratitude to the mentors in our lives, whether human, plant, or animal, and nurture our inner wisdom, allowing it to illuminate our path and the paths of others.
To honor this sacred day and create a meaningful personal ritual, consider gathering the following items in the next section.
Sacred Simplicity: Creating Your Guru Poornima Altar
Ritual Items for Guru Poornima
Flowers: Any fresh flowers you have available
Candle: To represent the traditional diya (oil lamp)
Incense: Any type you prefer
Fruit: One or two pieces of any fruit you have
Small offering: A coin or small amount of money as a symbolic gesture
A Simple Ritual for Guru Poornima
Create a Sacred Space: Find a quiet and comfortable space where you won't be disturbed. Light a candle or incense and place a photo of your guru or a symbol of your inner wisdom (like a book or crystal) in front of you.
Offer Gratitude: Take a few moments to silently express your gratitude for the teachings and guidance you have received from your gurus. Reflect on the ways in which their wisdom has impacted your life.
Connect with Your Inner Guru: Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Visualize a bright light within your heart center, representing your inner wisdom. Connect with this light and allow it to fill you with peace and clarity.
Set an Intention: Ask your inner guru for guidance and support on your spiritual journey. Set an intention to cultivate your own wisdom and share it with others.
Meditate or Chant: Spend some time in quiet meditation or chant a mantra that resonates with you. Allow yourself to be fully present in the moment and connect with the divine energy of the full Moon. After setting your intention, begin chanting "Aum Gurave Namah" (pronounced: ohm goo-ruh-vey nuh-muh) either silently or aloud.
Focus on the sound of the mantra and let it resonate within you. Visualize your guru's image or the light of your inner wisdom as you chant.
Continue chanting for a few minutes, allowing the mantra to fill you with peace and devotion.
You can also choose to chant this mantra 108 times, which is considered a sacred number in Hinduism and Buddhism.
Offer a Closing Prayer: Offer a prayer of gratitude for the blessings in your life and ask for continued guidance and support on your spiritual path.
Seeking guidance on navigating the challenges of Saturn's influence in your birth chart or by transit? Explore powerful rituals and prayers for Saturn here...
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Pamela McDonough combines ancient Vedic wisdom with practical experience from decades in the corporate and entrepreneurial worlds, offering a unique, grounded approach to astrology. Dedicated to empowering individuals with deep insights into their birth charts, her practice fosters personal growth and improved decision-making.
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