Guru Purnima: A Day to Honor Teachers
...and gain the blessings of Jupiter
Today is Guru Purnima, an important day for honoring teachers and focusing on the pursuit of knowledge. Here’s a little post on what you need to know and what you can focus on to make the most of the day.
Guru Purnima: A cultural and religion perspective
Guru Purnima is a significant Hindu and Buddhist festival celebrated to honor and express gratitude towards one's spiritual and academic teachers or gurus. It is observed on the full moon day (Purnima) in the Hindu month of Ashadha, which typically falls in June or July (this year, it is on July 3). Used to describe teachers, the term "Guru" literally refers to the one who removes darkness and leads the seeker towards enlightenment.
During Guru Purnima, disciples and devotees pay homage to their gurus and express their deep respect and gratitude for their teachings and guidance. It is considered an auspicious day to reflect on the importance of a guru in one's life and to seek blessings for spiritual progress.
The festival holds great significance in various spiritual traditions. In Hinduism, Guru Purnima is associated with the sage Vyasa, who is considered the author of the Mahabharata epic and a revered guru. It is believed that on this day, Vyasa was born, and he is considered the Adi Guru or the first guru. Disciples and devotees offer prayers, perform rituals, and seek blessings from their gurus on this occasion.
In Buddhism, Guru Purnima commemorates the first sermon given by Gautama Buddha, known as Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta, to his five ascetic disciples. It is a day to honor the Buddha as the ultimate guru and express gratitude for his teachings.
Guru Purnima is celebrated with various activities, including spiritual discourses, chanting of mantras, meditation, and acts of service. Devotees often offer flowers, fruits, and other offerings to their gurus as a token of respect and gratitude. The day serves as a reminder to value the importance of a spiritual guide or teacher in one's journey towards self-realization and enlightenment.
Thoughts from the astrological perspective: on Jupiter
In both Vedic and Western astrology, Jupiter is considered one of the most significant and auspicious planets. It represents wisdom, knowledge, expansion, teaching, growth, spirituality, and higher learning. In fact, Jupiter is even called "Guru" in Vedic astrology.
Jupiter is associated with qualities such as benevolence, generosity, optimism, and faith. It governs higher education, philosophy, religion, and spirituality. It is also linked to wealth, abundance, and prosperity.
A well-placed and strong Jupiter in a birth chart is generally considered auspicious and can bring blessings, luck, and success. It is associated with guidance, wisdom, and the ability to make good judgments.
Guru Purnima is therefore a great day to tap into the expansive and benevolent energy of Jupiter, one that helps you expand your horizons, find meaning in life, and connect with higher realms of consciousness.
How to harness the energy of Guru Purnima
On this day, July 3, 2023, it is beneficial to:
focus on learning and expanding your knowledge
contemplate and set goals for your personal and spiritual growth
show appreciation and express gratitude to the teachers who have made a positive impact on your life
dedicate time to meditation
make offerings to Jupiter, such as flowers (especially yellow ones, which is his color), incense and sweets
The mantra Om Gurave Namah
A great mantra to chant and/or listen to today is Om Gurave Namah. This Sanskrit mantra translates as "I bow to the Guru" or "Salutations to the Guru." It is a reverential mantra expressing deep respect and homage to the Guru, spiritual teacher or Jupiter itself, as well as invoke their blessings.
Since this mantra also boosts and strengthens Jupiter in a birth chart, it’s an ideal one to chant on Thursdays (Jupiter’s day) as well.
I dedicate this post to the many wonderful teachers who have supported and inspired me in my astrological, magical, divinatory and spiritual path, as well as those who have taught me knowledge and skills in the other pursuits I love: music, literature and writing. Here are a few of the names of important teachers from those paths:
Mr. Gray (grade school music teacher, we even named a swing set game after him).
Gogi Van Duren (piano teacher)
Pamela Gailey and Blanche Thebom (voice teachers)
Michelle Fillion (music professor)
Peter Baker, Claire Le Pell, Hilda Hansen (high school English teachers)
Om Gurave Namah.