Guru Purnima festival is celebrated on the first full moon day in July, immediately after the summer solstice. According to the Hindu calendar, this day falls in the month of Ashadha and this year it will fall on July 21, 2024.
Guru Purnima, a sacred festival celebrated by spiritual seekers across India and around the world, holds great significance in honoring teachers, gurus, and spiritual guides. It is a time when disciples express gratitude and reverence to those who have imparted wisdom and guidance. As we approach this auspicious day, understanding what to do and what not to do can enrich our celebration and deepen our spiritual connection.
What to do on Guru Purnima 2024:
1. Express gratitude:
Guru Purnima is primarily about expressing heartfelt gratitude to your spiritual teacher or guru. Take this opportunity to acknowledge their teachings, guidance, and the influence they have on your spiritual journey. Pray, write a heartfelt letter, or simply spend time reflecting on their wisdom.
2. Ask for blessings:
Seek blessings from your Guru or spiritual master on this auspicious day. If possible, meet them or connect with them virtually to receive their blessings and guidance. It is considered auspicious to receive blessings from the Guru on Guru Purnima for spiritual progress.
3. Practice serving:
Engage in selfless service (seva) as a mark of respect for your guru. Volunteer at a charitable organization, help the needy, or contribute to a cause that aligns with your guru’s principles and teachings. Serving others humbly is one way to honor the spirit of Guru Purnima.
4. Reflect and meditate:
Take time for introspection and meditation on Guru Purnima. Reflect on the teachings given by your guru and think about how they have influenced your life. Quiet contemplation can deepen your understanding and appreciation of spiritual knowledge.
5. Study the sacred texts:
Devote time to studying sacred texts or scriptures revered by your spiritual tradition. Reading and meditating on spiritual texts can enhance your understanding of profound teachings and inspire spiritual growth.
What not to do on Guru Purnima 2024:
1. Avoid disrespect:
Avoid engaging in any activity or behavior that might disrespect or insult your Guru or spiritual guides. Maintain reverence and courtesy in your conversations and communications.
2. Don’t limit gratitude to formalities:
Expressing gratitude on Guru Purnima is not a mere formality. Avoid superficial ways of expressing gratitude and instead, sincerely reflect on and acknowledge the impact your guru’s teachings have had on your life.
3. Avoid materialism:
Avoid the temptation to associate Guru Purnima only with material offerings or extravagance. Although giving gifts or presents may be customary, the real essence lies in the sincerity of your gratitude and devotion.
4. Do not neglect spiritual practices:
Guru Purnima is an opportune time to renew your commitment to spiritual practices and discipline. Avoid neglecting your daily spiritual routines or practices in favor of mere external celebrations.
5. Avoid comparison or criticism:
Avoid comparing your teacher to others or criticizing their teachings or practices. Each spiritual teacher has a unique role in guiding their disciples, and respect for diversity in spiritual paths is essential.
As we prepare to celebrate Guru Purnima, we must remember that its essence is to honor the eternal wisdom imparted by our spiritual guides and gurus. By following these do’s and don’ts, we can enrich our celebrations with sincerity, humility, and deep reverence for the teachings that illuminate our spiritual path. May this Guru Purnima inspire us all to develop gratitude, seek spiritual growth, and embrace the profound teachings of our gurus.
