Guru Purnima

A Day to Honor Our Teachers

Today is Guru Purnima. In India, it is celebrated once a year on the full moon day in the lunar month of Ashadha, which typically comes in July of our calendar. Observed with a wide variety of rituals by every spiritual tradition and lineage in the country and, increasingly, elsewhere, it’s an occasion to honor the teachers in our lives— primarily and traditionally the spiritual guides known worldwide as gurus, a term whose Sanskrit roots mean one who removes darkness.

In traditional Indian life, a spiritual aspirant is advised to seek and eventually settle on a sat guru, a principle teacher with the wisdom, skill, and interpersonal mastery to lead one to the height of attainment known as moksha (translated as liberation, enlightenment, awakening, and other terms). But one is also advised to have upa gurus, adjunct teachers so to speak, who can impart knowledge of one sort or another to enhance our learning and growth along the way.

There is no limit to the number of upa gurus we might have or the type of expertise they can offer—and most of us, if we think about it, have had many of them in our lives: family elders, friendly neighbors, clerics, schoolteachers, athletic coaches, music teachers, professors, professional mentors, colleagues, even guides we’ve never met in the flesh but who have imparted insights indirectly—poets, novelists, artists, philosophers, scientists, and so forth. They too should be included if we’re inclined to honor our teachers on such a day.

We’re creatures who flourish through learning. The more we know, the better our understanding, the more we thrive, materially and spiritually. And, much as we love our independence and like to think of ourselves as free agents and captains of our own ships, we all need people who know stuff we don’t. Guru Purnima is a humble reminder to offer them a nod of recognition or a deep respectful bow or a silent thank you once in a while.

In thinking of my own huge roster of upa gurus today, the folks I’ve interviewed on my Spirit Matters podcast came to mind. I’ve learned from each them—all 116 and counting—and it’s been an honor to share their wisdom with listeners free of charge. Check out the archive here, and while you’re on the site please subscribe.

Happy Guru Purnima.