Guru Purnima, also known as Vyasa Purnima, commemorates the birth anniversary of Ved Vyasa – the author and a character in the epic Mahabharata. The day is also believed to be the day when Gautam Buddha gave his first sermon at Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh. Guru Purnima is celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Ashadha, which coincides with June or July according to the Gregorian calendar. In 2018, Guru Purnima falls on July 27.
The word ‘Guru’ is derived from two Sanskrit words ‘Gu’ meaning ‘darkness or ignorance’ and ‘Ru’ meaning ‘removal’. Hence, Guru is believed to be the removal of darkness from our lives. On this day, disciples offer puja to their gurus and seek their blessings. In India, the day is celebrated by thanking teachers and seeking blessings from them and also by remembering teachers and scholars from the history. In Nepal, Guru Purnima is a national holiday and celebrated as Teachers Day.
In the yogic tradition, the day is celebrated as the occasion when Lord Shiva became the first Guru after he began the transmission of yoga to the Saptarishis.
Significance
Guru Purnima is believed to be the day when Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa – author of Mahabharata was born to sage Parashara and Satyavati. Hence the day is also called as Vyasa Purnima. Sage Vyasa worked for the cause of Vedic studies by gathering all the Vedic hymns and further dividing into four parts based on rites and characteristics. The four parts are namely Rig, Yajur, Sama, and Atharva.
Guru Purnima is believed to be the day when Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa – author of Mahabharata was born to sage Parashara and Satyavati. Hence the day is also called as Vyasa Purnima. Sage Vyasa worked for the cause of Vedic studies by gathering all the Vedic hymns and further dividing into four parts based on rites and characteristics. The four parts are namely Rig, Yajur, Sama, and Atharva.
Buddhist legend
Five weeks after Buddha attained enlightenment, he traveled from Bodhgaya to Sarnath to meet his five friends and teach the Dharma. He knew his five companions would be able to understand Dharma, he taught them and as a result, they also became enlightened. Hence, the community of enlightened ones was found. The sermon Buddha gave to five of his companions was called ‘Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta’. The sermon was given on the full moon day of the Ashada month. The Sangha later grew to 60 and Buddha sent them in all directions alone to teach the Dharma. These 60 monks are called ‘Arahants’.
Five weeks after Buddha attained enlightenment, he traveled from Bodhgaya to Sarnath to meet his five friends and teach the Dharma. He knew his five companions would be able to understand Dharma, he taught them and as a result, they also became enlightened. Hence, the community of enlightened ones was found. The sermon Buddha gave to five of his companions was called ‘Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta’. The sermon was given on the full moon day of the Ashada month. The Sangha later grew to 60 and Buddha sent them in all directions alone to teach the Dharma. These 60 monks are called ‘Arahants’.
Tithi
Purnima tithi begins: July 26, 2018 at 11:16 pm
Purnima tithi ends: July 28, 2018 at 1:50 am
Purnima tithi begins: July 26, 2018 at 11:16 pm
Purnima tithi ends: July 28, 2018 at 1:50 am
No comments:
Post a Comment