Every year spiritual seekers and followers of Vedic traditions celebrate the birthday of Sage Veda Vyasa as the day of the Guru. Veda Vyasa was the founder of Hinduism as we know it today. Most of the important scriptures of Hindu Dharma can be traced to the genius of Veda Vyasa and his disciples Jaimini, Vaisampayana and Sumanta. The most celebrated Scripture of Indian wisdom tradition, the Bhagavad Gita, is the unique gift of Vyasa to the world.
This year Vyasa's birthday falls on July 12, the full moon day.
Our parents give us physical birth and bring us to the material plane. Guru gives us spiritual birth and elevates us to the highest plane of consciousness. Guru is our friend, guide and philosopher - a clear headed counselor leading us on the path of light and righteousness all the way to bliss and beatitude.
In the present world of mindless materialism, boggling confusion and benumbing meaninglessness, Guru's presence is the only solace, a comforting assurance that all is not lost, that there is a valley of peace and joy beyond the daunting cliff, that there is hope for a bright dawn at the end of a long night of travails.
On this day we rededicate ourselves to the ideals set before us by Rishi Veda Vyasa and spend time reading the Bhagavad Gita and the Upanishads, contemplating on the Universal Self, participating in satsang and engaging in community service.
I meditate on the blissful form of my Guru
I worship at the lotus feet of my Guru
I recite the nectarine words of my Guru
I seek the liberating blessings of my Guru.
Respectfully remembering all the Gurus of all disciplines and traditions of the world.
Jai Guru Dev
Guror Ankhri Padme Manas Chena Lagnam
Tatah Kim, Tatah Kim, Tatah Kim, Tatah Kim!
What is the use, what is the use, what is the use
If your mind does not fly to the Lotus Feet of the Guru!
— from “Guru Ashtakam” by Adi Sankaracharya
