Not only in the ancient days, but also in the modern times, role of teachers is well recognized. Guru Purnima, the day dedicated to offer respects to the teachers has been an important occasion specially in the oriental traditions. There are number of stories in the scriptures which elaborate the Guru’s instructions followed by pupils with full dedication for the welfare of society and nation even the entire living beings. So as Guru Purnima is an occasion for the teachers and students to renew the sacred and ethical bonding in Nepal and other parts of the globe as well.
Some scriptures mention that the word Guru is made up of two letters of Samskrit language. ‘Gu’ meaning darkness and ‘Ru’ meaning light. They elaborate, the creature wanders in the darkness until it receives light. The mass of light is present in the Guru. A dark disciple becomes confused and wanders around without knowing anything, that is, knowledge or wisdom. When he realizes that this is this and that is that, then he becomes happy.
In short, the person who shows the right way is the Guru. The Guru has the responsibility to make a disciple filled with knowledge and humility, but in order to acquire knowledge, a disciple also must have humility. The first step of a student is in fact his humility. It is the duty of the Guru to fill the world of knowledge in the disciple who is humble and inquisitive. In the same way, the relationship between husband and wife is also like that of a perfect Guru-Disciple.
In oriental traditions, a Guru is a spiritual teacher, guide, or mentor revered for their wisdom and ability to lead others on a path of spiritual development. The concept of a Guru is central to Hinduism, Buddhism and others as well. The Guru often embodying the highest virtues and imparting profound teachings.
The Hinduism considers that Gurus are spiritual guides who lead individuals on the path to self-realization and liberation (moksha).
Gurus are often seen as embodying divine qualities and acting as a bridge between the human and the divine. Ramanuja, for example, emphasized the importance of fulfilling one’s duties (karma yoga) with the guidance of a Guru while Mahabarat, Guru has been placed at the top. Dronacharya, Kripacharya, Shukracharya, Brihaspati and others were the Gurus who paved ways for peace through peace or war.
Moreover, in Buddhism, the Gurus play crucial role in spiritual development. They guide disciples in understanding Buddhist teachings and practices, such as meditation and mindfulness. The Guru’s role is to help individuals overcome suffering and achieve enlightenment.
The concept of Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) is particularly significant in Tibetan Buddhism, where he is revered as a founder of the Nyingma school.
Likewise, Guru Gobinda Singh is a right person to guide people for their beautiful life as Guru contributes to the development of philosophy and practice.
Guru Purnima, which literally translates as the day for the teachers, is a unique festival celebrated in South Asia on full moon mostly in July. The full moon, the time when our natural satellite emanates its most vibrant and luminescent energies, has special significance. This unique festival is not only linked with teachers but also the social obligations that all should perform in the lifetime. Since the festival is celebrated according to the lunar calendar the falls on 10th July this year.
This tradition of respecting teachers is not limited to schools and colleges: adults in various professions often visit their teachers, bringing fruit and flowers to honour them on this special day. Teachers are not only those who teach us in academic institutions: those who implant in us knowledge of various types are also regarded as teachers. It is a day when teachers are made to feel special and motivated. Such socio-cultural festivals decorate our culture and motivate us to be better human beings; their continued observance, even in today’s societies with their twists of modernity, is most vital.
