Celebrating Guru Purnima & Vyas Jayanti today

KATHMANDU: Guru Purnima is a revered tradition honoring spiritual and academic Gurus, enlightened beings who selflessly share wisdom without seeking material gain, in line with Karma Yoga.

Celebrated as a festival in India, Nepal, and Bhutan, it holds significance for Hindus, Jains, and Buddhists alike.

This observance pays homage to chosen spiritual mentors on the full moon day (Purnima) in the Hindu month of Ashadh (June–July) according to the Hindu calendar.

The term Guru originates from Sanskrit, combining gu, meaning darkness or ignorance, and ru, signifying one who dispels that darkness.

Thus, a Guru is viewed as a remover of ignorance, akin to Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwara as described in scriptures. Hence, it is often said in various texts, “Acharya Devo Bhava,” likening the Guru’s stature to that of parents and deities.

In Hindu tradition, teachers are regarded akin to the triumvirate gods Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwar, and are also considered as embodiments of divinity, much like parents.

On Guru Purnima, students traditionally honor their teachers with offerings such as delicacies, garlands, and special hats made from local fabrics.

Many schools organize celebrations, including fanfares, to express gratitude for teachers’ dedicated efforts, fostering stronger teacher-student relationships.

Vyas Jayanti

Vyas Jayanti, coinciding with Guru Purnima, commemorates the birth of Veda Vyasa, who categorized the Vedas into Rig, Yajur, Sama, and Atharva Vedas.

Ved Vyasa’s teachings emphasize the humanistic principle: ‘Paropakara punyaya, papaya parapidanam,’ meaning virtue is earned through service and charity, while harm or infliction of pain brings negative consequences.

This day holds cultural and spiritual significance, acknowledging Veda Vyasa’s immense contribution to ancient Indian knowledge.