Guru Purnima: Honouring the Light That Guides Us Home

As the full moon of Guru Purnima rises, I find myself reflecting on the profound role the Guru has played not only in the Hindu tradition (Sanatana Dharma) but in my own life and spiritual journey. In the path of the eternal way (meaning of Sanatana Dharma), the Guru is not just a teacher, but a living embodiment of truth — a beacon of light who guides us from the darkness of ignorance to the dawn of realisation.

Having been connected to a lineage deeply rooted in the thought and yogic practice of Sanatana Dharma, I’ve come to understand that the path is not meant to be walked alone. At every stage, the wisdom passed from teacher to disciple acts as both a compass and a sense of direction. It is through the grace of the Guru and the sanctity of the parampara—the unbroken chain of transmission—that this path continues to illuminate countless lives, mine included.

In Sanskrit, the word Guru comes from “gu” (darkness) and “ru” (remover). The Guru is the remover of darkness—not by offering mere instruction, but by helping us see what we could not see on our own.

There’s a verse that has always resonated deeply with me:

“Gurur Brahma, Gurur Vishnu, Gurur Devo Maheshwarah;
Guru Saakshaat Param Brahma, Tasmai Shri Gurave Namah.”

This teaching reminds me that the Guru is a manifestation of the Divine—creator, sustainer, and transformer all in one. In my own experience, the Guru’s presence often arrives in quiet, steady moments: a truth spoken that cuts through confusion, a compassionate silence that invites introspection, or a question that reorients the heart toward dharma.

But what humbles me most is being part of a lineage that stretches far beyond any single teacher or moment. The parampara, the sacred thread that connects us to ancient rishis, saints, and sages, is not just history—it is living memory, pulsing through chants, rituals, teachings, and inner transformation, not just in India but all around the world in each and every tradition.

As the Bhagavad Gita says:

“Evam paramparā-prāptam imam rājarṣayo viduḥ…” (4.2)
"This supreme knowledge was passed down through the chain of disciplic succession and received by the wise kings."

To be part of this continuum—however big or small—is to receive something precious: not just knowledge, but living wisdom, carried through true love, discipline, and surrender.

The relationship between Guru and disciple is among the most sacred in the Hindu tradition. It's a dynamic of trust, openness, and transmission that cannot be manufactured. It must be lived.

I’ve learned that true learning begins when one approaches the Guru with humility, service, and sincere inquiry. As Krishna advises in the Gita:

“Tad viddhi praṇipātena paripraśnena sevayā…” (4.34)
"Approach the Guru with reverence, inquiry, and service. The self-realized will impart knowledge unto you."

In my journey, those who have taken on the role of teacher—some formally, others simply by their way of being—have brought a sense of deeper connection not just on a personal level, but also on a divine level. For that, I am endlessly grateful.

Guru Purnima is not just a festival. For me, it is a reminder of gratitude. Gratitude to those who held the lamp when I couldn’t find my way. Gratitude for the lineages that have kept these teachings alive for thousands of years. Gratitude for the chance to honour the sacred responsibility of learning, and—when called—for sharing.

This day is also linked to Vyasa, the sage who compiled the Vedas and wrote the Mahabharata. He represents the archetype of the eternal teacher. By honouring him, we honour every Guru who has ever whispered the truth into a student’s heart.

The Skanda Purana says:

“Na Guror adhikam, na Guror adhikam, na Guror adhikam”
"There is nothing higher than the Guru. Nothing more sacred. Nothing more divine."

In that sense, the Guru is not just out there. Over time, the Guru's voice becomes an inner compass. What begins as outer guidance gradually awakens the inner Guru—that quiet, unwavering presence that says: This is who you are. Walk in that light.

“Aham Atma Guruḥ Śākṣhāt” – Upanishads
"I, the Self, am the true Guru."

As I reflect this Guru Purnima, I bow in deep reverence to all those who have carried this light across generations, and to the eternal flame that burns within each of us.

May we remember.
May we listen.
May we serve.

Om Gurave Namah.

To all the teachers, lineage and holders of wisdom and knowledge across time and space.

HARI OM TAT SAT