Once every 365 days Guru Purnima comes round.  From the time this world was created until now, the teachings of the guru have been the reason for human beings having attained a high state.  When children study in school the teacher who lovingly teaches them there is called a guru.  A person who teaches someone a profession is also called a guru.  A person who teaches politics is also called a guru.  Even doctors who treat patients in a hospital have been taught meticulously how to do that and the one who did that is also a kind of guru.  Therefore, having a guru is very essential for all types of practices.  However, this day is a sacred day that we joyfully celebrate to give respect to the one who teaches spirituality, to remind ourselves of his or her teachings, points of view and advice.  We do this by thinking of all these Gurus full of divine grace, or by thinking only of our own Guru.  In a spiritual context, this day is called Guru Purnima. 

We perform the puja on Guru Purnima to think about the teachings of the Guru and to get rid of any bad habits we may have so that we can reach a high state.  All those teachers whom you think of as a spiritual Guru during this puja will be with you on this Guru Purnima day.  Since ancient times it has been a great Vedic belief that their divine power will be strongly present.  When you call out to them with a true heart that divine power will reveal its presence.  Thinking about their teachings and realizing them with all your heart – this is the real, great Guru Purnima puja. 

We just pray for the grace of all the siddhas, the great saints and avatars but, really, what is important is to accept their teachings and follow them.  Nowadays the reason that human society goes to get the darshan of saints, avatars and siddhas is to obtain release of their day-to-day problems, difficulties and worries and they expect to receive their grace.  This is like thinking about small matters within a circle of selfishness. 

Our birth, this human birth, is a rare and elevated one.  However, we are not using this birth to take the necessary steps in order to wholly accept their grace, blessings and teachings.  We don’t make ourselves mature, develop spiritually or immerse ourselves in that wisdom and attain that blissful happiness in a permanent way.  We are only devoted to solving our day-to-day problems and difficulties and involving ourselves in this with all our heart.  Guru Purnima is a day that, through the teachings of the Gurus, paves the way for us to do sadhanas that lead to unwavering peace of mind and equal bliss.  What we should understand on this Guru Purnima is that only their teachings will guide us in the correct way towards a high spiritual state.  The teachings are essential.  We should follow them. 

Good will happen.  My special blessings are with you all on this Guru Purnima.

Jai Prema Shanti!