Indian classical arts are one of a kind in the world because of the methodology of transmission and teaching an art form. “It is still the only field where we touch the feet of our Guru by way of respect and to seek blessings,” says scholar-dancer Padma Subrahmanyam.

“The idea of Guru cannot be defined in a few words. A lifetime goes in finding a true Guru,” avers C.V. Chandrasekhar, who has scores of students. “Ours are abhyaas art forms. They cannot be learnt but from a guru,” hold the Dhananjayans.

Today, titles being generously given, the attributes of a guru may vary among regions but the core, kernel essence remains selflessness and service. “A Guru is about giving. Giving a meaningful direction in life, through art,” says veteran M.K. Saroja. She refuses to be called a guru because “I’m not fit for the title as I’m only giving what my guru gave me. I’ve become more a mother-figure than guru to my students from the West because in addition to art, they are seeking a sense of emotional bonding.”

5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE FESTIVAL

• According to the Hindu calendar, Guru Purnima generally falls on a full-moon day in the Hindu month of Ashadh (June to August).
• Hindus dedicate Guru Purnima to Maharshi Veda Vyasa, the sage who is believed to be responsible for editing the sacred Hindu text, the Vedas and writing the 18 Puranas, Mahabharata and the Srimad Bhagavatam–all of which form the very foundation of the Hindu religion.
• For Buddhists, the festival is an occasion to rejoice in the divinity of their guru, Lord Buddha, who is said to have delivered his first sermon at Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, on this very day.
• The festival is also believed to mark the onset of monsoons, and is thus a prime source of celebration for farmers.
• The day of Guru Purnima is considered auspicious for those who are willing to give a start to a spiritual learning of any kind.

TRADITIONAL APPROACH

“In my youth, when I washed my guru’s kurta or dhoti, it was not servitude but seva bhavna that this is my guru’s garment, which I can lovingly wash and iron and thus serve him. For even a minute, our guru was not out of our radar,” recalls Kathak king guru Birju Maharaj.
India is the only country many foreigners flock to learn in this gurukul system. Brazilian actor Ricardo Gomez has been coming many years learning Kathakali. “It teaches me real tapasya/discipline. I know gurus can be tough but at least they care enough to correct and train us. This in the West is missing totally; it’s impersonal,” he says.
Baroda, Mysore, Mangalore or Jaipur still worship the guru because what we get from them is meaning in life, which can’t be bought for any amount of money,” avers Shridhar of Mysore. “My father-guru Sundarlalji taught me by inference, never by rote. Gurus teach humility, which is an impediment to personal, artistic or spiritual growth.
Art continues and in the context of our classical traditions, a Guru is a supreme gift from the god. With this feeling one propitiates teachers on Guru Purnima.

CELEBRATION

Guru Purnima is celebrated by conducting diverse programs and special cultural performances by various organizations. As part of the celebration, devotees present gifts in form of sweets and flowers to their spiritual gurus. It’s an ideal time to commence spiritual lessons from a guru. Farmers give great significance to this day because it is believe that the advent of much-needed rains will shower upon their crops and plantations.
A puja is kept by all spiritual aspirants of Vyasa in honor of his divine personage. By tradition, from this day the spiritual seekers begin to strengthen their spiritual sadhana. The period of Chaturmas i.e. four months starts from this day. Long-ago, wandering spiritual gurus and their followers settled down at one place and studied the Brahma Sutras composed by Vyasa and used to engage themselves in Vedantic debates.

ACTIVITIES ON THIS DAY

• As this day marks the day of illumination, people light lamps in their houses.
• Devotees pour in at the ashrams of Gurus to seek their blessings.
• Sadhus and Sanyasis are worshipped and served with a specially prepared food.
• The whole day is spent on listening to discourses on spiritual subjects.
• Gurus might initiate their aspiring disciples into the holy order of Sanyas on this day.
• Devoted disciples fast on this day and make fresh resolutions connected to their spiritual life.