Guru Purnima

Today is Guru Purnima is the day to celebrate our Guru, and it always falls a a full moon day. The Sanskrit root "Gu" means darkness or ignorance. "Ru" means the remover of that darkness. Therefore Guru or teacher is one who removes the darkness and leads us towards light.

The purpose of the Guru Purnima celebration is to step back and review and see in this last one year how much one has progressed in life. It is an important day for those of us who seek to find the truth. It is the day to review one’s progress on the spiritual path and renew one’s determination and focus on the goal. "As the full moon rises and sets, tears of gratitude arise and repose into the vastness of one’s own self.” As students we must understand that the teacher is in us, with us, around us, below us. In fact, you are the teacher. "Do your duty sincerely. Recognize the truth." That is our Sadhana, our practice. 

Consider difficulties as passing clouds. When you look at the sky, you see many clouds. Likewise, in your heart there are clouds of attachment and worry, but like clouds they come and go; don't worry about them observe them as you would the sky, let them pass. Worry is a mentally created fear, When we look to our teacher to help us remove that fear, teacher guides us   towards the light, towards courage. In the light and full of courage we can brush aside any difficulties that overwhelm us, just like the wind brushes clouds away. 

My Guru does not speak much english so his message is very clear and simple, that is why i can relate to it, and commit 100% to always trying, here is his message: "Practice, practice all is coming" Sri K. Pattabhi Jois

My teachers that are here with me always Kristin, Barbara, Sharath are a constant and humble reminder of this, they are an example that no matter what happen in a day to day basis we can always carve out the time and space to devote love to our practice.

Today is a good day to start a spiritual Sadhana, practice. You may also choose to juice or refrain from rich foods, stick to fruits and juices, as a commitment to purify the soul, creating the space for worship, or just simple commitment.