• Table of Contents
  • The Touch of a Master Hand by Swami Veda Bharati
  • Guru Purnima Address, 1980 by Swami Rama
  • Guru Purnima Messages for 2016
  • Maha Samadhi Address by Swami Ritavan Bharati
  • 1st Mahasamadhi Anniversary by Jay Prakash Bahuguna
  • Celebration in Pune by Dr.Shirin Venkat
  • Polish International Yoga Festival by Elisa Parigi
  • New Books Released by John Sellinger
  • Dear Yoga Mentor, My Question Is…
  • International Day of Yoga at SRSG By Joanne Sullivan (Divya)
  • Silence in Hungary by Riemke de Groot
  • Guru Purnima, 19 July 2016 by Jay Prakash Bahuguna
  • School Life by Harsh Gupta
  • Yoga Sutra 2.33, Part 2 by Richard Parenti©
  • 2016 Events and Beyond
  • Full Moon Meditation Dates
  • Location of our SRSG ashram
• AHYMSIN Newsletter Archive

Guru Purnima Address, 1980

by Swami Rama

[The following is taken from a transcription of the recorded address to the sangha by Swami Rama on Guru Purnima, 1980.]

Homage to the Guru

Akhanda-mandalakaram                
unbroken, complete orb,
having the configuration

Vyaptam yena characharam           
pervaded by all that is moving and unmoving           

Tat padam darshitam yena             
that pedestal, that state was shown by whom

Tasmai shri gurave namah              
to that glorious Guru, my homage.

Guru Purnima is a day that reminds one that the purpose of life is to attain knowledge which dispels the darkness of ignorance.  The word "guru" is a pious and holy word which means the source of knowledge.  There is only one life force so there is only one guru.  Deep within the center of our being resides the guru.  Let us all direct and guide our energy to the center from where consciousness flows in various degrees and grades.

The day of Guru Purnima is celebrated because internal research is more important than any other attainment in life.  The world is full of charms, temptations and attractions.   One should not be lost by the temptations.  The external world furnishes the means, but the seed of reality resides within.  With the help of spiritual guidance one allows that seed to grow and attain perfection in this lifetime.