Harih
Om Tat Sat. Gurupoornima and the following austere 4-month period (caaturmaasya)
have their age-old message for all devotees and spiritual seekers. Its sublime
notes remind us how solemn and inspiring is the association of the Wise.
The
Ashram has been observing this sacred Day in an
austere manner for more than 4 decades, ever since
Narayanashrama Tapovanam was founded on the
Paandavagiri slope. From a very small gathering of
inmates and close devotees, the observance grew to
its present dimension over the years due to its
sublimity and spiritual splendour. I am very happy
that so many of you will be assembling to observe
this Great Holy Day and get soaked in its austere
felicity.
Our
ancient spiritual thinkers arrived at the great
Vedic and Upanishadic revelations through dedicated
contemplation. Later, Shankara and others documented
their lofty spiritual thoughts on the scriptural
leaves through the gifts of austerity. By all these
has grown our eternal spiritual culture, which the
holy Gurupoornima echoes year after year.
While
countless generations and ruling dynasties have come
and gone, the great spiritual wisdom and culture of
the land thrive with renewed life and vigour even
to this day. It is only due to the exclusive
dedication of austere souls, for whom Soul Wisdom
and the ascetic pursuit it underlines meant the
crowning fulfillment of human life. The children of
Bhaarat have considered Wisdom as far more precious
than any other wealth or treasure. Wisdom alone has
the potential to bestow abiding peace and
fearlessness, unassailable strength, inner
enrichment and freedom.
Gurupoornima
exhorts us to imbibe
this immortal message and reflect it in our daily
life. The Day brings sublime festivity to our
heart. It reminds us about the deep gratitude we
must feel towards the Guru and the Spiritual Lineage
(paramparaa), on whom rest the welfare and evolution
of the people. It is a perennial call to all lovers
of culture and wisdom for plunging into the great
depths and expanse of Bhagavadgeeta, Upanishads and
other eternal Texts.
I
am
very happy that you have assembled on this day to
have a direct touch of the great association and
grace Gurupoornima represents. Make it a point to do
at least a small measure of spiritual austerity during
this caatur-maasya period, so that your family and
future generations will have a spiritual treasure to
uphold them with inner strength and inspiration.
My
special fondness and blessings for your health,
well-being and elevation. I would like each of you
to be a messenger of the Holy Gurupoornima to your
own family, friends and relatives, so that they too
will be benefited.
Love
yourself.
Love
the others alike.
Give
place in your mind for one and all.
Realize
the resultant expansion and enrichment.
Antaraatmaa,
Swamiji
