Guru Purnima means, remembering and offering worship to the lineage of the Spiritual Gurus. Having Spiritual Guru is not a recent phenomenon. Even in the Krita Yuga (the first eon) Dattatreya was considered the founder of the lineage of Gurus (Guru parampara). With the passage of time, during the different Yugas (eons), such as in Treta Yuga, Lord Rama and his father King Dasharatha had Sage Vashishta as their Spiritual Guru. Then in the Dvapara Yuga (eon), Lord Krishna accepted Sage Sandeepani as his Guru. There are many such examples.

This tradition of following the lineage of Gurus is something wonderful. The one who initiated us into this tradition is Sage Vyasa, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Many Puranas and Upanishads (ancient Indian scriptures) have mentioned this. Many foreigners have researched and have found a scientific basis to this tradition.

The significance of Guru Purnima consists of worshiping the lineage of the Gurus, worshiping Sage Vyasa, as well as worshiping own Guru, that Guru’s Guru and thus their lineage. This applies only to those who are accepted as ‘disciples’.

Even those who are first generation disciples may follow this tradition. Those who have been following the Guru-worship tradition for several generations in their families may observe this. Even beginners, and who do not even know their own family lineage and their family Gurus, can receive spiritual initiation and begin this tradition of worshiping the lineage of Gurus.

(Q&A, USA, 29 Jul 2011)