THE SAGE, THE SEER, THE SHEPHERD- WITH YOUR WISDOM, WE SHALL RISE AND SOAR.
An ode to our revered Gurus, honouring the essence of Guru Purnima, transcendingthe realms of the corporeal, cognitive, and divine.
Author: Srushti Sonawane
सर्वश्रुतिशिरोरत्न वीरान्यासवीरजिते। सर्ववेदान्तसाराय तस्मै श्रीगुरवे नमः॥
To the essence of all Vedanta, to the conqueror of all warriors, to the jewel atop all scriptures, to that revered Guru, my salutations.
Everything known to mankind is the gift of a teacher, a mentor, or a guru. In its absolute surrender lies the true Guru Dakshina at the feet of our guiding light. Commemorating July 21st as the date of Guru Purnima, observed on the full moon day in the Hindu month of Ashadha, is but a drop in the ocean to revere the mighty aura of a Guru. Guru Pournima, the day to express gratitude to our spiritual gurus, is well honoured through various beliefs. In Hindu tradition, Guru Purnima is also known as Vyasa Purnima, marking the birthday of the sage Ved Vyasa, who is credited with composing the Mahabharata. His immense contribution to Hindu scriptures is celebrated, recognizing him as the Adi Guru (first guru). In Buddhism, the importance of Guru Purnima is significant as it commemorates the day when Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon at Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, India, after attaining enlightenment. This event is known as the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta, or the “Setting in Motion of the Wheel of Dharma.” Extending the gratitude beyond spiritual practices, Guru Purnima also marks the onset of the monsoon season in India, enabling farmers to honour their spiritual teachers and seek blessings for a bountiful harvest.
At the heart of the Ashray Foundation lies the principle of “Adwaita,” which translates to “one without a second.” This philosophy emphasizes the interconnectedness of all life forms and the unity between humanity and nature. It is a call to recognize that the boundaries we perceive between ourselves and the world around us are mere illusions. Our foundation’s vision encourages us to break free from the confines of the “I”—the ego—and realize our oneness with the mankind we serve, provide, obtain from, and extend the oneness with the entire cosmos. In light of the same principle, Ashray Foundation upholds its vision by laboriously contributing towards environment, health, and community development, esteeming the fruits of nature, equitable healthcare, and human labour.
Nature’s Wisdom: The Eternal Guru of the Earthly Realm
At Ashray Foundation, we revere the environment as our Guru, drawing invaluable lessons from its boundless wisdom to guide our innovative initiatives. Project Cheer Urja exemplifies our approach, transforming the destructive force of forest fires into a source of sustainable energy. By converting pine needles, notorious for igniting wildfires, into a valuable resource, we embody the profound teaching that “nothing can go to waste if you know how to put it to good use.” This ingenious solution not only curbs environmental devastation but also turns a potential hazard into a renewable asset. Similarly, our “Holiya” initiative under Project Jal Sangrah addresses the dual challenges of water scarcity and monsoon flooding. Through strategic flood mitigation and groundwater replenishment, we bolster agricultural productivity and showcase the lesson that “the might of nature, when channelized correctly, can be a true asset.” These projects highlight how nature, when respected and understood, offers profound insights into sustainability and resilience, expanding one’s notions about Guru Purnima. By channelling these lessons, we commit to more responsible and innovative environmental stewardship, recognizing that the answers we seek often lie in the very fabric of nature, acting as our Guru.
Holistic Wellness: The Synergy of Ayurveda and Guru Wisdom
स्वस्थस्य स्वास्थ्यरक्षणं, आतुरस्य विकारप्रशमनं। गुरुशिक्षया जायते, ह्यायुः प्रज्ञावर्धनं॥ Protecting the health of the healthy, alleviating the ailments of the sick, increasing longevity and wisdom—these virtues are achieved through the Guru’s teachings, a true gift of Guru Purnima. Inspired by the same belief, we stride confidently into the arena of health and hygiene, embodying the principle that wholesome health is a cornerstone of a vibrant life, as imparted by our Gurus. This principle extends beyond self-care, encompassing the well-being of our entire community. Embracing this holistic approach, our “Sanjeevani MMU-Clinic on Wheels” initiative innovatively delivers primary healthcare right to the doorsteps of those in need through our expertly organized health camps, offering precise, high-quality medical solutions. Our MOPD services ensure those cutting-edge medical facilities are attuned to every concern that comes our way, demonstrating our commitment to comprehensive care. Furthermore, our “HIV The HI(gh)(Fi)V(e)” initiative is pivotal in raising HIV/AIDS awareness, steadfastly championing inclusivity, and steering the narrative towards the assurance that “everything is possible, preventable, and achievable.” Great Ayurvedic sages such as Charaka, Sushruta, and Vagbhata envisioned a holistic medicinal ecosystem rooted in balance, harmony, and the profound healing power of nature, reiterating the question of why we celebrate Guru Purnima. Drawing inspiration from their timeless wisdom, Ashray Foundation is dedicated to fostering a similar ecosystem, seamlessly integrating these ancient principles into our health initiatives, and honouring the legacy of these revered gurus.
Elevating Skills: Embracing the Guru-Shishya parampara
At Ashray Foundation, we uphold the revered “guru-shishya parampara,” imparting skill development programs to our beneficiaries for holistic communal development. Our collaborations with DDUGKY and PMKVY provide platforms for youth to flourish, allowing them to come into their own as proud protégés. Under our humble tutelage, beneficiaries pursue their dreams through skill development trainings in diverse arenas such as financial literacy, vocational cosmetology, and artistic endeavors. They create stunning artifacts and homemade products, embodying a juxtaposition of creativity and sustainability. As promoters of community development, we embrace the principle of collective growth of Guru Purnima, rallying for development that uplifts one and all, ensuring that the torch of progress shines brightly for everyone. These initiatives have endured the test of time, underscoring the profound truth in Neil Armstrong’s words: “That’s one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind.” Through our efforts, we illustrate that true health and well-being are not just personal goals but communal imperatives.
In Lasting Elegy: Adorning Our Lives with Your Timeless Wisdom
As the sun sets on Guru Purnima and the full moon rises, casting its silvery glow across the world, a serene tranquillity envelops those who have embarked on this journey of oneness. The teachings of Ashray Foundation, deeply rooted in the principle of Adwaita, serve as the Polaris of our journey, illuminating the path toward a harmonious existence where the “I” dissolves. We celebrate Guru Purnima by embracing this journey of transformation, inspired by the vision of the Ashray Foundation. Let us strive to eliminate the “I,” embracing our oneness with nature and humanity. Though this journey may not always be easy, it is profoundly gratifying. Each step toward unity brings us closer to a world where love, peace, and harmony prevail.
In the words of the ancient Sanskrit shloka: सर्वे भवन्तु सुखिनः, सर्वे सन्तु निरामयाः। सर्वे भद्राणि पश्यन्तु, मा कश्चिद् दुःखभाग् भवेत्॥ “May all beings be happy; may all be free from illness. May all see auspiciousness, and may no one suffer.” On this Guru Purnima, Ashray Foundation pays this ode to honour our gurus—nature, medicine, and education—by embodying this shloka in our thoughts, words, and actions, augmenting the spirit of Guru Purnima greetings. By becoming one with the essence of Adwaita and realizing the profound truth of interconnection, we aim to find our true purpose and fulfillment by adopting the lessons that our Gurus have humbly bestowed upon us. As William Ernest Henley in his “Invictus” has portrayed, “Out of the night that covers me, black as the pit from pole to pole, I thank whatever gods may be, for my unconquerable soul.” We bow in veneration to our Gurus and remember to forever etch their edicts on our accolades, our legacies, and our hearts.
Happy Guru Purnima 😊