Significance
Guru Purnima, on the full moon of Ashadha, is dedicated to honoring the Guru -- the spiritual teacher who dispels darkness (gu = darkness, ru = remover) from the disciple's life. It commemorates the day Vedavyasa -- the compiler of the Vedas, author of the Mahabharata, and the Adi Guru of all -- was born. This is also the day the primordial Guru, Lord Shiva (as Adiyogi), began transmitting yoga to the Saptarishis. Gratitude toward one's Guru on this day is considered among the highest dharmic acts.
Preparation
Rituals & Vidhi
Guru Pada Puja
Place the photo or sandals of your Guru on the altar. Apply kumkum and sandalwood. Offer flowers at the feet with a bow, expressing gratitude for the transmission of knowledge.
Mantra: Guru Brahma Guru Vishnu Guru Devo Maheshwarah. Guru Sakshat Para Brahma Tasmai Shri Gurave Namah.
Guru Stotram
Recite Guru stotras, the Dakshinamurti Stotram, or simply sit in the remembrance of your Guru's teachings and guidance.
Visit or Contact Your Guru
If possible, visit your teacher in person. If not, send a message of gratitude and renew your commitment to practice what they have taught.
Dakshina
Offer Dakshina (a gift, however small) to your Guru or their institution as a symbol of surrender and gratitude. The act purifies the ego of the student.
Family Guidance
Take children to thank their teachers -- school teachers, music teachers, sports coaches. Discuss the concept of the Guru as the one who shows the way. Have children write a short note of gratitude to a teacher who changed their life.