Guru Purnima – The Oldest Teachers Appreciation Day

Guru Purnima is probably the world’s oldest form of Teachers Appreciation Day, celebrated in Hindu tradition for thousands of years.

Now, I don’t have deep religious knowledge. I always worry that if I know too much, I’ll either get corrupted or develop that annoying “I know everything” attitude. But I do know surface-to-surface summaries of things. Just enough to feel wise but stay humble.

In Hindu beliefs, Shiva is considered the source of ultimate wisdom and knowledge. But there was a problem. Shiva was… well… moody and weird. Shiva just sat quietly on Mount Kailash, meditating for hundreds or thousands of years. Hard to get him to talk, let alone teach.

Meanwhile, Elon Musk claims he can tweak human DNA so our organs don’t start breaking down after our mid-30s or 40s. He won’t do it for ethical reasons, but I believe if scientists work on DNA, we could live for hundreds of years. Not sure how many of us want that, but that’s a different topic. And if you don’t like Elon, that’s okay – but this is the guy sending rockets to space and catching them back with homemade chopsticks right here in Boca Chica, Texas. Science-wise, he’s on another level. Other stuff? Feel free to debate at your weekend parties.

Back to Shiva. Seven yogis – known as the Sapta-rishis – sucked up to Shiva big time and managed to convince Him to teach them. They received ultimate spiritual knowledge, secrets of life and death, universal wisdom, and advanced science and physics that ended up in Hindu texts. Basically, imagine someone telling you which other planets have life and what their national holidays are. Mind-blowing stuff.

Since that day, Hindus celebrate Guru Purnima to honor the ultimate teaching by the ultimate guru. Today, we also extend that respect to our teachers and professors who shape who we are.

On this note, let’s also remember: stay away from fake TV gurus and scammy motivational speakers who teach you to “manifest millions while you sleep.” It’s an insult to your wisdom and self-respect. Watch a comedy instead, repeat an old movie you love, or learn a new recipe. Way better for your mental health.

Stay healthy. Don’t eat junk all the time. Laugh often. Love your friends and family deeply. If you’re sick, get real medicine from your local pharmacy. Crushing ginger and sniffing garlic can be your side hustle – nothing wrong with it in moderation – but get proper treatment when needed.

Most importantly, always be thankful for what you have and cherish every moment. That’s my version of Bible and Geeta combined, and I stand by it.