Guru Pūrṇimā: Honoring the Living Lineage

The Indian celebration of Guru Pūrṇimā is on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, but we’ll celebrate on Saturday August 1 from 6-8pm.

Guru Pūrṇimā is a sacred full moon celebration honoring the Guru principle. Today, especially in the West, the word guru can evoke discomfort or skepticism, and often for understandable reasons. This practice is an invitation to approach the Guru principle in an expansive and authentic way without ignoring the problematic associations around the word.

The Śaiva Tantric teachings say that the Guru is the means. I understand that as meaning: the ones who have walked before us light our path. And while maybe it’s possible to move to a deeper understanding of the Self on our own without the advice, teachings, and guidance of those who have walked before us, this has not been my experience. I owe my teachers—ones I’ve met and those whose books I’ve only read—the deepest gratitude because they helped me learn to listen to the highest Guru, the quiet voice of presence that connects us all and comes alive as intuition and insight. The teacher doesn't replace our own deepest knowing; they help us recognize it.

Our Guru Pūrṇimā practice will revolve around four ideas:

Gratitude. We will acknowledge the Guru Maṇḍala: the lineages, traditions,  and all the teachers who have carried these practices. The Guru Maṇḍala includes all of the beings who have supported us, taught us, or from whom we learned, however complicated that may be. 

Recognition of the Heart. We will recognize that every authentic teacher ultimately points us toward the heart of wisdom already present within us.

Discernment. We will discuss the importance of opening the heart while at the same time cultivating wisdom and discernment, honoring the genuine teacher without surrendering our capacity for clear seeing.

Recommit. Finally, we will use practice as a way to recommit to our regular practice as the way to honor the lineage and tradition of spiritual teachers of Tantra and yoga.

The practice will include discussion, chanting, pūjā, and meditation and may conclude with a fire ceremony (TBD).

All are welcome. 

Sliding scale $10-50, but no one is ever turned away, so please reach out if you need support.