Guru Purnima – Honouring Our Teachers (reflections from Katie Rose)

Namaste Friends,

Every July on the full moon we are invited by the Vedic tradition to honour and remember our teachers. If you didn’t grow up in an environment where this kind of practice was normal or encouraged it might feel a little unusual. Many of us have been conditioned to feel that if we elevate others we could risk diminishing ourselves. 

For example as a spiritual teacher and business mentor if I mention who my own teachers and mentors are do I risk my students and followers leaving me and going to them instead? 

No! This is incorrect and small-minded thinking. We have to trust that the people who follow us and are guided by us are discerning and intelligent (and live in the freedom of autonomy). They are with us because they want to be and no amount of grasping or coveting from our side will ‘keep’ them. What will keep our students and followers close to us is generosity and an abundance-based mindset. You don’t lose anything by sharing the inspirations in your work or the work of others. You gain. My poetry teacher Chelsea Diane says it perfectly, 

‘The patriarchy doesn’t just live in men – it’s a poison that lives in women too. The matriarchal way is in celebrating and uplifting each other and our unique, beautiful, important work! And we are always looking at ourselves and all the ways we have forgotten to credit women artists! Women who do not name names of their teachers are not quite as expanded as women who are so big they KNOW it doesn’t take from them when they give loving credit. The biggest woman is a woman willing to learn from all, and when she does name the names of the women that have taught her.’ 

On which note you can find out about my teachers here. 

Another problem that arises is the idea that in order to honour and respect a teacher they must be perfect. In industrialised western culture we’ve been told not to glorify any human because we are all flawed. The idea that a teacher must be perfect to effectively impart knowledge is a myth that we need to let go of. Being human, with all its flaws and imperfections, is actually a crucial part of the learning journey. It's through their own experiences, mistakes, and learnings that teachers can offer more relatable, empathetic, and practical guidance. It is often the challenges and how we overcome them that provide the most valuable lessons, not the pursuit of perfection. Embracing humanity in teaching not only makes the learning experience more authentic but also encourages a culture of growth, resilience, and understanding. It's a beautiful reminder that we're all continuously learning and growing, together. 

This does not excuse behaviour that is abhorant such as sexually predatory or unethical behaviour. Each of us has to decide how we feel about the so-called ‘fallen gurus’ in our tradition and in some cases the ‘flaws’ are irreconcilable. But the point I am making is that as with all relationships if we look for the issues and problems we will find them. If we look for that which is good we will see more of that too. 

On my own journey I have chosen different teachers for different areas in my life and used my own judgement and discernment as to where a teacher is helpful and where not. This is part of the journey of trusting ourselves (I wrote a book about that!). 

When we think about who our teachers are most of us think about people in human form. But Source has a unique way of guiding us, and it's not just through human teachers that we receive wisdom. Animals and the natural world around us are also incredible spiritual teachers, each with their own lessons to impart. Have you ever noticed how a simple walk in nature can bring clarity and peace, or how observing animals can teach us about living in the moment and the importance of community and care? These experiences remind us that wisdom and guidance are all around us, woven into the very fabric of the natural world. It's a reminder to stay open and attentive because the next lesson could come from the whisper of the trees, the dance of the river, or the quiet strength of a mountain. I wrote more about this idea here. 

I remember one time standing in line with a group of other students after a workshop to talk to my teacher Sharon Gannon. Every person in the line wanted a moment with her – wanted to ask a special question or receive some kind of blessing. As I watched the line get longer I felt for my teacher. I thought ‘all these people want something from her, she must be tired after teaching the class.’ My teacher is compassionate and generous and worked tirelessly to be there for us. But in that moment I stepped out of the line. I realised to prefer to serve my teachers and the teachings rather than take and take from them. 

There is something profoundly enriching about living to serve others, especially our teachers (and also our children, partners and parents). It flips the script on the 'what can I get from this person' mentality, transforming it into a 'what can I give' mindset. When we serve, we're not just giving; we're also receiving in ways that are deeper and more fulfilling. It's like planting a garden; the more we nurture and tend to it, the more it flourishes, offering beauty and sustenance in return. Serving our teachers and children enriches our lives, bringing joy, purpose, and a sense of connection. It's a beautiful cycle of giving and receiving that nourishes the soul, proving that in the act of giving, we gain so much more than we could have imagined. 

In my own work I like to start every time I teach or share with an Acknowledgement of Country – which means to acknowledge the First Nations people who belong to this land of Australia where I live. I also acknowledge the teachers in my own lineage as well as those in the yogic lineages I have studied and practice. In this way I remembers my Guru’s throughout the year not just on Guru Purnima. 

🌹

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