Vyasa
Guru Purnima is also referred to as Vyasa Purnima in recognition of the vital role played by Vyasa in the preservation of Vedanta. Vyasa was the one who codified the Vedas. The seat from which any spiritual or Vedic teaching is imparted is referred to as Vyasapeetha in acknowledgement of Vyasa’s immense contribution to Vedanta. All teachers bow to Vyasa before taking the seat. He is revered as the first guru although the guru-sisya parampara started long before his time.
Vyasa was the son of the sage Parasara and a fisherwoman Satyavati, and the grandson of the renowned sage Vasistha. He personified the combination of sagely wisdom and the practical approach of the fisherwoman. It is essential to cultivate both to excel in life. Vyasa was born on the full moon day (Purnima) of Asadh (a month of the Hindu calendar). 'Purnima' denotes illumination and Vyasa Purnima points to spiritual Enlightenment.
Vyasa is considered to be the incarnation of Lord Visnu. There were supposed to be 28 such Veda Vyasas of which he was the last. The saying is that we have been promised a 29th Vyasa who is yet to come! Apart from codifying the Vedas Vyasa wrote the epic Mahabharata consisting of almost one lakh verses. It is referred to as the fifth Veda. He also composed the Puranas and Brahma sutras.
