When you hear the word, Guru, what comes to mind? A fitness guru? A financial guru? Or perhaps master of meditation? The word Guru has become a modern label for many professions, not just for the realm of spirituality. Though most people understand Guru to mean teacher or master expert, in the ancient language from India, Sanskrit, Guru means remover of darkness. 

Lots of people play the role of Guru throughout our lives: professors, life coaches, godparents, and even our auntie. Jesus, Buddha, and Mohammed were all Gurus. Maharishi, who taught the Beatles TM, was a Guru. My meditation teacher, Gurudev, is a Guru. According to Gurudev, there is one Guru we all have in common when we are born! Mothers are our first Guru!

After all, what is a mother if not a teacher and someone who enlightens us on how to be in the world? Our mothers guide us, every step of the way. Fathers are also life guides, but first is the mother. 

How to honor our mothers

In the East, especially in India, it is common to show respect and gratitude to parents and Gurus alike by bowing, touching the feet, or performing Aarti (holding a plate with a candle and flowers and moving in a circular motion in front of your beloved, while singing or chanting mantras). These practices are sometimes done daily and sometimes reserved for special occasions.

In the West, expressing respect and gratitude to our parents is often relegated to the designated days for Mother and Father. Typically, if it is Mom we are honoring, we give a greeting card, some flowers, gift certificates, spa treatments, chocolates, or jewelry. And if we are young—handmade art, a poem, or coupons for free hugs, favors, and chores.

Any and all of these expressions of gratitude are good, and much appreciated by moms everywhere. It is all about revealing our deepest gratitude for the often selfless care and guidance our moms give us day in and day out.

What else can we do to honor our mothers? What do you give the person who has given so much? When you think about the scope of your life and how much your mom contributed to who you are, it is a bit overwhelming, isn’t it?

Perhaps one way we can honor Mom is to express our gratitude in varied ways more often. Sharing our heartfelt gratitude is consciously respecting, appreciating, loving, and honoring.  

Motherhood and being a Guru

Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, master of meditation, shares wisdom about being a mother, 

“There is motherhood in each and every one of us. Motherhood is wanting the best for others and not expecting anything in return. Every mother wants the best for their kids.”

With this understanding, everyone can play the role of a mother for someone in their life, and the same can be said for playing the role of a Guru. When we come from the space of giving and offering whatever wisdom and support that we can, without any expectations, only caring for their well-being, then we have played these roles for another. 

Mother’s Day is every day

The idea that our mother is our first Guru brings a wave of gratitude! Now, we just have to share that gratitude with our mothers and those who have mothered us. Let’s celebrate and honor mothers everywhere, every day, in small and big ways. 

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Editor’s note: If you would like to experience Gurudev’s ancient secret to modern well-being, you can register for the Art of Living Foundation’s Part 1 course, which features SKY Breath Meditation.