Baandhavya ಬಾ೦ಧವ್ಯ Veerashaiva Samaja of North America NEWS LETTER September - December 2018 VSNA Officers: President: Laxmi Hiremath, N-CA Vice-President: Leena Paul, MD Secretary: Savitha Mandi, S-CA Treasurer: Karuna Hiremath, Detriot Board of Directors: Nayantara Swamy, FL Mallanagouda Patil, NY Mamatha Hirannaiah, GA Prabhakar Chippadi, NE Srishail Hadimani, Chicago Raj Galagali, VA Channu Kambalyal (Ex- President) Board of Regents: Dada Patil, CA - Chair Uma Sajjan, PA Shylendra Kumar, NE Jayashree Jagadeesh, MD Rohini Menashinakai, Toronto Yuvraj Patil, TX Irappa Arabhavi, NE Local Chapter Presidents: Shivashankar Tumkur, AL Sudha Nagabhushana, CA-C Shilpa Hanji, CA-North Dayanand Paramane, CA-South Nandish Dhananjaya, IL & WI Asha Gaddi, CT Vidya Rao, FL Nagarathna Totada, GA Sulochana Guggari, MD Narendra Hadimani, MI Veereshappa Rudramuni, NE Shankar Sanikop, NY Vasanth Kalale, NC Sandeep Hattarki, OH Arun Mahadevappa, PA K. P. Channabasappa, TN Jyothi Hattarki, Tx-North Harish Hiremath, Tx-South Deepak Dhanigond, Toronto Mahesh Kumar, VA & DC Vivek Neginhal, WV Bilva Chandra, Youth Chapter VIRC-Newsletter Team: Srishail Hadimani, IL, Director Sajjan Shiva, TN, Editor Shaila Eswarappa, N-CA, Publisher Suma Basanth, CT Channu Kambalyal, IL Laxmi Hiremath, N- CA Dada Patil, S-CA
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Bhakti Bhandari Basavanna
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Table of Contents Editor’s Note……………………..……………………………….………………………………….………………….3 Guidelines for Submission Articles………………………………………………………………….………………..4 President’s Message ………………………………………………………………………………….……………....5 Highlights of our Term ……………………………………………………………………………………………...…7 BOR Message………………………………………………………………………………………………………….8 Youth’s Voice……….………………………………………………………………………………………………….8 From the VSNA Treasurer .….……………………………………………………………………………………….9 Letter from a Youth Member ……………………………………………………….……………………………….11 Young Sharanas Activities ………………………….…………………………………..………………………..…13 Nelada Mareya Nidhaanadanthe ………..…………………………..…………………………..………………14 Ashtavarana (Part 4) ……………………………………………………………………………………………….. 16 Physical Body and Spiritual Realization …………………………………………………………………………..19 VSNA Convention – 2019 Chicago, IL ..…………………………………………………………………….……..21 Chapter Activities …………………………………………………………………………………………………….22 VSNA – Chicago Chapter.…………………………………………………………….…………….….…….22 VSNA – Maryland Chapter …………..…...………………………………………………….………..…….24
VSNA Publications ….……………………………………………………………………………………….……...27
Disclaimer: VSNA and its affiliate chapters including office bearers do not endorse or echo the political / social / economical views expressed by the authors of the articles in this issue and assume that these are personal views of the individuals.
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Editor’s Note Namaskara Everyone. The 2018 Annual Convention in Detroit is still in mind and it is already time to start with the 2019 convention in Chicago. The Chicago chapter members are experts in convention organization and we should be looking forward to another great convention. Please see the preliminary announcement in this newsletter. Also, please note that the 2020 convention will be by Virginia – Maryland Chapter. Thanks to the hard work of VSNA officers in arranging for these conventions so far ahead! I am repeating the summary of discussions held in the workshop on Model Veerashaiva Community during the 2018 convention for your information: 1. Program Content for children. Provide more materials like SHIVA – Sunday Headstart in Veerashaiva Activities. Also conduct Skype call once on Sunday. 2. Training Chapter Presidents and officers 3. Conduct “Anubhava Ghosti” in every chapter 4. Have more discussions with youth, led by youth, supported by knowledgeable seniors 5. Bringing Swamijis and India context learnings will not help people here. We need more philosophical discussions as applicable here! We need LOCAL JANGAMAS! We need volunteers to facilitate these activities. Please let us know if you can contribute in any way! Here are some of the comments and questions from the Convention attendees that might be of interest to organizers of future conventions:
Make the convention into a two-day workshop immersing participants (adults and youth) in to Veerashaiva principles and practices, to make the convention unique and value added. Focus entertainment programs only on Veerashaiva concepts, eliminate Bollywood-like programs, shorten the sessions, provide priority to professional groups (do not make their programs the last ones and late in the evening). Reduce the expenses, find moderate venues.
We have covered the last three (Mantra, Prasada, Padodaka) in this issue. Hope you find them illuminating. May I welcome you to share your thoughts on how useful these and other articles are and how do we accommodate Ashtavaranas in our daily lives here? How can the VSNA continue to serve the requirements of various age groups in our community? Is it necessary for VSNA to create educational programs on our tenets tailored to the needs of each of these groups? How should we utilize the talents and experience of our members to create such programs? How can we continue to involve our youth in taking VSNA forward and practice/spread the Sharana way of life? Please read the letter from one of our youth members in this issue and let us know of your thoughts. This issue has messages from VSNA officers as usual. These messages reflect on recent occurings. Some would advocate not including these in the newsletter while the others say it is important for the membership to know the details. My view is that the newsletter is not just a compilation of Vachanas and articles on our philosophy, but a venue that provides freedom of expression on issues pertinent to all aspects of VSNA. This is the last issue of the newsletter from the current officers, BOD and BOR, and my last issue as the Editor. I have enjoyed editing it and sincerely hope it has served the community well. My sincere thanks to Smt. Shaila Eswarappa for her superb support in publishing the newsletter. Thanks to the newsletter committee for timely reviews and suggestions. As always, we can be reached at newsletter_committee@googlegroups.com. Happy reading! Sharanu Sharanarthi, Dr. Sajjan Shiva 3
Publisher’s Note Namasakara Everyone, This is my last issue as the Publisher. I hope you all have enjoyed reading the 2018 issues of Baandhava. It has been a pleasure to work with Dr. Sajjan Shiva and the VIRC team. I have very much enjoyed publishing the Newsletters, and I hope it has served the community well. Congradulations to all the onbording New Officers and Committee Members. Sharanu Sharanrthigalu, Mrs. Shaila Eswarappa ಕೋವೆಂಬುದು ತಾನು , ಪಾವ ನೆಲೆಗಟ್ಟು ಆತ್ತು , ಸುಖವು ಸರಿ ಎೆಂದು ಪೋಗೆ ಪಾವಲ್ಲಿ ಹುದು ಸವವಜ್ಞ Kōpavembudu tānu, pāpava nelegaṭṭu āpattu, sukhavu sari endu pōpage pāpavellihudu sarvajña
- sarvajña
Guidelines for Submission of Articles The Editorial committee welcomes your articles and poems for publication in our esteemed Newsletter - Baandhavya. Please adhere to the guidelines below and provide clear, concise, quality articles with facts. The Articles should reflect Veerashaiva / Lingayat philosophy, highlighting its rich religious and spiritual heritage. Submissions may include the life of Sharanas, Vachana interpretations and the philosophy. Please share contributions / achievements of the members in enriching the community around the world. 1. Articles should be original in nature and have not been published in any other format / heading in the previous editions of Baandhavya or any other VSNA publications. 2. If the articles contained any part or paragraph of previously published books / articles, appropriate reference should be provided. 3. Articles should be 1-2 pages (exceptions can be made up to 4 pages based on the subject / topic). 4. Up to 2 articles per author / issue will be considered per publication. 5. Editorial committee will review the article within 5 business days and the editor-in-chief will communicate to the writer of its acceptance / revision /rejection. 6. Revised article will be considered as a new submission and due course will be followed. 7. Articles received within the prescribed due date will be considered for publication in the issue. If an article is received after the due date, it will be considered for the following issue. Guidelines for Chapter Presidents: Please follow the guidelines for submitting chapter activities / updates and major achievements of the members to be published in our esteemed Newsletter - Baandhavya 1. One Paragraph write up highlighting each event / program and include pictures. Note: Please send only 2 – 3 pictures per event /program. 2. Please restrict your chapter report to 1 – 2 pages including pictures. 3. Send the write up in word format only. VSNA Newsletter Committee - newsletter_committee@googlegroups.com
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President’s Message Dear Fellow Veerashaivas,
We had a very productive and successful 2017 Year. We had inherited a Hacked Website; no 2017 Convention was in place. Our 2017-18 dedicated team worked hard along with enthusiastic youths to host the 2017 Convention and made it successful. We accomplished many out-of-the-ordinary achievements, which I have highlighted separately in this issue of Bhandavya. However, with a heavy heart I must report that the 2018 year was not as productive and positive. To begin, it was a healthy sign that many members contested for the officers‟ positions. But then it took a different turn. The BOR Team and select BOD members started creating problems. They were violating the VSNA Bylaws, passing improper resolutions in the meetings, bullying and disrespecting the women officers, removing and installing Election Committees of their choosing. They were rigging the elections. The violations of the Bylaws, constant harassment during the meetings, bullying and insulting, arrogance and abuse of power, by the BOR team and select BOD members added to the infringements. We, the officers were left with no choice but to seek legal counsel to protect the VSNA Organization and its future. Select member revoked the Central VSNA Secretary's ability to send communication emails to VSNA members. Following is the message that should have been sent out to the general members, but we were blocked. Please see below the message I would like to bring to the attention of all VSNA Members, that the BOR Team and select few BOD members are rigging the elections. As the Central VSNA President, it is my duty to call out the violations of VSNA Bylaws and to protect our organization from illegalities. The following are more irregularities by the BOR Team and select BOD Members. As per the Bylaws BOR Chair is neither authorized to send out emails to general membership nor any authority is given to him. 1. The select BOD/BOR Team members provoke, instigate, propagate and lie to the board to get majority votes. 2. Last minute „BOR Guidelines‟ are being put together by the select BOD/BOR members to circumvent Bylaws and disqualify a candidate, this is not only illegal, it violates the VSNA Bylaws. 3. The first Election Committee #1 was fired by the select BOD/BOR Team members for their own self-interest. 4. The second Election Committee #2 dutifully started their work following the Bylaws. The select BOD/BOR deceitfully and quietly fired EC#2 providing an excuse saying they are not following their „BOR Guidelines‟. I never authorized the removal of EC#2. The EC#2 have started the election process and they cannot be removed by the illegal process used by select BOR/BOD because of the votes gathered in BOR meeting to fire EC#2. It is not valid. 5. They anointed a third Election Committee #3 with a controversial EC Chair. 6. Conflict of interest and violation of VSNA Bylaws, when similar Organization (IBC) officers are holding BOD and BOR positions in VSNA. If these multiple VSNA Bylaws violations are ignored now, then tomorrow it paves the path for IBC officers to easily break VSNA and divert VSNA funds to IBC. 5
7. Designated Central VSNA Secretaryâ€&#x;s access to the communication platform to General Members, was illegally revoked to block her from sending email communication to VSNA members. 8. The chapter Presidents votes are being used for illegal purposes. This shows clearly how they were scheming from very beginning. 9. I tried to negotiate a compromise with the BOR through a mediator, but they did not agree to the options provided by the mediator. These were the illegalities that took place. I would like to bring this to your notice because such things should never ever transpire again. We cannot engage in illegal activities and deception, bullying and disrespecting women officers. When they disrespect, they are mocking the Office of the President, they are mocking the VSNA Organization, and they are mocking the VSNA members and more importantly, mocking themselves. We have to follow and practice Basava principles. My motto always has been to uphold the Bylaws and practice basic principles. Honestly, no one wants to go to the attorney. I had to take the bold step in exposing the lies. Truth ultimately prevailed. My message as an outgoing President is - absolutely never disrespect anyone, create a peaceful environment to each one, let go of the past, set aside the differences, everyone unite together, and work FOR the betterment and advancement of the VSNA Organization. Sharanu Sharanarthigalu, Laxmi Hiremath - VSNA President
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Highlights of our Team By Laxmi Hiremath - VSNA President I would like to take this golden opportunity to review a few of the highlights of our term as officers. Overall we had a very productive and successful term. Achievements VSNA received the distinguished award by the Akhila Bharatha Sharana Saahitya Parishattu, Bangalore, for excellent work in promoting Sharana philosophy. Truly it is a great recognition. This is a team effort and 40 years of dedication. I am happy to inform, Central VSNA provided a generous donation of $3000 to a VSNA family, hurricane Harvey victim in Houston as financial assistance. I am happy to announce the 2019 VSNA Convention will be hosted by the Chicago Chapter. And that‟s not all, the 2020 VSNA Convention will be hosted by the VA&DC Chapters. This has never happened before. We have made history. In regards to the Veerashaiva and Lingayat issues, I received numerous calls and emails on this subject matter for months. As president of VSNA, I have taken a firm stand, as per our Bylaws that we will not participate, communicate, influence or get involved in any religious, politics here or abroad. We stand as One, United, VSNA Organization. Nonetheless, people have the freedom to express their opinion. Youths remain a huge focus for me. I have worked with them all my life, it is special to me. I am glad to share that our youth have revamped and redesigned the outdated VSNA Website. We established a National Youth Chapter and made history. Bilva is the Youth President along with a team of Youth Board. Youth took the lead to run the annual Convention last year. The Convention was planned and executed in less than four months by Abhinav Reddy and his team. We have an All Women Dedicated Team, of course I am very proud of. The 2017 Convention Souvenir, seemed bleak at first, however, I pulled a team together and made that happen. I thank the Souvenir committee members for a beautifully designed Vachana Deepti, filled with valuable articles. Baandhavya, the Newsletter continues to serve as a knowledge base. Women Empowerment My frequent outpouring on the topic of Women Empowerment continues to blossom. I encourage all women to participate and take the center stage. Equality is the core value of Guru Basavanna‟s principles. In Closing One of the lessons that I grew up with was to always stay true to myself. When I hear about negative and false attacks, I distance myself, I really don't invest any energy in them. I would like to share my favorite quote by Michelle Obama, “We have learned about honesty and integrity - that the truth really matters... that you don't take shortcuts or play by your own set of rules... and success doesn't count unless you earn it fair and square”. My motto all along has been to follow Thomas Jefferson‟s advice - In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock. Guru Basavanna has given us rock solid principles. Let‟s all practice and follow. My fellow members, it has been an honor to serve you. I leave this stage being even more optimistic. We have younger, smarter, talented people. Let‟s involve everyone to make VSNA a stronger, vibrant organization and change the dynamics with fresh ideas. Don‟t think of what you can get from VSNA but think of what you can contribute to VSNA.
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BOR Message
Sharanu, On behalf of BOR team I thank election committee for successfully conducting the election. VSNA members have given the loud and clear verdict through their ballots. I thank all the contestants for their interest in serving the organization. You all are winners in my view. Congratulations to President elect Srishail Hadimani , VP elect Raj Galagali , Treasurer elect Shiva Patil and Youth president elect Manisha Virupannavar. Also congratulations to the elected BOR & BOD members. Here is an opportunity for the newly elected members to bring in the much needed reform and change in the organization. Youth president has a bigger responsibility to involve the young adult participation in the organization. Only thirty percent of eligible youth voters have casted their votes. Newly elected BOD & BOR should work together to fix all the ambiguity in the Bylaw to avoid future conflicts. I thank all the outgoing officers, BOR members, chapter presidents and Youth president for their volunteer service to the Samaj. Sharanu Sharanarthigalu, Dadasaheb Patil - BOR Chair.
Youth’s Voice Dear All, The VSNA Youth Chapter is excited to be involved in the upcoming national convention hosted in Michigan this summer! Some initiatives that it is currently working on is maintaining and expanding Youth programming for the convention in order to provide for a more holistic youth experience. Traditional programming that it will pursue is the Jeopardy tournament based off of Veerashaivism, the open youth forum to discuss the faith and their identities, and the youth trip into the city. The National Chapter board will be working together with the Michigan youth chapter in order to come up with fresh initiatives such as bringing a keynote speaker and having more programming for a myriad of age groups. Bilva Chandra President – National Youth Chapter
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From the VSNA Treasurer By Karuna Hiremath Sharanu/Sharanarthi, Dear members, As the treasurer of VSNA during the 2017-2018 term, I would like to share my experiences working as the treasurer and officer and as a member of the organization. To begin with, I was very excited as I was part of a team of all-women officers for the first time in the history of VSNA. As we began our journey, little did I know what challenges would follow. To name a few: ● We were surprised to start the year looking for a chapter to host and conduct the convention, which is typically (and reasonably) the responsibility of the previous administration before handing over duties ● The VSNA website was hacked multiple times, and the previous administration repeatedly neglected to fix it ● There was an amount of $130k combined in the bank and in the investment account as cash with no earnings whatsoever ● The Life members roster had not been updated in years During our term, we not only strategized solutions to the above issues by cleaning up the mismanagement and failures left behind by some of our previous administrations and officers, but we also faced the challenges of VSNA elections which were held for the first time in over 35 years. My dream was to make these elections a one-of-a-kind experience for all the members with competent planning, but instead it turned out to be an ugly mess with unproductive monthly meetings including members consistently disrespecting each other (and the women officers) all because a few egotistical BOD and BOR members brought their own selfish agendas to the meetings. The members should understand that every one of us are volunteers, and the focus should be on the growth of the organization, not bringing personal agendas to light and intimidating others. The select few BOD and BOR members constantly accused and harassed the women officers. It was often torturous and stressful to even attend these meetings, and eventually the VSNA President had no other choice but to seek legal help to try and contain the situation. One of the main concerns the organization has been facing in recent years was to attract the current generation of youth. Our team did a wonderful job countering this trend by bringing youth members to the forefront and proudly hosting 2017 VSNA Convention by youth. Moving forward, my honest opinion is that we have to first bring unity, tolerance, and oneness between ourselves as the experienced adult members, or the long-preserved “Nammavva” will give way to a divided community. The BOR instead of focusing and working on long and short term projects to grow the
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organization, instead, they interfered too much in the operations and functions of BOD which triggered a rift and misunderstanding within BOD and women officers just to fulfil their own self interest and ego. As an active member both at local and central levels for more than 25 years, I have never been this reluctant to associate myself with this organization that was once part of my life and is now in my history. Some members have started to realize that there is an excess of animosity and divide in the past few months. They simply placed the blame on us as officers. However, I recently received a positive message from a fellow member (name redacted), included below: Karuna avare, I would like to apologize to you for whatever I said in emails during the contentious election days. I overstepped in accusing you while I was also at fault. My intentions were not to undermine your so many years of good work for the Samaja. You have done great and taken bold step to invest funds to grow which wasnâ€&#x;t done by anyone till you took charge. All of the good work will not be forgotten due to these conflicts happened during elections. I have no rights to come between you and your good relations with so many friends you have made in the community. I admit that I made a mistake and kept blaming central officials until I realized that I was not clear enough on communicating you earlier. I am glad some chapter presidents have realized their mistakes in unnecessarily blaming us for the selfish motives of others. I advise the select few members who instigated these conflicts to learn to offer their beneficial services (which I am sure they have) to the organization rather than attempting to divide a community that deserves the unifying support of all of its devoted members. With best wishes, Karuna Hiremath VSNA Treasurer
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Letter from a Youth Member Sharanu Sharanarthi, Congratulations to the winners of the most recent Central VSNA election! It was a close race and it was great to see the democratic process in action. My name is Tejas Aralere and I am a youth member from the Basava Samiti (DC/VA) Chapter. Because of my parents' involvement in VSNA, I have been a member since before I can remember, and in fact, our annual family trip, other than flying to India, would be to whichever city the VSNA convention was being hosted. I remember those events fondly. I also think that most children born to parents who are VSNA members consider it their extended family. These aunties and uncles see us grow up almost from the moment we're born. Thus, VSNA has been a powerful influence throughout my life and I care for it deeply. Now to the topic at hand and the reason I'm writing this letter in which the views expressed are solely my own. As a youth member of the organization, I have been wondering what the future of VSNA is. As I think about my childhood, attending VSNA functions was as much a community event as a religious one. We all sat together, as the children still do in our chapter, and did Linga puja, and then the adults usually had a discussion about a vachana or another topic of interest. We would also do community service which is very important for building civic-mindedness in young people. These aspects of VSNA are still alive, which is great to see in our technology-filled age. I think that it is important for our more "youthful" youth members to interact with our religion by learning to say vachanas, by performing skits and plays, and through workshops and discussions. These activities give children multiple ways to access our religion. Having participated in all these different chapter and convention activities and the competitions, I can say that VSNA has shaped my identity as an American Veerashaiva. Now as an older youth member, I've been thinking about VSNA in a different way. I'm no longer a child that attends functions with his parents, but am not yet married in order to be considered an adult member of the organization. I'm in a sort of liminal position as an older "youth" and I know that there are many other VSNA members in the same position. Therefore, I feel that mine is a valid perspective from which to assess our organization. I've been thinking a lot about what VSNA is supposed to do for me now that I'm older? And more broadly, how does VSNA, an organization created 40 years ago, see itself 40 years from now? To answer these two questions, I first needed to know how our organization defined itself in its official documents. I thought I'd look on the Central VSNA website which I found to be recently updated and just excellent! Kudos to the people who revamped it to make the information easily accessible. I navigated to the section that had all the official VSNA documents, including the by-laws and manuals for VSNA officers. I read these documents trying to understand what the Samaja is all about. I knew, just by being part of it, that VSNA was dedicated to keeping Veerashaivism thriving in America for those who immigrated here and their children, but I wanted to hear the organization speak for itself. Why was it created? How did VSNA define itself? What did it see as its purpose in the present and what was its vision for the future? A few things stood out to me as I read these by-laws and administrative manuals, first about the Samaja and second about the duties of the leadership positions. According to these documents, the purpose of VSNA can be summarized as what I'll abbreviate as the 3 P's: "preservation, promotion, and propagation" of Veerashaivism in America. Relating to the youth, the three I's are listed: to "instill, imbibe, and impart" Veerashaivism to "our off-spring" and to give them a "sense of identity." As I thought more on this topic, I found myself wondering how VSNA will change to meet our modern needs and especially how it's doing these 3 P's in 2018. Are we keeping this organization relevant not only for our newer immigrant members and their children, but also for the children and families of the first generation of VSNA members? The latter, many of whom are older than me, have their own families now and so, do they feel like the organization is achieving the 3 P's and I's? The cultural, political, and socio-economic conditions in which this organization was formed in 1978 vastly differ from today's circumstances. How are we "instilling, imbibing, and imparting" our Veerashaiva heritage to the members of VSNA now? This question almost inevitably comes up during workshops in VSNA conventions where someone asks a visiting swamiji how to keep Veerashaivism relevant to the 21st century and make it relevant for the youth. 11
We tout Basavanna's ideas of equality and egalitarianism as forward-thinking for the 12th century, which they definitely were, but what are we doing to find applications of our religion to our modern lives? There is a deep irony in asking this question to a swamiji visiting from India. I'm not sure he is the right person to ask for advice about a religious diaspora in America. They may understand certain aspects of it, but shouldn't we develop an answer to this question? I think these are questions worth asking but to whom does one ask them? I think we can start by asking the VSNA leadership itself. By this, I mean, with all due respect, not the older generation of members who laid the foundation and have voiced their opinions over the past few decades, but the current, younger officeholders. I would hope that the new leadership's opinions differ in some ways, at least, from those of former office-bearers. If they are completely identical, then I would consider that deeply problematic. In the documents giving the duties of the officers of Central VSNA, the majority of the responsibilities are related to the management of funds; i.e. they oversee a budget, release annual financial reports, and form necessary committees. This is completely understandable since we are a national organization. But nowhere does it say that the president should have a plan for growing the organization from a religious standpoint. There are no ideas related to the 3 P's and I's listed above. There was an implicit belief that whoever took up a leadership position was doing so to nurture Veerashaivism in our diaspora community both for themselves and their children. Then came the emails reminding us to vote in the most recent Central VSNA election and I looked at the CV blurbs provided by each of the candidates. I found that while all these uncles and aunties have achieved great things in their careers, that no one really said what they planned to do if elected to office and their plan for achieving it. There were multiple candidates for most of the positions, yet they had no campaign platform to distinguish themselves from the other nominees. So, why were these people running for office? What did they plan to do in office? I drew the conclusion that they simply liked being in power and wanted to list another leadership position on their resumĂŠs. This wouldn't be too crazy to assume since VSNA is defined as a "corporation" in the by-laws, stating that the "president shall be CEO." Then I laughed at my cynicism and said, no, these uncles and aunties wouldn't do this just for recognition -they just didn't have an opportunity to tell us what their ideas are and to explain what they'd do in office. I wanted to know why they ran for office and what their hopes were for the future of the Samaja. What were they going to do to further the development of the Veerashaiva International Resource Center (VIRC) discussed in Article XVII of the by-laws? What ideas do they have to apply Veerashaivism to the modern Indian-American? To be perfectly honest, the flurries of emails and infighting about elections have made me quite sad and disinterested in VSNA over the past few months. The flared emotions must mean that the candidates cared deeply about the Samaja and their plans its future, but they never explicitly stated these plans. They never said why it was worth fighting for. There does not seem to be a desire to further the organization as its founders envisioned with the 3 P's and I's. Instead, the focus seems to be on climbing to positions of power within the organization without having a clearly defined sense of direction for it. Ideally, there would have been a moderated town-hall style conference call before the election where members could have asked the candidates questions about their views on different topics and maybe even voice concerns about the organization. I strongly suggest, and humbly request, that such an event take place before the next election. Now that the election is over and the new officers have been elected, I'd be very interested in hearing their goals and vision for the organization. Saying that they want to make VSNA relevant to the youth is an obvious goal that we can all agree is good, but how do they plan to do it? Drawing new members into the organization and fundraising are great, but what is the plan to do these things? And once the funds are raised, what is going to be done with them? We must not lose sight of the fact that we are a religious organization that, by necessity, manages money and not vice versa. A conference call is easy to organize and would be a great way for us to hear the new officers speak and to ask them questions. VSNA is defined as a "democratic organization" in the founding documents, so I think it's only fair that, having been elected, they get a chance to explain their plan for our Samaja during their term. I truly hope the newly elected members will take this suggestion and hold such an event. Namaskara, Tejas Aralere November 3, 2018
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Young Sharanas Activities
Fill in the Blanks Vachana #1
Vachana #2
kAyakke _ _ _ _ kADittu mAye!,
sagaNiya _ _ _ _ mADi saMpigeyaraLalli pUjisidare
prANakke _ _ _ _ kADittu mAye!
raMjaneyahudallade, adara _ _ _ biDadaNNa!
manakke nenahAgi _ _ _ mAye!
maNNa pratimeya _ _ majjanakkeredare
nenahiMge _ _ _ _ kADittu mAye!
nicca kesarahudallade adaracciga _ _ _ _ !!
_ _ _ jaMguLige beMgOlanetti kADittu mAye! lOkada _ _ vaMge _ _ _ _ _ koTTare cennamallikArjuna, _ _ _ _ mAyeyanArU gelabAradu
A keTTavanEke sadBaktanahanu _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
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Nelada Mareya Nidhaanadante – Like the Treasure Hidden in the Earth (Vachana 173 from - http://vachanaAweek.blogspot.com) Sajjan Shiva and (Late.) Leela Garady Vachana in Kannada
Vachana in English
ನೆಲದ ಭರೆಮ ನಿಧಾನದಂತೆ ಪಲದ ಭರೆಮ ರುಚಿಯಂತೆ ಶಿಲೆಮ ಭರೆಮ ಹೇಭದಂತೆ ತಿಲದ ಭರೆಮ ತೈಲದಂತೆ ಭಯದ ಭರೆಮ ತೇಜದಂತೆ ಭಾದ ಭರೆಮ ಫರ ಸಮ ವಾಗಿಪ ಚೆನನ ಭಲ್ಲಿ ಕಾರ್ಜುನನ ನಿಲನಾರೂ ಅರಿಮ ಬಾಯದು .
nelada mareya nidhaanadaMte phalada mareya ruciyaMte shileya mareya hEmadaMte tilada mareya tailadaMte marada mareya tEjadaMte bhaavada mareya brahmavaagippa cennamallikaarjunana nilavanaarU ariya baaradu
Translation Like the treasure hidden in the Earth Like the sweetness hidden in the fruit Like the Gold hidden in the rock Like the oil hidden in the sesame seed Like the fire hidden in the wood The Truth is hidden in the feeling! It is difficult to understand the being of the Divine Chenna Mallikaarjuna!
Click on the Link for a Recitation http://youtu.be/YXPSJxPT624
English Commentary: In this Vachana, Akka Mahaadevi emphasizes that the being of the Divine is very difficult to understand, and it can only be felt. She uses several similes to drive the point home. The treasure (minerals, oil, etc.) is hidden in the Earth. It cannot be seen by the superficial observation. Gaining the knowledge of what is hidden where and how deep and excavating is needed to unearth the treasure. The sweetness of the fruit can only be experienced. No amount of description by others can convey how sweet the fruit is and what that sweetness is. The Gold is hidden in the rocks. One must break the rocks, powder them and filter the Gold out of that powder. This calls for not only an extreme effort, but a good knowledge of how to distinguish between the Gold and the rock. The oil is hidden in the sesame seed. The seed need to be crushed to extract the oil. One needs to know how to crush and might have to utilize tools and assistance from others. We can produce the fire by rubbing one piece of wood against the other. We should know the technique and need to put the effort to see the fire. We need to also be ready to lose the wood that produced the fire. To understand the being of the Divine, awareness, knowledge and great effort is needed. The being can only be felt by such a devotee. It cannot be explained by others. It is interesting that Akka is using so many similes to illustrate the concept of the being of the Divine. A close examination of each of these similes indicates what is expected of a devotee to understand His being. The devotee should cultivate awareness (the awareness that the treasure is hidden in the Earth), the intense curiosity (not be satisfied with the description of others of the sweetness of the fruit), the effort and care (effort to powder the stone and care to not lose even a small strand of Gold in it), collaboration (with tools and knowledgeable people to crush the seed to extract oil), and finally the sacrifice (to sacrifice the wood that generated the fire). 14
Let us make all-out efforts to invite Him into our feelings! Kannada Commentary: ಇದು ಅಕ್ಕ ಭಹಾದೇವಿಮ ಚನ. ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಅಕ್ಕ ಭಹಾದೇವಿ ಆ ಯಸ್ತು ವಿನ ಇಯವು ಹೇಗಿದೆ ಎನ್ನನ ವುದನ್ನನ ನ ಮೂಲಕ್ ಹೇಳುತಿು ದಾಾ ಳೆ.
ಅನೇಕ್ ಉದಾಸಯಣೆಗಳ
‟ನೆಲದ ಭರೆಮ ನಿಧಾನದಂತೆ‟ ಎಂದು ಹೇಳುತ್ತು ಳೆ ಮೊದಲ್ಲಗೆ. ಭೂಮಿಮ ಒಳಗೆ ನಭಮ ಕ್ಣ್ಣಿ ಗೆ ಕಾಣದೆಹೋದರೂ ನಿಧಿ ಅಡಗಿರುತ್ು ದೆ. ಅದು ಮೇಲು ನೋಟಕ್ಕಕ ಕಾಣದೆ ಹೋದರೂ ಒಳಗೆ ಅಡಗಿರುತ್ು ದೆ. ಅದನ್ನನ ವರ ಭಹಿಸಿ ಹುಡುಕ್ ಬೇಕು. ಅದೆಲ್ಲಿ ಇದೆ, ಎಷ್ಟು ಆಳದಲ್ಲಿ ಹುದುಗಿದೆ, ಎಂದು ನಭಗೆ ತಿಳಿದು ಫರುವುದಿಲಿ . ಆದರೆ ಅದು ತ್ನನ ಪಾಡಿಗೆ ತ್ತನಿರುತ್ು ದೆ. ಹುಡುಕಿದರಿಗೆ ಸಿಗುತ್ು ದೆ. ”ಪಲದ ಭರೆಮ ರುಚಿಯಂತೆ” ಎಂದು ಹೇಳುಲ್ಲಿ ಆ ಯಸ್ತು ವಿನ ಇನನ ಂದೇ ತೆಯನ ಗುಣ ತಿಳಿಯುತ್ು ದೆ. ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಸಣ್ಣಿ ಎದುರಿಗೆ ಕಾಣ್ಣತಿು ದೆ. ಕ್ಣ್ಣಿ ಗೆ ಕಾಣ್ಣ ಆ ಸಣ್ಣಿ ಗೆ ಒಂದು ರುಚಿಯಂತೂ ಇಯಲೇ ಬೇಕು. ಆದರೆ ಅದನ್ನನ ತಿಂದು ಅನ್ನಬವಿಸ್ತರೆಗೆ ಅದಯ ರುಚಿ ಎಂತ್ಹುದು ಎಂಬುದು ಯಾರಿಗೂ ತಿಳಿಯುವುದಿಲಿ . ಅದನ್ನನ ಅನ್ನಬವಿಸಿದರು, ಅದನ್ನನ ನಾನಾ ರಿೋತಿಯಾಗಿ ಣ್ಣುಷಫಹುದು. ಅದು ಜೇನಿನಂತೆ, ಬೆಲಿ ದಂತೆ, ಷಕ್ಕ ರೆಯಂತೆ, ಸಿಹಿಯಾಗಿದೆ ಎಂದು ಎಂದು ಅದಯ ಷವಿಮನ್ನನ
ಣ್ಣುಷ ಫಹುದು. ಆದರೆ ಅಯ ಈ
ಮಾತುಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಯಾವುದು ನಿಜ? ಅಥವಾ ಅದು ಈ ಎಲಿ ದಯಗಿಂತ್ ಬೇರೆಯಾದ ರುಚಿ ಇದೆಯೇ ಎಂಬುದು ತ್ತನ್ನ ತಿಂದು ಅನ್ನಬವಿಸಿದ ಮೇಲೆಯೇ ತಿಳಿಯುವುದು. ಅಲ್ಲಿ ಮರೆಗೂ ಅದು ನಮಿಮ ಂದ ಭರೆಯಾಗಿರುತ್ು ದೆ. ‟ಶಿಲೆಮ ಭರೆಮ ಹೇಭದಂತೆ‟. ಕ್ಲ್ಲಿ ನಲ್ಲಿ ಬಂಗಾಯ ಕ್ಣಕ್ಣ ವಾಗಿ ಅಡಗಿಕಂಡಿರುತ್ು ದೆ. ಯಾವಾಗಲೋ ಒಂದಂದು ಷಲ ಮಾತ್ರ ಹಳೆಯುತ್ು ದೆ. ಅದನ್ನನ ಗುರುತಿಸಿ ವರ ಭಹಿಸಿ ಆ ಕ್ಲಿ ನ್ನನ ಕುಟ್ಟು ಪುಡಿಮಾಡಿ ಶೋಧಿಸಿ ತೆಗೆದಾಗ ಅದು ದರೆಯುತ್ು ದೆ. ಇಲಿ ದಿದಾ ರೆ ಇಲಿ . ಆ ಯಸ್ತು ವೂ ಅಷ್ಟು , ಯಾವಾಗಲಾದರೊಮ್ಮಮ ಹಳೆದು ಮಾಮವಾಗು ಅದನ್ನನ ಗುರುತಿಸಿ ವರ ಭಟ್ಟು ಗ ಅದು ದರೆಯು ಸಾಧಯ ತೆ ಇರುತ್ು ದೆ. ‟ತಿಲದ ಭರೆಮ ತೈಲದಂತೆ‟. ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಅಕ್ಕ ನ್ನ ಆ ಯಸ್ತು ಎಳಿಿ ನ ಭರೆಮಲ್ಲಿ ಅಡಗಿದ ಎಣೆಿ ಯಂತೆ ಇದೆ ಎನ್ನನ ತ್ತುಳೆ. ಎಳಿ ನ್ನನ ನೋಡಿದಾಗ ಅದು ಕ್ಣ್ಣಿ ಗೆ ಕಾಣ್ಣವುದಿಲಿ . ಅದರೆ ಅದನ್ನನ ಗಾಣದಲ್ಲಿ ತಿರುವಿದಾಗ ಎಣೆಿ ಸಿಗುತ್ು ದೆ. ಅಂದರೆ ಅದನ್ನನ ಡೆಮಲು ತ್ತನ್ನ ವರ ಭ ಡುವುದಲಿ ದೆ ಇತ್ಯಯ ಎಂದರೆ ಗಾಣದ, ಎತುು ಗಳ ಷಸಯೋಗದ ಅವಯ ಕ್ತೆಯೂ ಇದೆ ಎನ್ನನ ವುದನ್ನನ ಸೂಚಿಸ್ತತಿು ದಾಾ ಳೆ. ‟ಭಯದ ಭರೆಮ ತೇಜದಂತೆ‟ ಎಂದು ಹೇಳುಲ್ಲಿ ಭಯದಲ್ಲಿ ಅಡಗಿರು ಅಗಿನ ಮನ್ನನ ಭತುು ಆ ಕಿರ ಯೆಮಲ್ಲಿ ಭಯವು ಬಷಮ ವಾಗುತ್ು ದೆ ಎಂಫ ಭಾವಿದೆ.
ಡೆಮಲು ಭಯನ್ನನ
ಘರ್ಷುಷಬೇಕಾಗುತ್ು ದೆ
‟ಭಾದ ಭರೆಮ ಫರ ಸಮ ವಾಗಿಪ ‟ ಹೇಳಿ ಆ ಯಸ್ತು ವು ಕನೆಗೆ ಭಾದಲ್ಲಿ ಹೋಗುತ್ು ದೆ ಎನ್ನನ ತ್ತು ಳೆ. ಅದು ಇನ್ನನ ಬೇರೆ ಯಾ ರಿೋತಿಮಲ್ಲಿ ಯೂ ತೋರಿಷಲು, ಹೇಳಲು, ಣ್ಣುಷಲು ಫರುವುದಿಲಿ ವಂದು ಹೇಳುತ್ತು ಳೆ. ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಒಂದು ರ ಶ್ನನ ಹುಟ್ಟು ತ್ು ದೆ. ಆ ಯಸ್ತು ಯಾ ರಿೋತಿ ಇದೆ ಎನ್ನನ ವುದಕ್ಕಕ ಏಕ್ಕ ಇಷ್ು ಂದು ಉದಾಸಯಣೆಗಳನ್ನನ ಕಡಬೇಕು. ಯಾವುದಾದರು ಒಂದು ಉದಾಸಯಣೆ ಸಾಲುತಿು ಯಲ್ಲಲಿ ವ? ಎಂದು. ಆದರೆ ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಮ ಒಂದಂದನ್ನನ ಸೂಕ್್ ಮ ವಾಗಿ ಗಭನಿಸಿದಾಗ ಅದಯ ಔಚಿತ್ಯ
ಗೊತ್ತು ಗುತ್ು ದೆ. ಅದು, ನೆಲದ ನಿಧಿ, ಸಣ್ಣಿ ನ ರುಚಿ, ಕ್ಲ್ಲಿ ನಲ್ಲಿ ರು ಚಿನನ , ಎಳಿಿ ನಲ್ಲಿ ರು ಎಣೆಿ , ಭತುು ಭಯದಲ್ಲಿ ಅಡಗಿರು
ಅಗಿನ ಯಂತೆ ಎಂದು ಹೇಳುತ್ತು ಳೆ. ನೆಲದ ಭರೆಮ ನಿಧಾನನ್ನನ ಡೆಮಲು ಅದಯ ಫಗೆೆ ಏನ್ನ ತಿಳಿಮದಿದಾ ರೂ ಅದು ಇದೆ ಎನ್ನನ ಫಗೆೆ ವರ ದೆೆ ಇಯಬೇಕಾಗುತ್ು ದೆ. ಪಲದ ಭರೆಮಲ್ಲಿ ರು, ನಾನಾ ಜನರು ನಾನಾ ರಿೋತಿಯಾಗಿ ಣ್ಣುಸ್ತ ಸಣ್ಣಿ ನ ರುಚಿಯು ಹೇಗಿಯಫಹುದೆಂಫ ಜಿಜ್ಞಾ ಸೆ ಇಯಬೇಕು. ಕ್ಲ್ಲಿ ನ ಭರೆಮಲ್ಲಿ ಹಳೆಯು ಚಿನನ ನ್ನನ ಡೆಮಲು ಬೇಕಾಗು ವರ ಭ ಭತುು ಕ್ಲುಿ ಒಡೆಯುವಾಗ ಅದಯ ಒಂದು ಚಿಕ್ಕ ತುಂಡು ಹಾರಿ ಹೋದರೂ ಚಿನನ ಕ್ಳೆದುಹೋಗಫಹುದು ಎಂಫ ಎಚಚ ರಿಕ್ಕ ಇಯಬೇಕು. ಎಳಿಿ ನಲ್ಲಿ ಇರು ಎಣೆಿ ಮನ್ನನ ಡೆಮಲು ಗಾಣದ ಷಹಾಮ ಭತುು ಎತುು ಗಳ ಷಸಯೋಗ ಬೇಕು. ಭತುು ಕನೆಮದಾಗಿ ಘಶುಣೆಯಂದ ಭಯದಲ್ಲಿ ರು ಅಗಿನ ಹಯಬಂದು ಆ ಭಯನೆನ ೋ ಸ್ತಡುವಂತೆ ತ್ತನ್ನ ಅಲಂಬಿಸಿದವುಗಳನೆನ ೋ ತ್ಯ ಜಿಸ್ತ ಗಟ್ಟು ತ್ನ ಬೇಕು. ಈ ರಿೋತಿಯಾಗಿ ವರ ದೆೆ , ಜಿಜ್ಞಾ ಸೆ, ಎಚಚ ರಿಕ್ಕ, ಇತ್ಯಯ ಷಸಯೋಗ ಭತುು ನಿರಾಲಂಫನೆಗಳು ಬೇಕಾಗುತ್ು ವ. ಈ ಎಲಿ ವೂ ಒಟ್ಟು ಗೂಡಿದಾಗ ಆ ಯಸ್ತು ವಿನ ಅನ್ನಬ ಆಗು ಸಾಧಯ ತೆ ಇಯಫಹುದು. ಅದು ಕೂಡ ಫಸಳ ಕ್ಶು ಎಂಬುದನ್ನನ ಅಕ್ಕ ಹೇಳುತಿು ದಾಾ ಳೆ ಎನಿನ ಸ್ತತ್ು ದೆ.
15
Ashtavarana (Part 4)
This is the final article on the Ashtavaranas Maṅtra, Prasda, Padodaka - By Guru Bale
Asṭāvarṇa are Guru, Liṅga, Jaṅgama, Vibhūti, Rudrakṣi, Maṅtra, Prasāda and Pādōdaka. They are like an armor. They protect devotee from swaying from the path of Śivayōga. Devotee performs Śivayōga to lose the bond of saṁsāra and to gain freedom from the cycle of birth and death. Maṅtra is one among the eight Asṭāvarṇa. Among the 70 million maṅtras paṅĉākṣari maṅtra is superior. The Paṅĉākṣari maṅtra is called the king of maṅtra for it contains the three words aṅga, liṅga and their union. The following vaĉana by Akkamahādevi confirms the superiority of this maṅtra. Seventy million great maṅtras, Innumerable sub maṅtras The heart is in a state of confusion! Oh mind, Is it not enough to say „Śiva Śivā‟? for this reason. Śivēti maṅgaḷaṁ nām yasya vāĉi pravartatē׀ Bhasmībhavaṅti tasyāśu mahāpātakakōtiyaḥ׀׀ So, This alone is maṅtra for me, This alone is taṅtra for me, This is everything including my life It is the one shown by my guru Ĉennamallikārjuna This is the simple maṅtra for me. Siddaliṅgēśvara says the following about the Paṅĉākṣari maṅtra: For me there is no God but Śiva There is no maṅtra but Śiva maṅtra As such Ōṁ Na Ma Shi Va Ya, Ōṁ Na Ma-Shi Va Ya Are the only words of my prayer Mahaliṅga Guru Sri Śiva Siddēśvara Prabhuve Siddaliṅgēśvara further writes Vibhuthi in forehead Rudrākṣi in the neck Śivamaṅtra on the face Liṅga on the body Such a devotee of Śiva Is In fact Śiva Mahaliṅga Guru Śiva Siddēśvara Prabhuve. By praying with Paṅĉākṣari maṅtra, one can escape from the cycle of birth and death. Paṅĉākṣari maṅtra is made of five letters namely Na, Ma, Śi. Va, Ya. These five letter becomes a maṅtra when given by Guru during Liṅga initiation. Other wise it is a group of words only. Each letter in the Paṅĉākṣari maṅtra suppresses the influence of sense organs. There are three ways of praying the Paṅĉākṣari maṅtra. Praying loud so others can hear. It is called Vāĉaka. Praying silently moving lips. It is called upāṁśu. Praying silently without moving lips is called Mānasika. Mānasika way of praying is the best. In Paṅĉākṣari maṅtra, „namaḥ‟ is for jīva; „Śiva‟ is for Śiva and „āya‟ is for unity of jīva with Śiva. The meaning of „Śivāya‟ is salutations to „Tattvamasi‟‟ or to the one that covers the entire universe. The meaning is 16
to offer to Paraśiva salutation with humility and without any pride. By joining the word Ōṁ with the paṅĉākṣari (five letters) maṅtra it becomes ṣaḍākṣari (six letters) maṅtra. Every letter in the maṅtra represents the budding source of power in the body. The letter „Na‟ as Aĉāraliṅga relates to things of earth and stays in the gold colored Adhāraĉakra. It awakes Adhāraĉakra and changes feelings of a person to become a devotee. The letter „Ma‟ as Guruliṅga relates to things of water staying in the white colored swadisṭānaĉakra. It guards the devotee from reverting to a bhavi. The letter „Śa‟ as Śivaliṅga relates to things of fire staying in the red colored maṇipūrakaĉakra. It enlarges the knowledge of prasādi. The letter „Va‟ as Jaṅgamaliṅga relates to things of air while staying in the harita (green) colored anāhataĉakra. It encourages a devotee to continue his quest for salvation. The letter „Ya‟ as Prasādaliṅga relates to things of sky staying in the blue colored viśuddiĉakra. It clears pride and anger in a devotee making him pure like a mirror. The letter „Ōṁ‟ as Mahāliṅga relates to things of the soul staying in crystal colored agniĉakra. It provides knowledge about equality with Paraśiva. It makes him to unite with Paraśiva to escape the cycle of birth. After bathing, sit on the mat in the position of siddhāsana, padmāsana, or svastikāsana. Then the devotee wearing vibhūti and rudrākṣi prepares himself for the worship of Isṭaliṅga. He worships Iṣṭaliṅga. The devotee desirous of freedom from the bonds of saṁsāra performs prayer with the paṅĉākṣari or ṣaḍākṣari maṅtra. Prasāda No one wants to be called a thief. But we are all thieves because we take things that do not belong to us and use them without giving them to the master to whom they belong. Every thing in this world belongs to Paraśiva. He created this world and jīva for his amusement. Paramātma from his Iĉĉāśakti, Jñānaśakti and Kriyāśakti took the form of the world. Though He is without body, with numerous power, as per His desire, naturally He can transform to many forms. He has two forms of Śakti. From one He is Bhōjya, things for enjoyment and from the other He is Bhōktŗ (one to enjoy) Jīvas. He stays in all jīvas as Prēraka (one who incites). Though He is transformed to many different things He stays pure and independent. Prēraka is the soul with satva character only. Bhōjya things are the soul with tama characters. Bhōktŗ is the soul with little satva and more of raja character. This is the way Paraśiva became three by associating Maye for His amusement. Paraśiva is in all Bhōjya things unseen with tama character. Even the scientists say every thing in this world has some energy (soul) in them. This fact has been identified many years ago in Śaktiviśiṣṭādvaita philosophy. Basavaṇṇa repents for not finding things without the association of Paraśiva. By submitting things to Śiva, we are submitting His own things. We cannot submit any thing that is not His. If we eat things without offering, then Jīva eats another Jīva. This accumulates more rewards of karma. Basavaṇṇa alerting us to offer things first to Paraśiva and receive them as prasāda for consumption. None of the philosophies agree dormant things have life. Only Śaktiviśiṣṭādvaita agrees dormant things do have life. Gita (7-7) says "Mayi sarvamidaṁ prōtaṁ sūtrē maṇigaṇā iva". In a thread like tying small and large beads, all associate with the form of Paraśiva. There is nothing without Paraśiva. Gita (10-39) 'Natadasti vinā yatsyāt mayā bhūtaṁ ĉarā ĉaraṁ". Things without Him in this world cannot exist independently. Paraśiva exists in all things. Pādōdaka Jīva is under the influence of Māye. He has no knowledge that he is part Paraśiva. He thinks he is the body. He is more interested in the pleasures of his body. This makes him to bond in saṁsāra leading in the cycle 17
of birth and death. It is essential to cleanse the body first so his feelings becomes pure. This is done with Pādōdaka of Guru, Liṅga and Jaṅgama. Śiva is in the form of Guru, Liṅga and Jaṅgama. Devotee should worship these three daily and should receive Pādōdaka. Pādōdaka is the knowledge that flows from Guru, Liṅga and Jaṅgama. It is the knowledge required to escape from the bonds of māye. It is the knowledge that leads to eternal happiness without being in the cycle of birth and death. Jaṅgama is like a traveling sales person. His presence is truly a blessing to the devotee. He worships Jaṅgama to receives his Pādōdaka. It not only cleanse his body and mind, it also gives knowledge to the devotee required to escape from the bonds of māye. Siddāṅta Śikāmaṇi says: Pādōdakaṁ yathā bhaktyā svīkarōti mahēśituaḥ| Tathā śivātmanōrnityaṁ gurujaṅgamayōrapi A devotee who receives liṅga Pādōdaka also receives Pādōdaka from Guru and Jaṅgama. Guru and Jaṅgama have the knowledge by being united with Paraśiva. They are the witness to body, mind and pride. A rich person does not change his feelings by associating with the poor. Similarly, Guru and Jaṅgama do not feel differently by associating with the world. They are the forms of Paraśiva. The Pādōdaka of Liṅga, Guru and Jaṅgama are also important for a devotee.
For a detail discussion the reader is referred to: 1. Siddeshwara Swamy, Siddāṅta Śikāmaṇi (in Kannada), JSS Graṅtamāla, Mysore, 570004. 2. Guru S. Bale, Siddāṅta Śikāmaṇi (in English), 2010, Sid-Asha Publishing Company, 70 Rieder Road, Edison, NJ 08817
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Physical Body and Spiritual Realization Linga Raju, M. D., Plainview, New York
The whole universe including the physical body of a person is a manifestation of the Divine, and the body is a temple that enshrines the Divine Linga. One has to recognize the immanence of Linga in one‟s body, and understand the importance of the body in the process of realization of the Self. (1). Chennabasavanna emphasizes the importance of the body in spiritual advancement in one of his vachanas. Vachana 35 on page 59 in volume III of reference 2, which is also vachana 126 in reference 3, is as follows: ಕಾಮದಿಂದ ಲ್ಲಂಗದರುವನ; ಕಾಮದಿಂದ ಜಂಗಭ ದರುವನ; ಕಾಮದಿಂದ ರ ಸಾದ ಸಂತುು . ಕೂಡಲ-ಚೆನನ ಸಂಗಯಾಯ , ಆ ಕಾಮದಲ್ಲಿ ನಿಭಮ ಕ್ಣೆೆ ನಯಾಯ .
Through the body’s grace Linga is found; through the body’s grace Jangama is found; Through the body alone are found the riches of Prasada. O Kudala Chenna-Sangayya, it is because of the body that I found you! Contrary to Chennabasavanna‟s emphasis on the importance of the body in spiritual advancement, Shankaracharya‟s Advaita Philosophy (4) considers the body and the world as a whole to be insignificant, and the spiritual seeker is advised to focus exclusively on the inner Self. Most Hindus view the body to be a breeding ground for karma and an automatic hindrance to enlightenment. According to the Hindu view of life, the individual soul takes the body as a result of Sanchita karma that had accumulated from actions/deeds performed in the past life, and experiences the consequences of those actions – enjoying the fruits of good deeds and suffering as a result of bad deeds. But Sharana is free from such karmic body. Sharana, though is in this world, is not of it. Sharana is above the nature of the body. Sharana is not the one who enjoys rewards set forth in the Agamas. (1, 2). Allama Prabhudeva, in one of his vachanas, states that in order to achieve spiritual realization, body mind and senses are to be made pure and tranquil and then turned Linga-ward. Vachana 1232 in reference 3, is something like this: ತ್ನ್ನವಿನ ಗುಣ ವಿರಿಸಿಹೆನೆಂದಡೆ, ಭನ ಶುದೆ ವಾಗಬೇಕು. ಭನದ ಗುಣ ವಿರಿಸಿಹೆನೆಂದಡೆ, ಇಂದಿರ ಯಂಗಳು ಶುದೆ ವಾಗಬೇಕು. ತ್ನ್ನ ಭನ ಇಂದಿರ ಮಗಳು ಶುದೆ ಷಯಧಾನವಾಗಿ ಲ್ಲಂಗಮುಖಕ್ಕಕ ವೇದಯ ವಾದಲಿ ದೆ ಗುಹೇವವ ಯನ ಬೆಯಷಫಯದು.
When you have understood the body, the mind has to be purified; When you have understood the mind, the senses have to be purified; Unless the body, mind and senses are made pure and tranquil, And then turned Linga-ward, you cannot attain Guheshvara. In another vachana, Allama Prabhudeva says that it is not enough to make the body, mind and senses pure and tranquil; one must also purify the will in order to acquire the necessary knowledge, and only then, one transcends the symbol and achieves oneness. Vachana 20 on page 150 in volume III of reference 2, which is also vachana1225 in reference 3, is like this: ತ್ನ್ನಗುಣ ನಾಸಿು ಭನಗುಣ ನಾಸಿು ಧನಗುಣನಾಸಿು ಯಾದಡೇನ್ನ, ಭಾನಾಸಿು ಯಾಗಿಯಬೇಕು. ಭಾನಾಸಿು ಯಾದಲಿ ದೆ ಅರಿವು ನೆಲೆಗೊಳಿ ದು. ಅರಿವು ನೆಲೆಗೊಂಡಲ್ಲಿ ಕುರುಹಿಂಗೆ ಹಯಗು, ಕುರುಸಳಿದು ಕೂಡು ಯಭಸ್ತಖವು ಗುಹೇವವ ಯಲ್ಲಂಗದಲ್ಲಿ .
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What if the body’s properties have ceased to be? What if the attributes of mind have ceased to be? What if the benefits of the wealth have ceased to be? Until the will has ceased, your knowledge is not firm. When knowledge is confirmed, you have transcended the symbol. Shedding the symbol is the way to achieve the ultimate joy in GuheshvaraLinga. The individual has to understand the nature of the passions of the body, and has to transform all the desires and passions such as lust, anger, greed, infatuation, ego, and jealousy, into active virtues; there should be no hatred or violence of any kind. Refinement of the body halts the fickleness of the mind. Restless activities of the mind are to be brought under control, not by force or suppression, but through persuasion and by directing the expression towards more socially or culturally acceptable way of life. One should not venture into bad thoughts. The will should not desire for worldly rewards. One should attain contentment. One should free oneself from self-inflicted ignorance and acquire the right knowledge. Once the purity of the body, clarity of the mind, and perfection of the will is achieved, the Divine presence is seen – Love, Knowledge, Power, Peace and Bliss are the expressions of the Divine. (1, 2). Self-realization requires not only the liberation of the soul but also the liberation of the body, life and mind. And more importantly, all these three are to be converted into the nature of the Divine, and made one with the Divine. (1, 2). 1. Essence of the vachanas. The twelfth century Sharana philosophy and practice. Linga Raju. ISBN: 9781522005001 paperback print book (307 pages) at amazon.com web-site. 2017. 2. SHUNYASAMPADANE. Volumes I through V. Published by Karnataka University, Dharwad, India. 3. Ganaka Vachana Samputa from taralabalu.org web-site. Sri Taralabalu Jagadguru Brihanmath, Sirigere, Karnataka, India. 4. Shankara‟s Advaita by R. D. Karmarkar. October 1966. Karnatak University, Dharwar, Karnataka, India. ಫಷಣಿ (Basavaṇṇa) ಅಯ್ಯಯ , ಸಜ್ಜ ನ ಸದಭ ಕ್ು ರ ಸಂಗದೆಂದ ಮಹಾನುಭಾವರ ಕಾಣಬಹುದು! ಮಹಾನುಭಾವರ ಸಂಗದೆಂದ ಶ್ರರ ಗುರುವನರಿಯಬಹುದು! ಲ್ಲೆಂಗವನರಿಯಬಹುದು ಜಂಗಮವನರಿಯಬಹುದು! ರ ಸಾದವನರಿಯಬಹುದು! ತನನ ತಾನರಿಯಬಹುದು!! ಇದು ಕಾರಣ ಸದಭ ಕ್ು ರ ಸಂಗವ ಕ್ರುಣಿಸು ಕೂಡಲಸಂಗಮದೇವಾ ನಿಮಮ ಧಮವ!
Ayyā, sajjana sadbhaktara saṅgadinda mahānubhāvara kāṇabahudu! Mahānubhāvara saṅgadinda śriguruvanariyabahudu! Liṅgavanariyabahudu jaṅgamavanariyabahudu! Prasādavanariyabahudu! Tanna tānariyabahudu!! Idu kāraṇa sadbhaktara saṅgava karuṇisu kūḍalasaṅgamadēvā nim'ma dharma!
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Chapter Activities VSNA – Chicago Chapter: Basava Jayanthi was celebrated on May 12, 2018. Kids performed the Linga Puja followed by theme related cultural programs by the VSNA Chicago chapter members and their family. The highlight of the program was Anubhava Mantapa 12th Century Parliament performed by group of 15 kids talking about different Sharana/Sharaneâ€&#x;s and their moms joining the kids to sing the Vachana Gayana. Also, a vachana dance by the youth followed by VSNA Odyssey Skit which introduces the current swamijis in Karnataka. Program continued with Vachana ~ Arpan a Kathak Rendition dance performance by the invited guest artist Mrs. Gauri Jog. The program was concluded by aarthi, vote of thanks & dinner.
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VSNA Chicago Annual picnic was June 24, 2018. Had a live dosa stall. More than 150 people attended the event.
ಸಿದೆ ರಾಮೇವವ ಯ (Sid'dharāmēśvara)
ಅೆಂಗೈಯಲ್ಲಿ ಪೂಜಿಸಿದ ಫಲ ಲ್ಲೆಂಗಯಯ ಕಡನೆೆಂದು ಮರುಗರಾ ಮನವ. ಅೆಂಗೈಯಲ್ಲಿ ಫಲ ಅೆಂಗ ಲ್ಲೆಂಗ ನೋಡಿದಂತೆ ನೋಡಾ ಮನವ. ಅೆಂಗೈಯ ಫಲ ಲ್ಲೆಂಗಯಯ ನಾಗರೆ ಪೂಜಿಸುವರೆ ರ ಮಥರು? ನೋಡಾ ಮನವ. ಕ್ಪಿಲಸಿದಧ ಮಲ್ಲಿ ಕಾರ್ಜವನನ ಪೂಜಿಸಿ ಪೂಜಿಸಿ ಬದುಕು ಮನವ.
Aṅgaiyalli pūjisida phala liṅgayya koḍanendu marugarā manave. Aṅgaiyalli phala aṅga liṅga nōḍidante nōḍā manave. Aṅgaiya phala liṅgayyanāgare pūjisuvare pramatharu? Nōḍā manave. Kapilasid'dhamallikārjunana pūjisi pūjisi baduku manave.
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VSNA – Maryland Chapter Maryland chapter celebrated multiple events during the last few months such as Ugaadi, Basava Jayanthi and Ganesha Chaturthi. The Ugaadi was held on Saturday, April 7th, 2018. The program started with a meaningful invocation song. The theme of the program was to celebrate the life of Allama Prabhu, Akka Mahadevi and Jedera Dasimayya. Chapter vice-president Smt. Vandana Katti welcomed all members and encouraged everyone to take active participation in all events. All kids have performed the Linga Pooja and in chorus sang devotional songs. Kids actively participated in Anubhava Goshti. They talked about how Allama Prabhu was the crowning glory of „Anubhava Mantapa‟, that is the „Pedestal of Wisdom‟, and that he was also known as “Shoonya Peethada Shoonya Murthy‟. All the kids recited vachanas with the meaning. We were all mesmerized by their attention to detail. The discussion was moderated by the script-writer Dr. G. Jagadeesh. The event was followed by the Chapter general body meeting. Members were reminded of the VSNA annual convention at Detroit on June 29th. The event concluded with a grand festive dinner.
Basaveshwara Jayanthi event was held on Saturday, May 5th, 2018 in association with VSNA-DC-VA chapter, Kaveri Kannada Koota, and SSVT temple. The event started with Rudraabhisheka sharply @9:00 AM followed by several cultural programs until 2:00 PM. The cultural program started with a welcome speech by Smt. Sulochana Guggari, President of VSNA-MD Chapter. Emcees from both MD & VA chapter anchored the program very effectively. As in previous years, the youth and children dominated the cultural event. The program included a wide variety of cultural programs starting with a melodious invocation song and a Vachana „Vachanadalli Namamruta Tumbi‟ followed by Vachana Deepti, many beautiful classical and folk dances to the tune of vachanas. Additionally, the audience witnessed very impressive and educative skits from MD and VA chapters. Each one of them was well-coordinated, organized and pleased the audience. VSNA-MD executive committee recognized and honored their past 3 Presidents; Dr. G. Jagadeesh (2008-2011), Shri. Shashidar Nagenalli (2012-2013), and Dr. Savitha Shivananda (2014-2016), for their outstanding service and significant contribution to the VSNA community. All children and youth participants were given a trophy by Kaveri President. Shri. Subodh Koparde. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Shri. T.S. Mahesh Kumar, President, VSNA-VA chapter.
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Ganesh Chaturthi was celebrated in large numbers on Saturday, Sept 15th, 2018. The event was very well attended. Everyone socialized with tasty refreshments. The emcees began the program by welcoming all sharanas; this was followed by an invocation song and Linga Pooja. Chapter youths lead the Anubhava Goshti where kids recited the Vachana and discussed their meaning that is applicable to their daily lives. One of the discussions topic was a real incident related to deer hunting; the Vachana “ದಯವಿಲ್ಲ ದ ಧರ್ಮವಾವುದಯ್ಯಾ ? ದಯವೇ ಬೇಕು ಸಕಲ್ ಪ್ರಾ ಣಿಗಳಲ್ಲಲ ಯೂ, ದಯವೇ
ಧರ್ಮದ ಮೂಲ್ವಯ್ಯಾ ” was used to initiate the discussion. Members actively debated about whether it is okay to kill the deer to avoid their disturbances. Almost all agreed that Vachana preaches us to show kindness toward all animals but in fact it is difficult to bear their menaces as they could spread the Lyme disease. It made us think how difficult it is to follow the vachana “NUDIDANTE NADE”. One of our member gave the insight into the meaning of Vachana and explained how the Sharanas in 12th century strictly followed them in their life and how they still work as our guiding lights. Program ended with Mahamangalaarathi followed Modak Prasad prepared by the host.
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– MALAYALAM
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With Best Wishes to All VSNA Members
From VSNA Newsletter – Committee
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