Baandhavya ಬಾ೦ಧವ್ಯ Veerashaiva Samaja of North America VSNA Officers: President: Channu Kambalyal, IL Vice-President: Mamatha Hirannaiah, GA Secretary: Leena Paul, MD Treasurer: Irappa Arabhavi, NE

March 2016

* *****

Board of Directors: Nayanatara Swamy, FL Yuvaraj Patil, CA Neetha Dhananjaya, IL Sajjan Shiva, TN Shivappa Palled, NC Srishail Hadimani, WI Vijay Kumar Goud, NY-Ex-Pres. Board of Regents: Laxmi Hiremath, CA, Chair Dada Patil, CA Uma Sajjan, GA Rajiv Kumar, IL Jayashree Jagadeesh, MD Shylendra Kumar, NE Rohini Menashinakai, Toronto Local Chapter Presidents: Shivashankar Tumkur, AL Mrutunjay Hiremath, CA-Central Renuka Puttappa, CA-North Manu Swamy, CA-South Kishore Channabasavaiah, IL Suma Basant, CT Girish Budibetta, FL Sangeeta Patil, GA Savitha Shivananda, MD Sanjeev Mungaravadi, MI N. B. Patil, NE Harsha Gurukar, NY Ashwini Koratagere, NC Rashmi Naikar, OH Kevin Gangadhar, PA K. P Channabasappa, TN Vidya Kondajji, TX-North Harish Hiremath, TX-South Vijaykumar M, Toronto Anand Parakal, VA & DC Vivek Neginhal, WV VIRC-Newsletter Team: Shrishail Hadimani, IL, Director Sajjan Shiva, TN Yuvaraj Patil, ON Supriya Antin Kaddargi, IL Rohini Menashinakai, Toronto Channu Kambalyal, IL Laxmi Hiremath, CA

Akka Mahadevi (ಅಕ್ಕ ಮಹಾದ ೇವಿ) “I am without pride of caste Without pride of resolute will am I. I have cast away the arrogance of riches, Of the pride of learning also I have none. No manners of pride dare some near me, For Thou hast blest me with Thy Grace.” Source: http://lingayatreligion.com/Sharanaru/Akkamahadevi.htm

*** * 1

******************

Best Wishes to VSNA – Maryland for their efforts to host 39th – 2016 VSNA Convention July 1–3, 2016 Ellicott City, Maryland

Registrations are now OPEN!

Please visit

http://www.vsnaconvention.com

******************

2

Table of Contents Editor’s Note ........................................................................................................................................................... 4 President’s Message ................................................................................................................................................ 5 Guidelines for Submission of Articles .................................................................................................................... 6 The Living Legend of Veerashaivism .......................................................................................................................7 Basavaṇṇa’s Vaĉanas and Ṛgvēda Mantras .............................................................................................................7 ಕಾಯಕ್ದಲ್ಲಿ ನಿರುತನಾದ ೊಡ ...........................................................................................................................................10 EµÀÖ°AUÀzÀ ««zsÀ DAiÀiÁªÀÄUÀ¼ÀÄ....................................................................................................................................... 12 Mantra ................................................................................................................................................................... 15 Central VSNA Updates........................................................................................................................................... 17 BOD 1st Quarter Updates .................................................................................................................................... 17 BOR 1st Quarter Updates ....................................................................................................................................18 2016 VSNA Convention Invitations ................................................................................................................... 19 VSNA Local Chapters Updates ............................................................................................................................. 22 VSNA – Maryland Chapter ............................................................................................................................... 22 VSNA – New York-New Jersey Chapter ........................................................................................................... 23 VSNA – Toronto Chapter .................................................................................................................................. 24 VSNA – Detroit Chapter ................................................................................................................................... 25 VSNA - Chicago Chapter ................................................................................................................................... 26 VSNA – Connecticut Chapter............................................................................................................................ 28 VSNA - Florida Chapter .................................................................................................................................... 30 News around the World ........................................................................................................................................ 32 International Sharana Samskruti Convention 2016 ......................................................................................... 32 VSNA Fund Raising .............................................................................................................................................. 33 VSNA Convention Trust Fund .......................................................................................................................... 33 VSNA Scholarship Fund.................................................................................................................................... 33 VSNA Life Membership .................................................................................................................................... 34 VSNA – Publications............................................................................................................................................. 35

3

Editor’s Note

Sharanu Sharanarthi! This edition is commemorative of the New Year we all stepped into! I hope everyone is embracing the New Year well and taken charge of the new fresh wave with a grit to also advance themselves spiritually. With the surge in technology and the world getting flatter by the day, reconnecting through spirituality across the globe has no doubt become easier and more efficient. Veerashaiva Samaja of North America has developed into a rich and versatile organization over the years and continues to soar higher with dedicated efforts from all Sharanas far and wide. It is commendable how uniting with other Sharanas and upholding Lingayath doctrines has become a kayaka for members of VSNA in addition to earning bread and butter. It is reflective of the virtuous life led by Basavanna and Sharanas of the yore where apart from their regular kayaka, socializing spiritually through all types of dasoha was important as well. As all chapters of VSNA work towards strengthening and practicing the universal philosophy laid forth by Basavanna, I am reminded of Sharane Akkamahadevi’s vachana,

ಎನ್ನಂತೆ ಪುಣ್ಯಂಗೆಯ್ದವರ ಂಟೆ ? ಎನ್ನಂತೆ ಭಾಗ್ಯಂಗೆಯ್ದವರ ಂಟೆ ? ಕಿನ್ನರನ್ಂತಪಪ ಸೆ ೋದರನೆನ್ಗೆ ! ಏಳೆೋಳು ಜನ್ಮದಲ್ಲಿ ಶಿವಭಕ್ತರೆೋ ಬಂದ ಗ್ಳೆನ್ಗೆ ! ಚೆನ್ನಮಲ್ಲಿಕಾಜ ುನ್ನ್ಂತಪಪ ಗ್ಂಡ ನೆ ೋಡಾ ಎನ್ಗೆ !! To liven this very spirit is the upcoming VSNA convention at Maryland in July for which the Maryland chapter is planning huge preparations. This edition of Baandhavya focuses on the invitation to and highlights of the Maryland VSNA Convention, interesting contributions by fellow members and chapter updates that inspire all VSNA programs at large. We in the newsletter committee sincerely hope you will enjoy this edition of Baandhavya as well. For all your esteemed contributions kindly follow the guidelines specified in the newsletter. Keep them flowing in for enhancing the knowledge of this audience.

Regards, Supriya Antin Kaddargi

4

President’s Message Dear VSNA Members & Patrons, We are now in the start the 2nd year of our tenure, and working to fulfil the activities laid out in the 2-Year Agenda. We hope to achieve as much as possible and set a trend for the future leadership. Firstly, the preparations for the most important event of the year - 2016 Convention is progressing well with a great effort by the Maryland Chapter - Convention committee. We request all members and patrons to register for the convention via – www.vsnaconvvention.com. The goal is to reach a target of 800 attendees at the convention. We are also working towards preparations for the 2017 – 40th VSNA Convention. We hope to arrive at a decision soon. The notifications for the election of officers, board of directors and regents for the term 2017-2018 has been sent out. Several members have nominated themselves for the BOD and BOR vacant positions. Verification process is in progress. The results will be announced during the convention. The bylaws submitted by the bylaw-committee are being reviewed by the board of directors. We are also working with a few volunteers to create the online payment and registration for membership and various donations. More details of the work being done is given in the Central VSNA updates. This newsletter contains spiritual content through Vachana descriptions and articles related to Veerashaivism. I am thankful to all contributors to this newsletter – Baandhavya, and the VIRC-Newsletter committee for scrutinizing the quality of the articles. Happy reading!! Regards, Channu Kambalyal President, VSNA

5

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.

VSNA Newsletter Committee newsletter@vsna.org

6

VSNA CELEBRATES - SHRI SIDDAGANGA SWAMIJI’S 109th BIRTHDAY The Living Legend of Veerashaivism

*************

Sri. Shivakumar Swamiji reading Baandhavya newsletter in May 2015 when Supriya Antin, Editor of Baandhavya Newsletter, visited Siddaganga Math and presented the article written on the occasion of His 108th birthday.

7

Basavaṇṇa’s Vaĉanas and Ṛgvēda Mantras Linga Raju, MD Plainview, New York

Basavaṇṇa, in no uncertain terms, makes it very clear that the study and the knowledge of the Vēdas is not necessary at all to attain the Absolute. He condemns the sacrificial ceremonies and other ritualistic practices propounded by the action oriented part of the Vēdas. Furthermore, he condemns the people who perform those sacrificial ceremonies and the ritualistic practices. But, he does not condemn the knowledge part ( Jñᾱnakᾱṇḍa) of the Vēdas. Some of his vaĉanas given below seem to embrace the knowledge part of the Vēdas. In the vaĉana number 315 in reference one, Basavaṇṇa says something like this:

Do not talk, swollen with pride, that there are two or three gods. Behold! There is only one God; it is a lie that there be two. The Vēda says that there is none but Kūḍala Saṅgama! Then in vaĉana number 339 in reference one he states ‘dēvanobba nāma halavu’ which means ‘One God, many names’. These two vaĉanas of Basavaṇṇa refer to the Ṛgvēda mantra I.164.46 (2) which says something like this: ‘They call Him Indra, Mitra, Varuṇa, Agni, and He is heavenly nobly-winged Garutmān, To what is One, sages give many a name, they call It Agni, Yama, Mātariśvan’. Two more vaĉanas of Basavaṇṇa, not only take the actual words but also take the concept from a Ṛgvēda verse. Ṛgvēda mantra X.81.3 in the Viśvakarma Sūkta is used in two of Basavaṇṇa’s vaĉanas. ‘Viśvakarman’ means ‘maker of the universe’ or ‘maker of all’, and it is said to mean ‘Paramēśvara’. The mantra in Sanskrit is as follows: ‘Viśvataśĉakṣuruta viśvatōmukhō viśvatōbāhuruta viśvataspāt Saṁ bāhubhyāṁ dhamati saṁ pavatrairdhyāvābhūmī janayandēva ēkaḥ’ This verse is translated as ‘Having eyes everywhere, having a face everywhere, having arms everywhere, and having feet everywhere, it traverses heaven with arms, earth with swift-moving feet, and exists a God without companion generating heaven and earth’ (2). The corresponding Kannaḍa vaĉanas (vaĉanas 311 and 312 in reference 1) of Basavaṇṇa are as follows. Bold portions of the Ṛgvēda mantra and Basavaṇṇa’s vaĉanas are the same. ‘sakala niṣkalava kūḍikoṇḍippeyāgi skala nīnē, niṣkala nīnē kaṇḍayya! viśvataśĉakṣu nīnē dēvā! viśvatōmukha nīnē dēvā! viśvatōbāhu nīnē dēvā Kūḍala Saṅgama Dēva’ The translation is something like this: Embracing form and formlessness, O Lord you are Form and you are Formlessness! You are the universal eye, you are the universal face, and you are the arms of the universe, Lord! ‘ettetta nōḍidaḍatta nīnē dēvā; sakala vistārada rūhu nīnē dēvā; viśvataśĉakṣu nīnē dēvā; viśvatōmukha nīnē dēvā; viśvatōbāhu nīnē dēvā; viśvataspāda nīnē dēvᾱ Kūḍala Saṅgama Dēva’.

8

This vaĉana starts with ‘wherever we look, Lord, you are there; you are the Form of all the cosmic space’. And the words taken verbatim have the same meaning in Sanskrit and Kannaḍa: Having eyes everywhere, having face everywhere, having arms everywhere, and having feet everywhere. This second vaĉana of Basavaṇṇa has been propounded in one of the articles published in the newsletter of the Veerashaiva Samaja of North America (3). This vaĉana comes there to answer a question – Where does God exist? The vaĉana in Kannaḍa is given there, and the question has been answered as – ‘Anywhere and everywhere, completely occupies outer space, whole universe’. Another vaĉana (vaĉana number 310 in reference 1) of Basavaṇṇa is as follows:

Śrutitatiśirada mēle ‘atyatiṣṭhaddaśāṅgula’na nānēnembenayya Ghanakke ghanamahimana manakkagōĉarana!? ‘Aṇōraṇīyān mahatō mahīyān’ mahādāni Kūḍala Saṅgama Dēva. This vaĉana starts with the term ‘śruti’ which means ‘what is heard’, the Revelation that refers to the Vēdas and the Upaniṣads. Śruti texts are the most sacred scriptures. Translation of this vaĉana is something like this: On the basis of the highest of the holy books ‘one who stands ten fingers above’, what shall I say, O Lord, a glory greater than the great, inscrutable to the intellect!? ‘Smaller than the smallest and greater than the greatest’, Thou, most bountiful Kūḍala Saṅgama Dēva. The term ‘atyatiṣṭhaddaśāṅgula’ is from The Puruṣa Sūkta of Ṛgvēda (X.90.1). It is said to mean that it exceeds the space in all directions by ten fingers wide (2). The term ‘Aṇōraṇīyān mahatō mahīyān’ is taken from Kaṭha Upaniṣad II.20. It is explaining that – ‘Ātman, smaller than the smallest and greater than the greatest, dwells in the hearts of all creatures’ (4). 1. Basavaṇṇanavara Vaĉanagaḷu – Basavēśvara Vaĉana Saṅgraha by Dr. L. Basavaraju. Published by Gītᾱ Book House, Mysore, India. Third Revised Edition 1972. 2. ṚGVEDA SAṀHITĀ according to the translation of H. H. Wilson, and Bhāṣya of Sāyaṇācārya, volumes I through IV. Ravi Prakash Arya, K. L. Joshi. Primal Publications. Indica Books, D 40/18 Godowlia, Varanasi 221 001, India. 2002 3. I am, You are, and We are, by Yuvaraj Patil. Baandhavya, Veerashaiva Samaja of North America, March 2015. 4. KAṬHOPANIṢAD by Swāmī Śarvānanda. Sri Ramakrishna Math, 16 Ramakrishna Math Road, Madras 600 004, India. 2007

About the author: Dr. Linga Raju, M.D. is VSNA life member, native of Davaṇagere, India. Dr. Raju is a prominent Internal Medicine and Pulmonary Diseases physician. He has written spiritual publications - “A Journey through Hindu and Vīraśaiva Concepts’, and ‘SIDDHĀNTA ŚIKHĀMAṆ; The one hundred one sthala doctrine A concise composition’.

9

ಕಾಯ್ಕ್ದಲ್ಲಿ ನಿರ ತನಾದೆ ಡೆ The Lord is within the realm of blissful work Sajjan Shiva & Leela Garady Authors of: Vachana A Week Blog Post

Vachana in Kannada:

Vachana in English:

ಕಾಯಕ್ದಲ್ಲಿ ನಿರುತನಾದ ೊಡ ಗುರುದರ್ಶನವಾದಡೊ ಮರ ಯಬ ೇಕ್ು

When immersed in blissful work, even if Guru appears, ignore him, ignore worshipping Linga too, don’t feel obligated to serve even if JaMgama appears before you. Since work is bliss, Even Lord Amareshvara Linga comes within the realm of blissful work!

ಲ್ಲಿಂಗ ಪೂಜ ಯಾದಡೊ ಮರ ಯಬ ೇಕ್ು ಜಿಂಗಮ ಮುಿಂದಿದದಡೊ ಹಿಂಗು ಹರಿಯಬ ೇಕ್ು ಕಾಯಕ್ವ ೇ ಕ ೈಲಾಸವಾದಕಾರಣ ಅಮರ ೇರ್ವರ ಲ್ಲಿಂಗವಾಯಿತ್ಾಾದಡೊ ಕಾಯಕ್ದ ೊಳಗು

Kannada Commentary:

English Commentary:

ಇದು ಆಯದಕ್ಕಕಮಾರಯಯನವರ ವಚನ. ಅವರು ಕಾಯಕ್ಕ ಕ ಕ ೊಟ್ಟ ಮಹತವ ಅದುುತವಾದದುದ. ಎಲ್ಿ ಕಾಲ್ದಲ್ಲಿಯೊ

Shiva Sharanas believed that “kAyakavE kailAsa”. “kAyaka” is work or duty, and “kailAsa” is the abode of Lord Shiva. The goal of all devotees is to reach the abode of Shiva, which is blissful and hence is equivalent to so called “heaven”. As such, the above phrase is translated as “work is heaven” meaning that through pure, unselfish work we can create the heaven here on Earth. Work is to be considered as worshipping of Guru and Linga, and the fruits of work are to be utilized in dAsOha (dAsa = servant; ha or hum = I) or serving Jangamas (wandering devotees who have dedicated their lives to lift fellow beings to Godliness) and the community. In this sense this phrase is also translated as “work is worship”. Nevertheless, the message is that we should perform our work with utmost devotion for the welfare of the Universe. In this Vachana, Sharana Aydakki Marayya takes the importance of blissful work to the next level saying that Guru, Linga and Jangama should all be ignored when one is immersed in it. He says that even Lord Amareshvara Linga (Shiva) comes within the realm of blissful work. Amareshvara Linga is the signature of Aydakki Marayya, in all his Vachanas. Shiva Sharanas cultivated a very high respect for labor. They believed in performing their trades with utmost devotion with the feeling that they are serving the Lord through their work. They did not stop at meeting the needs of the family with the fruits of their work. They minimized their needs to enable distribution of what they earned for the benefit of the fellow beings. The message then is that we should be the best in our careers, be indebted to the Lord for the opportunities provided to us and devote our work to Him. We should meet the minimized needs

ಎಲ್ಿರಿಗೊ ಆದರ್ಶಪ್ಾಾಯವಾದದುದ. ಅವರು ಹ ೇಳುತ್ಾಾರ : ಕಾಯಕ್ದಲ್ಲಿ ಮಗನರಾದಾಗ ಗುರುದರ್ಶನವನಾನದರೊ ಮರ ಯಬ ೇಕ್ು. ಲ್ಲಿಂಗಪೂಜ ಯಾದರೊ ಮರ ಯಬ ೇಕ್ು, ಜಿಂಗಮನು ಬಿಂದು ಮುಿಂದ ನಿಿಂತರೊ ಆತನ ಹಿಂಗಿಗ ಒಳಗಾಗದ ಕಾಯಕ್ವನುನ ಮುಿಂದುವರ ಸಬ ೇಕ್ು. ಏಕ ಿಂದರ ಕಾಯಕ್ವ ೇ ಕ ೈಲಾಸ. ಆದ ಕಾರಣ ಮೇಲ ಹ ೇಳಿದ ಗುರು ಲ್ಲಿಂಗ ಜಿಂಗಮ ಎಲ್ಿರೊ ಆ ಕಾಯಕ್ದ ಪರಿಧಿಯ ಒಳಗ ೇ ಬರುತ್ಾಾರ . ಕಾಯಕ್ವ ೇ ಕ ೈಲಾಸ ಎಿಂದು ರ್ರಣರು ಹ ೇಳಿದುದನುನ ಸರಿಯಾಗಿ ಅರ್ಶಮಾಡಿಕ ೊಳುುವುದು ಒಳಿತು. ಸರಳವಾಗಿ ಹ ೇಳಬ ೇಕ ಿಂದರ ಕಾಯಕ್ವ ಿಂದರ ಕ ಲ್ಸ. ಅದು ಯಾವ ಕ ಲ್ಸ ವಾದರೊ ಆಗಬಹುದು. ಕ ಲ್ಸದಲ್ಲಿ ಮೇಲ್ು ಕ್ಕೇಳ ಿಂಬುದಿಲ್ಿ. ರ್ರಣರು ಚಪಪಲ್ಲ ಹ ೊಲ್ಲಯುವ ಕ ಲ್ಸದಿಿಂದ ಹಿಡಿದು ಮಿಂತ್ರಾಯ ಕ ಲ್ಸದವರ ಗು ಎಲ್ಿ ರಿೇತ್ರಯ ಕ ಲ್ಸಗಳನುನ ಅತಯಿಂತ ಪವಿತಾ ಭಾವನ ಯಿಿಂದ ಮಾಡಿ ಕ ಲ್ಸಕ ಕ ಉದಾತಾತ್ ಯನುನ ತಿಂದುಕ ೊಟ್ಟಟದಾದರ . ಕ ಲ್ಸ ಉದಾತಾವಾದ ಕಾಯಕ್ವಾಗುವುದು ಹ ೇಗ ? ಕ ೇವಲ್ ತನನ ಅರ್ವಾ ತನನ ಹ ಿಂಡತ್ರ ಮಕ್ಕಳ ಹ ೊಟ್ ಟಪ್ಾಡಿಗಾಗಿ ಮಾಡುವ ಕ ಲ್ಸ ಕಾಯಕ್ವ ನಿಸದು. ಏಕ ಿಂದರ ಅದರಲ್ಲಿ ಸ್ಾವರ್ಶ ಭಾವನ ಯಿರುತಾದ . ತ್ಾನು ಈ ವಿರ್ವದ ಒಿಂದು ಅಿಂರ್, ವಿರ್ವ ಬಿಟ್ುಟ ತ್ಾನು ಬ ೇರ ಯಲ್ಿ. ಆದದರಿಿಂದ ತನನ ದುಡಿತದ ಫಲ್ ವಿರ್ವಕಾಕಗಿಯೊ ವಿನಿಯೇಗವಾಗಬ ೇಕ್ು ಎಿಂಬ ಉದಾತಾ ಭಾವನ ಯಿಿಂದ ದಾಸ್ ೊೇಹ ಮಾಡುವುದರ ಮೊಲ್ಕ್ ಸ್ಾಮಾನಯವಾದ ಕ ಲ್ಸವನುನ ಉದಾತಾವಾದ ಕಾಯಕ್ದ ಎತಾರಕ ಕೇರಿಸಿದರು ರ್ರಣರು. ಆದದರಿಿಂದ ಯಾವದ ೇ ಕ ಲ್ಸ, ಮೇಸ, ವಿಂಚನ ಯಿಲ್ಿದ , ನಿಸ್ಾವರ್ರ್ ಭಾವನ ಯಿಿಂದ ಮಾಡಿ ಅದರ ಫಲ್ವನುನ ಜಿಂಗಮರಿಗಾಗಿ ದಾಸ್ ೊೇಹದಲ್ಲಿ ವಯಯಿಸುವ ವಯಕ್ಕಾಯ ಕ ಲ್ಸವು ಕಾಯಕ್ವ ನಿಸಿಕ ೊಳುುತಾದ . ಇನುನ ಕ ೈಲಾಸವ ಿಂದರ ೇನು ಎಿಂಬುದನುನ ನ ೊೇಡ ೊೇಣ. ಸ್ಾಮಾನಯವಾಗಿ ನಾವು, “ಕ ೈಲಾಸ” ವ ಿಂದರ ಸವಗಶವೇ, ದ ೇವಲ ೊೇಕ್ವೇ ಎಿಂದು ತ್ರಳಿಯುತ್ ಾೇವ . ಆದರ ರ್ರಣರು ಸ್ಾಮಾನಯವಾಗಿ ಪಾಚಲ್ಲತವಾದಿಂತಹ ಅರ್ಶದಲ್ಲಿ ಸವಗಶ ಅರ್ವಾ ದ ೇವಲ ೊೇಕ್ದಲ್ಲಿ ನಿಂಬಿಕ ಇಟ್ಟವರಲ್ಿ. “ಕ ೈಲಾಸ”ವ ಿಂದರ ಶಿವನ ಧಾಮ. ಶಿವ ಎಿಂದರ ಇಲ್ಲಿ ತ್ರಾರ್ೂಲ್ಧಾರಿ, ನಾಗಾಭರಣ,

ರ್ಶಿಧರ,

ಗಿಂಗಾಧರ

ಇತ್ಾಯದಿ

ಆಗಿ

ಹಿಮಾಲ್ಯದಲ್ಲಿ

ಇರುವಿಂತಹವನಲ್ಿ.

“ಶಿವ”

ಎಿಂದರ ಮಿಂಗಳಕ್ರವಾದದುದ, ಯರ್ಸಸನುನ ತಿಂದು ಕ ೊಡುವಿಂತಹದು ಎಿಂದರ್ಶ. ಹಿೇಗಾಗಿ ಕಾಯಕ್ವ ೇ ಕ ೈಲಾಸ ವ ಿಂದರ ಸ್ಾವರ್ಶ, ಮೇಸ, ವಿಂಚನ ಯಿಲ್ಿದ , ತನನ ದುಡಿತದ ಫಲ್ವು ಜಿಂಗಮರಿಗ ಸ್ ೇರಬ ೇಕ್ು ಎನುನವ ಪವಿತಾವಾದ ಭಾವನ ಯಿಿಂದ ಮಾಡುವ ಕ ಲ್ಸವುಮಿಂಗಳಕ್ರವಾದದುದ ಎಿಂದರ್ಶ. ಹಿೇಗಾಗಿ ಪವಿತಾವಾದ, ಮಿಂಗಳಕ್ರವಾದ ಕಾಯಕ್ ಮಾಡುವಾಗ ಯಾವ ಅಡಿಿಯೊ ಉಿಂಟ್ಾಗಬಾರದು. ಗುರು ಲ್ಲಿಂಗ ಜಿಂಗಮರಿಿಂದ ಅದಕ ಕ ಅಡಿಿಯುಿಂಟ್ಾಗುವ ಹಾಗಿದದರ ಅವರನೊನ ಕ್ಡ ಗಣಿಸಬ ೇಕ್ು ಎನುನತ್ಾಾರ ಆಯದಕ್ಕಕ ಮಾರಯಯನವರು. ದಿನ ನಿತಯದ ಬದುಕ್ಕನಲ್ಲಿ ನಾವು ನ ೊೇಡುತ್ ಾೇವ : ಯವುದ ೊೇ ಕ ಲ್ಸದಲ್ಲಿ ನಿರತರಾದಾಗ ಅತ್ರಥಿಗಳು ಬರುತ್ಾಾರ , ಮಾತ್ರಗ

ತ್ ೊಡಗುತ್ಾಾರ . ಆಗ ಆ ಕ ಲ್ಸದಲ್ಲಿದದ ಏಕಾಗಾತ್ ಗ

ಭಿಂಗ ಬರುತಾದ . ಕ ಲ್ಸಕ ಟ್ುಟಹ ೊೇಗುತಾದ .

ಮಾಡುತ್ರಾರುವ ಒಿಂದು ಕ ಲ್ಸ ಕ ಟ್ುಟ ಹ ೊೇದರ ಯಾರು ಯಾರಿಗ ಎಷ್ ಟಷ್ುಟ ನರ್ಟವಾಗುತಾದ ಎನುನವುದನುನ ಗಮನಿಸಿ

10

ನ ೊೇಡಿದರ ಅದರಿಿಂದ ಆಗುವ ಹಾನಿಯನುನ ಮನಗಾಣ ಬಹುದು. ಉದಾಹರಣ ಗ ಒಿಂದ ರಡು ಕ ಲ್ಸಗಳನುನ ನ ೊೇಡ ೊೇಣ: ಮನ ಯ ಕ ೈತ್ ೊೇಟ್ದ ಕ ಲ್ಸ ಅರ್ವಾ ಲ ೇಖನದ ಕ ಲ್ಸದಲ್ಲಿ ತ್ ೊಡಗಿ ಕ ೊಿಂಡಾಗ ಮಹತವದ ವಯಕ್ಕಾ ಬಿಂದರ ಿಂದು

ಕ ೊಳ ್ುೇಣ.

ಅವರನುನ

ಉಪಚರಿಸಲ್ು

ನಾವು,

ತ್ ೊಡಗಿಕ ೊಿಂಡ

ಕ ಲ್ಸವನುನ

ಬಿಟ್ುಟ

ಹ ೊೇಗುತ್ ಾೇವ ಎಿಂತ್ರಟ್ುಟಕ ೊಳ ್ುೇಣ. ಆಗ ಕ ೈತ್ ೊೇಟ್ದ ಕ ಲ್ಸ ಮತುಾ ಲ ೇಖನದ ಕ ಲ್ಸಕ ಕ ಏನಾಗುತಾದ ? ತ್ ೊೇಟ್ದ

of the Family through our careers and share our wealth for the benefit of the community. That is how we can bring the heaven to Earth. Let us follow Career – Family – Community progression through utmost devotion!

ಸಸಿಗಳಲ್ಲಿರುವ ಬಾಡಿದ ಎಲ ಗಳನುನ ತ್ ಗ ಯುವುದು, ಕ್ಳ ಕ್ಕೇಳುವುದು, ಗ ೊಬಬರ ಹಾಕ್ುವುದು, ನಿೇರುಣಿಸಿವುದು ಇತ್ಾಯದಿ ಕ ಲ್ಸದಲ್ಲಿ ಮನಸುಸ ತ್ ೊಡಗಿಕ ೊಿಂಡಿರುತಾದ . ಲ ೇಖನದ ಕ ಲ್ಸದಲ್ಲಿದಾದಗ, ಲ ೇಖಕ್ನ ಮನಸುಸ, ಆಯ್ಕಕ ಮಾಡಿದ ವಿಷ್ಯದಬಗ ೆ ಯೇಚಿಸುವುದರಲ್ಲಿ, ಅದನುನ ಯಾವ ಯಾವ ಕ್ಾಮದಲ್ಲಿ ಬರ ಯಬ ೇಕ್ು, ಯಾವ ಶ ೈಲ್ಲಯಲ್ಲಿ ಅಭಿವಯಕ್ಕಾಸಬ ೇಕ್ು,

ಯಾವ

ರಿೇತ್ರಯ

ಪದಗಳನುನ

ಬಳಸಬ ೇಕ ಿಂಬ

ನಾನಾ

ವಿಷ್ಯಗಳಲ್ಲಿ

ಲ ೇಖಕ್ನಿಗ ತ್ರಳಿಯದಿಂತ್ ಯ್ಕೇ ತ್ ೊಡಗಿಕ ೊಿಂಡಿರುತಾದ . ಅತ್ರಥಿಗಳಿಗಾಗಿ ಅದನುನ ಅಧಶದಲ್ಲಿ ಬಿಟ್ುಟ ಹ ೊೇದಾಗ ಈ ಎಲ್ಿ ಏಕಾಗಾತ್ ಗ ಭಿಂಗಬರುತಾದ . ಕ ಲ್ ಹ ೊತ್ರಾನ ನಿಂತರ ಮತ್ ಾ ಹಿಿಂದಿರುಗಿ ಬಿಂದು, ಬಿಟ್ಟ ಕ ಲ್ಸವನುನ ಕ ೈಗ ೊಿಂಡಾಗ ಆ ಮದಲ್ಲನ ಏಕಾಗಾತ್ ಗ ಭಿಂಗ ಬಿಂದು ಕ ಲ್ಸದ ನಿರಿಂತರ ಪಾವಾಹಕ ಕ ಧಕ ಕ ಉಿಂಟ್ಾಗುತಾದ . ಮನಸುಸ ಬ ೇರ ವಿಷ್ಯದಲ್ಲಿ ವಿಹರಿಸತ್ ೊಡಗುತಾದ ಇಲ್ಿವ , ಕ ಲ್ಸ ಸರಿಯಾಗಿ ಮಾಡಲಾಗಲ್ಲಲ್ಿವ ಿಂದು ವಯಗಾವಾಗುತಾದ , ಸಮಯ ನಷ್ಟವಾಗುತಾದ , ಕ ಲ್ಸಕ್ೊಕ ಹಾನಿಯುಿಂಟ್ಾಗುತಾದ , ಈ ಎಲ್ಿದರ ಪರಿಣಾಮ, ತ್ ೊೇಟ್ದ ಕ ಲ್ಸದ ಸಿಂಬಿಂಧದಲ್ಲಿ, ಕ ಲ್ಸ ಮಾಡುವ ವಯಕ್ಕಾಯ ಮೇಲ್ೊ, ಸಸಿಗಳ ಮೇಲ್ೊ, ಪರಿಸರದ ಮೇಲ್ೊ, ಲ ೇಖನದ ವಿಷ್ಯದಲ್ಲಿ ಲ ೇಖನದಮೇಲ್ೊ ಆ ಮುಖಾಿಂತರ ಓದುಗರ ಮೇಲ್ೊ, ಆಯಾ ಕ ಲ್ಸಕ ಕ ಸಿಂಬಿಂಧಪಟ್ಟ ಪರಿಸರದ ಮೇಲ್ೊ ಉಿಂಟ್ಾಗುತಾದ . ಅಪರ ೊೇಕ್ಷವಾಗಿ ಇದರ ಪರಿಣಾಮ ಇಡಿೇ ಸಮಾಜದ ಮೇಲ ಆಗುತಾದ . ಆಿಂಶಿಕ್ವಾಗಿಯಾದರೊ, ಬಾಹಾಂಿಂಡದ ಮೇಲ್ೊ ಅದರ ಪರಿಣಾಮವಾಗುತಾದ . ಅಿಂದರ ಬಾಹಾಂಿಂಡ ಮತುಾ ಲ್ಲಿಂಗಾಿಂಗವೂ ಅದರ ಪರಿಣಾಮದ ವಾಯಪ್ತಾಯಲ್ಲಿ ಬರುತಾವ ಎಿಂದಾಯಿತು. ಇದನುನಳಿದು ಬ ೇರ ಇನಾನವ ಗುರು ಲ್ಲಿಂಗ ಜಿಂಗಮರು ಇರಲ್ು ಸ್ಾಧಯ? ಅದಕಾಕಗಿಯ್ಕೇ ಆಯದಕ್ಕಕ ಮಾರಯಯನವರು, ಅಮರ ೇರ್ವರ ಲ್ಲಿಂಗವಾಯಿತ್ಾಾದಡೊ ಕಾಯಕ್ದ ೊಳಗ

ಎಿಂದು

ಹ ೇಳುತ್ಾಾರ . ಲ್ಲಿಂಗ ಮತುಾ ಕಾಯಕ್ ಎರಡನೊನ ಒಿಂದ ೇ ಅರ್ವಾ ಕಾಯಕ್ದಲ್ಲಿಯ್ಕೇ ಲ್ಲಿಂಗವಿದ ಎಿಂದ ಅವರ ಕಾಣ ಕಗ ಸರಿಸ್ಾಟ್ಟಯಿಲ್ಿ. ಮೇಲ ಹ ೇಳಿರುವುದು ಒಿಂದು ಸ್ಾಮಾನಯವಾದ ಚಿಕ್ಕ ಉದಾಹರಣ . ಇದು ಎಲ್ಿ ಕ ಲ್ಸಕ್ೊಕ ಅನವಯವಾಗುತಾದ . ನಾವು ಗುರುತರವಾದ ಹ ೊಣ ಗಳನುನ ವಹಿಸಿಕ ೊಿಂಡಿಂತ್

ಅವುಗಳಿಗ

ಭಿಂಗ ಉಿಂಟ್ಾದಾಗ ಆಗುವ ಪರಿಣಾಮವೂ

ಗುರುತರವಾಗಿರುತಾದ . ಇಿಂತಹ ಸೊಕ್ಷಮಗಳನ ನಲ್ಿ ಮನಗಿಂಡಿದದರು ರ್ರಣರು. ಅದಕ ಕೇ ಕಾಯಕ್ದಲ್ಲಿ ನಿರತನಾದ ೊಡ ಗುರು,ಲ್ಲಿಂಗ, ಜಿಂಗಮರ ಹಿಂಗು ತ್ ೊರ ಯಬ ೇಕ್ು ಎಿಂದು ಹ ೇಳುತ್ಾಾರ . ಒಿಂದು ಸಣಣ ಕ ಲ್ಸದ ಪರಿಣಾಮ ಇಡಿೇ ವಿರ್ವದ ಮೇಲ ಆಗುತಾದ ಎಿಂದರ ಅನ ೇಕ್ರು ನಿಂಬದ ಇರಬಹುದು. ಆದರ ಇಿಂದಿನ ವಿಜ್ಞಾನವೂ ಕ್ೊಡ ಅದನುನ ಹ ೇಳುತಾದ . ಹಿಮಾಲ್ಯದ ಪವಶತ ಭಾಗದಲ್ಲಿ ಭೊಕ್ಿಂಪವಾದರ ನಾವ ಶಯ ಶಾಿಂತ ಕ ರ ಯು ಪಾಕ್ಷುಬಢಗ ೊಳುುತಾದ . ಈ ರಿೇತ್ರಯ ನಾನಾ ಉದಾಹರಣ ಗಳನುನ ಕ ೊಡಬಹುದು. ಅಿಂತಜಾಶಲ್ ಇತರ ಆಧುನಿಕ್ ತಿಂತಾಜ್ಞಾನದಿಿಂದ ಹಾಗೊ ಕ ಲ್ವರು ಅದರದ ೇ ಅಧಯಯನದಲ್ಲಿ ತಮಂನುನ ತ್ ೊಡಗಿಸಿಕ ೊಿಂಡಿರುವುದರಿಿಂದ ಅದನುನ ಗುರುತ್ರಸಲ್ು ಸ್ಾಧಯವಾಗಿದ . ಸೊೂಲ್ ಜಗತ್ರಾನಲ್ಲಿ ಒಿಂದು ಪ್ಾಾಕ್ೃತ್ರಕ್ ಘಟ್ನ ಯ ಪರಿಣಾಮ ಸ್ಾವಿರಾರು ಮೈಲ್ಲ ದೊರದಲ್ಲಿ ಕ್ಿಂಡು ಬರುವಿಂತ್ರದಾದಗ, ಸೊಕ್ಷಮಜಗತ್ರಾನಲ್ಲಿಯೊ ಕ್ೊಡ ಅದು ನಡ ಯಲ ೇ ಬ ೇಕ್ು. ಅದನುನ ಗುರುತ್ರಸಲ್ು ನಮಂ ದೃಷ್ಟಟಯೊ ಅಷ್ ಟೇ ಸೊಕ್ಷಮವಾಗಿರಬ ೇಕ್ು. ಉಪನಿಷ್ತ್ರಾನ ದೃಷ್ಾಟರರು, ರ್ರಣರು ಇದನುನ ತಮಂ ಅನುಭಾವದಿಿಂದ ಕ್ಿಂಡುಕ ೊಿಂಡಿದದರು. ಅವರ ಸೊಕ್ಷಮ ದೃಷ್ಟಟಯನುನ ಮಚಚಲ ೇ ಬ ೇಕ್ು. ಕಾಯಕ್ವನುನ ಗುರು, ಲ್ಲಿಂಗ, ಜಿಂಗಮರಿಗಿಿಂತ ಮೇಲ್ಲನ ಸ್ಾೂನದಲ್ಲಿ ಇಟ್ಟ ಅವರ ಸ್ಾಮಾಜಿಕ್ ಕ್ಳಕ್ಳಿಯನುನ, ಕಾಯಕ್ದ ಬಗ ೆ ಅವರಿಗಿದದ ಪೂಜಯ ಭಾವನ ಯನುನ ಪೂತ್ರಶಯಾಗಿ ಪದಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ವಯಕ್ಾಗ ೊಳಿಸಲ್ು ಸ್ಾಧಯವ ? ಅವರ ಅಿಂತರಿಂಗವನುನ ಹ ೊಕ್ುಕ ಕಾಯಕ್ದ ಮಹತವ ವನುನ ಅರಿಯುವ ಸ್ಾಮರ್ಯಶ ( ಶಾಿಂತ ಮನಸುಸ) ಮತುಾ ಆಸಕ್ಕಾ ನಮಗಿದ ಯ್ಕ ಅದನುನ ಅರಿಯಲ್ು ಆಯದಕ್ಕಕ ಮಾರಯಯ ಮತುಾ ಅವರ ಪತ್ರನ ಲ್ಕ್ಕಮಂನ ಬಗ ೆ ತ್ರಳಿಯುವುದು ಒಳ ುಯದು. ಅದಕ ಕ ಮುಿಂದಿನ ವಚನವನುನ ನ ೊೇಡ ೊೇಣ.

About the authors: Dr. Sajjan Shiva is Professor of Computer Science at the University of Memphis, Tennessee, Fellow of IEEE, teacher, researcher and consultant since 1975. He is an author of 100+ articles in software engineering, cyber security and computer architecture, authored four books used by 120+ universities. Through his weekly blog http://vachanaaweek.blogspot.com he has translated and written commentaries on 200+ Vachanas so far. He has served as the chairman of the VSNA BOR, currently member of BOD, and has been a life member since 1990.

Mrs. Leela Garady is the co-author on http://vachanaaweek.blogspot.com. Leela Garady has an M.A. in Hindi from Bangalore University. She has developed new ways of teaching language to children. She has written and directed plays in Kannada and Hindi for the students at CFL.

11

EµÀÖ°AUÀzÀ ««zsÀ DAiÀiÁªÀÄUÀ¼ÀÄ Ramjan Darga, Karnataka, India

DzsÁgÀ ¸Áé¢üµÁ×£À ªÀÄtÂ¥ÀÆgÀPÀ C£ÁºÀvÀ «±ÀÄzÀÞ DeÉÕ JAzÉA§gÀÄ. F DgÀ §®èqÉ ¤ÃªÀÅ ºÉýgÉ: DAiÀÄ£ÀļÀîqÉ DzsÁgÀ; DzsÁgÀªÀ PÀÆr¥ÀÄàzÉ ¸Áé¢üµÁ×£À; ªÀÄtÂAiÀÄ ¨É¼ÀV£À°è¥ÀÄàzÉ ªÀÄtÂ¥ÀÆgÀPÀ; D¸É¬Ä®èzÀÄzÉ C£ÁºÀvÀ. C®è CºÀÄzÉA§ÄzÀ£ÀwUÀ¼ÉAiÀÄ¢ºÀÄzÉ «±ÀÄ¢Þ. ¸ÀªÀðfêÀAUÀ¼À°è zÀAiÀĪÀ£ÀļÀîqÉ DeÉÕ. EAw¥ÀÄà¢ÃUÀ ²ªÀAiÉÆÃUÀ. G½zÀ C¨sÁå¸ÀAiÉÆÃVUÀ¼À PÀAqÀÄ £ÀUÀÄwzÉð£ÀAiÀiÁå PÀ¦®¹zÀÞªÀÄ°èPÁdÄð£ÀAiÀiÁå. -¹zÀÞgÁªÀÄ ¸ÀéUÀð, £ÀgÀPÀ ªÀÄvÀÄÛ PÀªÀÄð¹zÁÞAvÀzÀ ªÉÄÃ¯É ¤AvÀ ¸ÀªÀiÁd ¸ÀºÀdªÁVAiÉÄà ªÀUÀð, ªÀtð, eÁw «eÁwUÀ¼À°è MqÉzÀÄ ºÉÆÃVzÀÝ£ÀÄß PÀAqÀÄPÉÆAqÀ §¸ÀªÀtÚ£ÀªÀgÀÄ zsÀªÀÄðªÀ£ÀÄß ¸ÁªÀiÁfÃPÀgÀtUÉƽ¸ÀĪÀ ªÀÄÆ®PÀ £ÀªÀ¸ÀªÀiÁdzÀ ¤ªÀiÁðt ªÀiÁrzÀgÀÄ. F £ÀªÀ¸ÀªÀiÁd ¤ªÀiÁðtPÁÌV £ÀqɹzÀ ªÀZÀ£À ZÀ¼ÀªÀ½AiÀÄ ªÀÄAxÀ£ÀzÀ°è ºÉƸÀ fêÀ£À«zsÁ£ÀªÉÇAzÀÄ d£ÀävÁ½vÀÄ. CzÀPÉÌ °AUÀªÀAvÀ, °AUÁAiÀÄvÀ, PÁAiÀÄPÀ, ±ÀgÀt ªÀÄvÀÄÛ §¸ÀªÀzsÀªÀÄð JAzÀÄ PÀgÉAiÀįÁ¬ÄvÀÄ. F ±ÀgÀtzsÀªÀÄðzÀ°è ¸ÀéUÀð, £ÀgÀPÀ, ¥ÀÄtå, ¥Á¥À, ªÉÆÃPÀë, ¥ÀÄ£Àdð£Àä, ¸ÀAavÀ-¥ÁægÀ§Þ-DUÁ«Ä PÀªÀÄðUÀ¼ÀÄ ªÀÄvÀÄÛ CªÀÅUÀ½AzÀ GvÀàwÛAiÀiÁUÀĪÀ ªÀUÀð ªÀÄvÀÄÛ eÁw ªÀåªÀ¸ÉÜ ªÀÄÄAvÁzÀªÀÅ ªÀiÁ£À¹PÀªÁzÀªÀÅUÀ¼ÀÄ. ¤dzÀ £É¯ÉAiÀÄ°è CªÀÅUÀ½UÉ ¨É¯É E®è. D±ÀÑAiÀÄðªÉAzÀgÉ E°è ªÉÊ¢PÀgÀAvÉ ¥ÀÆeÉ ªÀiÁqÀĪÀ «zsÁ£ÀªÀÇ E®è. ªÀÄ£À¹ì£ÉƼÀV£À PÀ®äµÀUÀ¼À£ÀÄß vÉUÉzÀĺÁPÀ®Ä ªÀÄ£À¹ì£ÉƼÀUÉà ºÉÆÃUÀ¨ÉÃPÀÄ. £ÀªÀÄä£ÀÄß £ÁªÀÅ £ÀªÉÆä¼ÀV£À CAvÀB¸ÁQëAiÀÄ eÉÆvÉ ¥ÀÆeÉ (±ÀÆ£Àå) ªÀiÁrPÉƼÀî¨ÉÃPÀÄ JA§ÄzÀÄ F °AUÀªÀAvÀ zsÀªÀÄðzÀ D±ÀAiÀĪÁVzÉ. CAvÉAiÉÄ §®èªÀgÀÄ ‘EµÀÖ°AUÀ ¥ÀÆeÉ ªÀiÁr’ JAzÀÄ ºÉüÀĪÀÅ¢®è. CªÀgÀÄ ºÉüÀĪÀÅzÀÄ ‘EµÀÖ°AUÀ ¥ÀÆeÉ ªÀiÁrPÉÆ½î’ JAzÀÄ. ¤dªÁzÀ CxÀðzÀ°è F zsÀªÀÄðzÀ°è ¥ÀÆeÉ ªÀiÁqÀĪÀAw®è. K¤zÀÝgÀÆ ¥ÀÆeÉ ªÀiÁrPÉƼÀÄîªÀAxÀ¢ÝzÉ. »ÃUÉ £ÁªÀÅ £ÀªÀÄä CAvÀB¸ÁQëAiÀÄ eÉÆvÉ MAzÁUÀĪÀÅzÀgÀ ªÀÄÆ®PÀ °AUÀ¨sÉÃzÀ, ªÀtð¨sÉÃzÀ ªÀÄvÀÄÛ ªÀUÀð¨sÉÃzÀUÀ¼À PËæAiÀÄðzÀ CjªÁUÀĪÀÅzÀÄ JA§ÄzÀ£ÀÄß §¸ÀªÀtÚ£ÀªÀgÀÄ C£ÉÃPÀ ªÀZÀ£ÀUÀ¼À°è ¸ÀÆa¹zÁÝgÉ. ¸ÀªÀÄgÀw, ¸ÀªÀÄPÀ¼É ªÀÄvÀÄÛ ¸ÀªÀĸÀÄR JA§ C£ÀĨsÀªÀ ªÀÄvÀÄÛ C£ÀĨsÁªÀzÀ F CjªÉà EµÀÖ°AUÀ¥ÀÆeÉ ªÀiÁrPÉƼÀÄîªÀÅzÀgÀ ¥sÀ® JAzÀÄ ¸ÁjzÁÝgÉ. °AUÀ¥ÀÆeÉ ªÀiÁrPÉƼÀÄîªÀÅzÀjAzÀ ‘£À¢AiÉƼÀUÉ £À¢ ¨ÉgɹzÀ ºÁUÉ’ Erà ªÀiÁ£ÀªÀPÀÄ® MAzÁV 12

ºÉÆÃUÀĪÀÅzÀÄ JAzÀÄ w½¹zÁÝgÉ. EµÀÖ°AUÀ¥ÀÆeɬÄAzÀ J®è C¸ÀªÀiÁ£ÀvÉUÀ½UÉ PÁgÀtªÁzÀ PÀªÀÄð¹zÁÞAvÀªÉA§ ªÀĺÁªÉÆøÀzÀ CjªÁUÀĪÀÅzÀÄ JA§ÄzÀ£ÀÄß MwÛ ºÉýzÁÝgÉ. ‘PÀÆqÀ®¸ÀAUÀªÀÄzÉêÀgÀ ªÀÄ£ÀªÀÄÄnÖ ¥ÀÆf¹ PÀªÀÄð ºÀjAiÀÄzÉÆqÁ ¥ÀÆeÉ CzÉÃvÀPÉÆ’ JAzÀÄ §¸ÀªÀtÚ£ÀªÀgÀÄ C¸ÀªÀiÁzsÁ£À ªÀåPÀÛ¥Àr¹zÁÝgÉ. §¸ÀªÀtÚ£ÀªÀgÀÄ C£ÉÃPÀ UÀÄjUÀ¼À ¸ÁzsÀ£ÉUÁV EµÀÖ°AUÀzÀ ¸À馅 ªÀiÁrzÀgÀÄ. PÁAiÀÄPÀfëUÀ¼À£ÀÄß ªÀÄA¢gÀ ªÀåªÀ¸ÉܬÄAzÁUÀĪÀ ±ÉÆõÀuɬÄAzÀ «ªÉÆÃZÀ£ÉUÉƽ¸ÀĪÀÅzÀÄ, ªÀÄÆqsÀ£ÀA©PÉUÀ½AzÀ ºÉÆgÀvÀgÀĪÀÅzÀÄ, PÀªÀÄð¹zÁÞAvÀzÀ vÉÆqÀPÀÄUÀ½AzÀ ©r¹PÉƼÀÄîªÀÅzÀÄ, C¸Ààø±ÀåvÉ, eÁwÃAiÀÄvÉ, DyðPÀ, ¸ÁªÀiÁfPÀ ªÀÄvÀÄÛ zsÁ«ÄðPÀ ±ÉÆõÀuÉAiÀÄ£ÀÄß vÀqÉUÀlÄÖªÀÅzÀÄ EµÀÖ°AUÀAiÉÆÃUÀzÀ ªÀÄÄRå GzÉÝñÀªÁVvÀÄÛ. F J®è ªÉÊgÀÄzsÀåUÀ¼À£ÀÄß JzÀÄj¸À®Ä ¨ÉÃPÁzÀ ªÀiÁ£À¹PÀ ¹ÜgÀvÉ ªÀÄvÀÄÛ ªÉÊZÁjPÀ ±ÀQÛAiÀÄ£ÀÄß EµÀÖ°AUÀAiÉÆÃUÀzÀ Cj«¤AzÀ ¥ÀqÉAiÀĨÉÃPÉA§ÄzÀÄ §¸ÀªÀtÚ£ÀªÀgÀ D±ÀAiÀĪÁVvÀÄÛ. CªÀgÀ F D±ÀAiÀĪÀ£ÀÄß ¹zÀÞgÁªÀÄgÀÄ ªÉÄð£À ªÀZÀ£ÀzÀ° JwÛ »r¢zÁÝgÉ. EµÀÖ°AUÀAiÉÆÃUÀªÀÅ J®è AiÉÆÃUÀUÀ½VAvÀ ªÀĺÀvÀézÀÄÝ. KPÉAzÀgÉ DvÀä ªÀÄvÀÄÛ ¥ÀgÀªÀiÁvÀä£À ªÀÄzsÉå EgÀĪÀ ¸ÀPÀ®fêÀgÁ²AiÀÄ£ÀÄß ¥ÀjUÀt£ÉUÉ vÉUÉzÀÄPÉƼÀÄîvÀÛzÉ. ¸ÀPÀ®fêÁvÀäjUÉ ¯ÉøÀ£ÀÄß §AiÀĸÀĪÀ «zsÁ£ÀªÀ£ÀÄß w½¸ÀÄvÀÛzÉ. D ¸ÀPÀ®fêÁvÀägÉƼÀUÉ ªÀiÁvÀæ §zÀÄPÀÄ CxÀð¥ÀÆtðªÁUÀĪÀÅzÀÄ JA§ ¸ÀAzÉñÀªÀ£ÀÄß ¸ÁgÀÄvÀÛzÉ. F PÁgÀt¢AzÀ¯Éà ¹zÀÞgÁªÀÄgÀÄ, ²ªÀAiÉÆÃUÀ JA§ EµÀÖ°AUÀAiÉÆÃUÀ, CAzÀgÉ £ÁªÀÅ Erà fêÀ¸ÀAPÀÄ®zÀ ¥ÀæeÉÕAiÉÆA¢UÉ CAvÀB¸ÁQëAiÀÄ eÉÆvÉ MAzÁUÀĪÀ ¥ÀæQæAiÉÄ JA§ÄzÀ£ÀÄß ªÉÄð£À ªÀZÀ£ÀzÀ°è ¸ÀÆa¹zÁÝgÉ. DzsÁgÀ, ¸Áé¢üµÁ×£À, ªÀÄtÂ¥ÀÆgÀPÀ, C£ÁºÀvÀ, «±ÀÄzÀÞ ªÀÄvÀÄÛ DeÉÕ JA§ AiÉÆÃUÀZÀPÀæUÀ¼À£ÀÆß ¹zÀÞgÁªÀÄgÀÄ ¸ÁªÀiÁfÃPÀgÀtUÉƽ¸ÀÄvÁÛgÉ! ¸ÀªÀðfêÀUÀ¼À §UÉÎ zÀAiÉÄ ¸ÀȶָÀĪÀÅzÀgÀ PÀqÉUÉà CªÀgÀ UÀªÀÄ£À«zÉ. EzÀĪÉà °AUÀUÀªÀÄ£À. zÀAiÉÄ ªÀÄvÀÄÛ ±ÉÆõÀuÉ MAzÉqÉ EgÀ¯ÁgÀªÀÅ. ±ÉÆõÀPÀgÀÄ §qÀªÀjUÉ C£Àß §mÉÖ ºÀAZÀĪÀÅzÀÄ zÀAiÉÄ C®è. ±ÉÆõÀuɬĮèzÀ ¸ÀªÀiÁdªÉà zÀAiÀiÁ¸ÀªÀiÁd. »ÃUÉ ‘zÀAiÉÄ’ JA§ ±À§ÝzÀ ªÉÄÃ¯É ±ÀgÀtzsÀªÀÄð ¤AwzÉ. zÀAiÉÄ E®èzÀ «zÉå ªÀÄvÀÄÛ eÁÕ£À ¤gÀxÀðPÀ. CAvÉAiÉÄ §¸ÀªÀtÚ£ÀªÀgÀÄ zÀAiÀiÁ¥ÀÆtðªÁzÀ °AUÀvÀvÀÛ÷éªÀ£ÀÄß ¸ÀȶֹzÀgÀÄ. F vÀvÁÛ÷éZÀgÀuÉAiÀÄ ªÀÄÆ®PÀ zÉêÀjUÉ ºÀgÀPÉ ºÉÆgÀ¨ÉÃQ®è. MAzÀÄ ¥ÉÊ¸É PÀÆqÀ zÉêÀgÀ ¥ÀÆeÉUÁV RZÀÄð ªÀiÁqÀ¨ÉÃQ®è. zÉúÀªÉà zÉêÁ®AiÀĪÁVgÀĪÀÅzÀjAzÀ zÉÆqÀØ ªÀÄA¢gÀUÀ¼À£ÀÄß PÀnÖ ±ÉÆõÀuÉ ªÀÄvÀÄÛ ªÀÄÆqsÀ£ÀA©PÉUÀ½UÉ CªÀPÁ±À PÀ°à¸À¨ÉÃQ®è. ¸ÁªÀiÁfPÀ ªÉÄÃ®Ä QüÀÄ JwÛ»rAiÀÄĪÀ ªÀÄ£ÀĪÁ¢ ªÉÊ¢PÀ ªÀåªÀ¸ÉÜAiÀÄ£ÀÄß J®è jÃw¬ÄAzÀ®Æ §UÀÄΧrAiÀÄĪAxÀÀ °AUÀ¸ÀÆvÀæªÀ£ÀÄß §¸ÀªÀtÚ£ÀªÀgÀÄ PÀAqÀÄ»rzÀgÀÄ. ªÉÊ¢PÀ ªÀåªÀ¸ÉÜ ¤gÀAvÀgÀªÁzÀ ªÀiÁ£À¹PÀ, zsÁ«ÄðPÀ, ¸ÁªÀiÁfPÀ ªÀÄvÀÄÛ DyðPÀ ¸ÀÄ°UÉAiÀÄ ªÉÄÃ¯É ¤AwzÉ. F J®è vÉgÀ£ÁzÀ ±ÉÆõÀuÉAiÀÄ£ÀÄß vÀqÉAiÀÄĪÀ ±ÀQÛ EµÀÖ°AUÀQÌzÉ. EµÀÖ°AUÀAiÉÆÃUÀ¢AzÀ ªÀÄ£ÉÆÃzsÉÊAiÀÄð ¥ÀqÉzÀ zÀ°vÀ ªÀÄÆ®zÀ ±ÀgÀuÉ ¸ÀvÀåPÀÌ PÀ¸ÀUÀÄr¸ÀĪÀ PÁAiÀÄPÀzÀ ªÀÄÆ®PÀªÉà £ÀªÀÄUÉ®è §zÀÄQ£À ¥ÁoÀ PÀ°¸ÀÄvÁÛ¼É. ºÀÄ®Äè ªÀiÁgÀĪÀ ¸ÉÆêÀÄtÚ, ªÀÄrªÁ¼À ªÀiÁazÉêÀ, CA©UÀgÀ ZËqÀAiÀÄå, ªÀiÁzÁgÀ ZÀ£ÀßAiÀÄå ªÀÄÄAvÁzÀ ±ÀgÀtgÀÄ EAxÀ EµÀÖ°AUÀAiÉÆÃUÀ¢AzÀ ¥ÀqÉzÀ ªÀÄ£ÉÆÃzÁqsÀåð¢AzÀ¯Éà ¸ÀÄ°UÉ ªÀåªÀ¸ÉÜAiÀÄ£ÀÄß JzÀÄj¸ÀĪÀ ¸ÁªÀÄxÀåð ¥ÀqÉzÀgÀÄ. QæAiÀiÁ²Ã®gÁV GvÁàzÀ£ÉAiÀÄ°è vÉÆqÀVzÀgÀÄ ªÀÄvÀÄÛ ªÀZÀ£À gÀZÀ£É ªÀiÁrzÀgÀÄ. F EµÀÖ°AUÀAiÉÆÃUÀ ±ÀQÛAiÀÄ 13

CjªÁzÀ £ÀAvÀgÀªÉà ¹zÀÞgÁªÀÄgÀÄ »ªÀiÁ®AiÀÄzÀ PÀqÉUÉ ªÀÄvÀÄÛ UÀĺÉUÀ¼À §½UÉ PÀgÉzÉÆAiÀÄåªÀ AiÉÆÃUÁ¨sÁå¹UÀ¼À£ÀÄß PÀAqÀÄ £ÀUÀÄvÁÛgÉ ªÀÄvÀÄÛ EµÀÖ°AUÀAiÉÆÃUÀzÀ ¸ÁªÀiÁfPÀ ±ÀQÛAiÀÄ ªÀĺÀvÀéªÀ£ÀÄß CgÀºÀÄvÁÛgÉ. EµÀÖ°AUÀªÀÅ eÁw ªÀÄvÀÄÛ ªÀUÀðzÀ J¯ÉèUÀ¼À£ÀÄß ¤£ÁðªÀĪÀiÁr ¸ÀPÀ® PÁAiÀÄPÀfëUÀ¼À£ÀÄß MAzÀÄ ªÀiÁrvÀÄ. ªÀÄA¢gÀ ªÀÄvÀÄÛ ªÀÄÆqsÀ£ÀA©PÉ ªÀÄÄAvÁzÀ ±ÉÆõÀuÉUÀ½AzÀ ªÀÄÄPÀÛUÉƽ¹vÀÄ JA§ÄzÀ£ÀÄß dUÀwÛUÉ ¸Áj ºÉüÀĪÀ PÁ® EzÁVzÉ. EAzÀÄ ¨sÁgÀvÀzÀ §ºÀÄd£ÀgÀ §qÀvÀ£ÀPÉÌ PÀtÂÚUÉ PÁtĪÀ zÉêÀgÀÄUÀ¼ÀÄ ªÀÄvÀÄÛ CªÀÅUÀ¼À ªÀÄÆ®PÀ ªÀÄÆqsÀ£ÀA©PÉUÀ¼À£ÀÄß d£ÀªÀÄ£ÀzÀ°è ©vÀÄÛªÀ ¥ÀAZÁAUÀ¥ÀlÄUÀ¼ÀÄ, ¨sÀ«µÀåPÁgÀgÀÄ ªÀÄvÀÄÛ ¥ÀÄgÉÆûvÀ±Á»UÀ¼ÀÄ PÁgÀtgÁVzÁÝgÉ. zÉñÀzÀ ¥ÀAZÀªÁ¶ðPÀ AiÉÆÃd£ÉUÀ½UÉ vÀUÀ®ÄªÀ ºÀtQÌAvÀ®Æ ºÉaÑ£À ºÀtªÀ£ÀÄß F zÉñÀzÀ d£À ªÀÄÆqsÀ£ÀA©PÉUÀ½UÁV RZÀÄð ªÀiÁqÀÄwÛzÁÝgÉ. CAvÉAiÉÄ §¸ÀªÀtÚ£ÀªÀgÀÄ ªÀÄoÀUÀ½®èzÀ, ¸Áé«ÄUÀ½®èzÀ, UÀÄrUÀ½®èzÀ, ªÀÄÆwð¥ÀÆeÉ E®èzÀ, PÀªÀÄð¹zÁÞAvÀ«®èzÀ, ¥ÀAZÁAUÀUÀ½®èzÀ, ªÀUÀð, ªÀtð ªÀÄvÀÄÛ °AUÀ¨sÉÃzÀUÀ½®èzÀ °AUÀªÀAvÀ zsÀªÀÄð JA§ fêÀ£À«zsÁ£ÀªÀ£ÀÄß PÀAqÀÄ»rzÀgÀÄ. ªÀåQÛ, PÀÄlÄA§, ¸ÀªÀiÁd ªÀÄvÀÄÛ ZÀgÁZÀgÀªÀ£Éß®è M¼ÀUÉÆAqÀ fêÀeÁ® ¸ÀAgÀPÀëuÉAiÀÄ fêÀ£À «zsÁ£À EzÁVzÉ. E°è gÀPÀÛ¸ÀA§AzsÀzÀªÀjVAvÀ vÀvÀÛ÷é¸ÀA§AzsÀzÀªÀgÉà ºÉaÑ£À CtÚ, CPÀÌ, C¥Àà, ¨ÉÆ¥Àà DUÀÄvÁÛgÉ. EzÀÄ CvÀåAvÀ £À«Ã£ÀªÁzÀ «±ÀéPÀÄlÄA§ zsÀªÀÄðªÁVzÉ. F zsÀªÀÄðzÀ°è ªÀÄoÀUÀ¼À eÁUÀzÀ°è ªÀĺÁªÀÄ£É EzÉ. ¸Áé«ÄUÀ¼À eÁUÀzÀ°è vÀvÀÛ÷édAUÀªÀÄjzÁÝgÉ. ªÀÄA¢gÀzÀ eÁUÀzÀ°è Cj«£À ªÀÄ£É EzÉ. zÁ£ÀzÀ §zÀ°UÉ zÁ¸ÉÆúÀ EzÉ. ¸ÁܪÀgÀzÀ §zÀ°UÉ EµÀÖ°AUÀ«zÉ. PÀªÀÄð¹zÁÝAvÀªÀ£ÀÄß C®èUÀ¼ÉAiÀÄĪÀ PÁAiÀÄPÀ¹zÁÞAvÀ«zÉ. Erà ªÀiÁ£ÀªÀPÀÄ®ªÀ£ÀÄß MAzÀĪÀiÁqÀĪÀ UÀÄj EzÉ.

About the author: Ramjan Darga is a renowned researcher in Basava Philosophy. Mr. Darga is has been the chief guest at many VSNA Conventions including the 2015 VSNA Convention at New Jersey. He has published th numerous articles explaining the historical facts that occurred during the 12 century spiritual and social revolution.

14

Mantra Linga Raju, M. D. Plainview, New York.

Mantra literally means ‘instrument of thought’. Mantra is a sacred utterance which when chanted repeatedly directs the mental energies towards the higher realities. It could be a sound, a syllable, a word, a phrase, a verse, or such. The meditational saying of the mantra is called Japa. There are three types of japa: vocal japa is when the mantra is clearly pronounced and is heard by those on either side of the person; lip-movement japa is when the mantra is faintly uttered but not heard by others; and mental japa is when the mantra is not uttered at all, it is cherished in the mind. The mental japa is said to be the best. Ōṁ is the simplest and the most important mantra. We are very familiar with the term ‘Ōṁ’. The syllable Ōṁ is engraved in Kannaḍa (NA) on the Iṣṭaliṅga that is worn on the body and worshipped externally. Another mantra we use is the sixsyllable (Ṣaḍakṣara) mantra - Ōṁ na maḥ śi vᾱ ya. When these six syllables are put together in use, it becomes Ōṁ namaśśivᾱya. The six-syllable mantra is a combination of Ōṁ and the five-syllable (Pañĉᾱkṣarī) mantra. The five-syllable mantra ‘Namaḥ Śivᾱya’ first appears in the Yajurvēda - in the IV.5.8.11 mantra of Kṛṣṇa Yajurvēda (1), and in the XVI.41 mantra of Śukla Yajurvēda (2). The five-syllable mantra does not start with Ōṁ. However, it is to be pointed out that Ōṁ first appears at the beginning of the first verse in Śukla Yajurvēda, and that the Vēdic mantras begin with the chanting of this sacred sound Ōṁ. We do not use the five-syllable mantra alone without Ōṁ. We use it only when it is preceded by Ōṁ; that means that it becomes a six-syllable mantra. The reason is as follows: The five-syllable mantra ‘Namaśśivāya’ means obeisance to/for Śiva. It represents the creation of the world/universe: the five gross elements, the five subtle elements, the five sensory organs, the five motor organs, and such. All these sets of five are understood through this great five syllable mantra as these are all the manifestations of the mantra. Because the five-syllable mantra represents the creation and the principles (tattvas) of Śiva, the question then arises as to whether reciting it alone leads to liberation from the worldly life or not. Ōṁ is Niṣkala meaning pure consciousness. Meditation upon Ōṁ results in liberation. It is said that Ōṁ represents Niṣkala Śiva as pure consciousness, and Pañĉākṣara mantra represents Sakala Śiva in the form of the universe. Śiva who is of the nature of both Niṣkala and Sakala resides in the Ṣaḍakṣara mantra. It is said that the six syllables of the mantra represent the six stages of Ṣaṭsthala. Therefore, we use only the six-syllable mantra - Ōṁ namaśśivᾱya (3). Two of Basavaṇṇa’s vaĉanas (numbers 11 and 52 from the reference 4) refer to Ōṁ namaśśivāya. These two vaĉanas are something like this: When the worldly life, as serpent, bit me, because of the instilled venom called the objects of the five-fold senses, I could not step further. I was writhing and falling, but then, I was chanting the “ Ōṁ namaśśivāya” mantra, O Kūḍala Saṅgama Dēva! Alas! Alas! What is this graceless chatter? ‘Ōṁ namaśśivāya’ is the sacred spell!

‘Ōṁ namaśśivāya’ is the consecration! Merely thinking of Kūḍala Saṅgama Dēva, without neglect, is the mantra! The author of reference 4, from where the above examples of vaĉanas are taken, states that according to Basavaṇṇa ‘Ōṁ namaśśivāya’ does not have to be the mantra, thinking of the Divine itself is the mantra. Śūnya Saṁpᾱdane (5) does not give too much of an importance to the mantra itself. It is not explained in any specific part of the texts. But Ōṁ is discussed and explained in several parts of the texts of Śūnya Saṁpᾱdane.

15

1. Sri Rudram and Purushasuktam. Translated by Swamī Amritananda. Sri Ramakrishna Math, Mylapore, Chennai 600 004, India. 2007. 2. YAJURVEDA SAṀHITĀ (ŚUKLA), Sanskrit Text with English Translation by R. T. H. Griffith, Edited and revised with an introduction and exegical notes by Ravi Prakash Arya. Primal Publications India Books, D 40/18 Godowlia, Varanasi – 221 001 (UP), India. 2002 3. Śrī Śivayogi Śivācārya’s Śrī Siddhāntaśikhāmaṇi with Śrī Maritoṇṭadārya’s Tattvapradīpika. Dr. M. Sivakumara Swamy. Shaiva Bharati Shodha Pratisthan, Jangamwadi Math, Varanasi-221 001, India. 2007 4. Basavaṇṇanavara Vaĉanagaḷu – Basavēśvara Vaĉana Saṅgraha by Dr. L. Basavaraju. Published by Gītᾱ Book House, Mysore, India. Third Revised Edition 1972. 5. ŚŪNYASAṀPĀDANE. Volumes I through V. Published by Karnatak University, Dharwar, India.

About the author: Dr. Linga Raju, M.D. is VSNA life member, native of Davaṇagere, India. Dr. Raju is a prominent Internal Medicine and Pulmonary Diseases physician. He has written spiritual publications - “A Journey through Hindu and Vīraśaiva Concepts’, and ‘SIDDHĀNTA ŚIKHĀMAṆ; The one hundred one sthala doctrine A concise composition’.

*********

Source: http://lingayatreligion.com/Galary/VachanaGalary.htm

16

Central VSNA Updates BOD 1st Quarter Updates By - Channu Kambalyal, President VSNA st

During the 2016 1 quarter, the BOD members held 3 BOD meetings and several brainstorming sessions to discuss various tasks. Following is the progress of the tasks from the Two-Year Agenda during this quarter: 1. Official Communications:  Notifications regarding New Year Greetings, 2016 VSNA Convention Registration, Convention Newsletter and th 2015 4 Quarter Newsletter – Baandhavya were sent..  Nominations for election of various positions for 206-2017 sent.  Notifications for the 2016 VSNA youth scholarships was sent out. 2. 2016 Convention Update:  2016 Convention team of Maryland chapter is all set for hosting and actively working towards the major event. The registrations are open. Convention committee has been publishing their monthly newsletter highlighting the developments. Five invited guests have confirmed. More details on convention site – www.vsnaconvention.com. 3. Ten Year - Annual Conventions Readiness:  Central VSNA is working with Georgia chapter and North Carolina chapter leaders to mobilize the local chapter for the 2017 convention. Detroit and Chicago chapters have been invited to host conventions for years – 2018 and 2019. Plan is to follow a 10-year cycle for the convention by each major chapter. 4. Web-Site Updates:  Work on provisioning for the online registration of members is in progress. 5. VIRC - Newsletters:  The VIRC team is working on few online literatures from various sources. 6. Elections:  The Election Committee began work on nominations for various positions for 2017-2018. Nominations have been received, and are being verified before an announcement can be made in the convention. 7. Bylaw Committee:  The bylaw committee completed their review of VSNA Bylaws and submitted the latest to the President. The BOD and BOR members are reviewing the recommendations. The plan is to finalize and notifies the general members for the final voting. 8. Rejuvenate Local Chapters:  How to rejuvenate guidelines online: VSNA-Resources-How To Rejuvenate Local Chapters. 9. Life-Membership Drive: rd  2016 life-membership drive will be taken up in the 3 quarter. 10. VSNA Convention Trust Fund Drive:  We plan to have a larger convention trust fund at the time of 2016 convention. Preparations are in progress.. 11. Scholarship Notifications & Fundraising:  Notifications sent for VSNA scholarships have been sent out. nd  Notifications for scholarship fund will be sent out in 2 quarter. 12. Welcome Kit, Brochures and Guidelines Documents:  A soft copy of the welcome kit document is published online. 13. Accounting & Investment Management:  Auditing of 2015 accounts is in progress. Treasurer is also working on the tax filings. nd  The investment committee will meet in the 2 quarter to assess the investments of all VSNA funds. For latest updates on VSNA – BOD Meeting Minutes please visit VSNA.ORG->Events->BOD Meetings.

******** 17

BOR 1st Quarter Updates By - Laxmi Hiremath, Board of Regents, Chairperson During the January 2016 BOR meeting, the team members - Shylendra Kumar, Dada Patil, Rajeev Kumar and Jayashree Jagadeesh were given a chance to share how they could contribute efforts to any new topics, ideas or projects to grow the organization. During the March 2016 BOR meeting, we had full BOR team members in attendance! Shylendra Kumar was encouraged to work on new Project Ideas. I encouraged the idea of fund raising President Obama style $5! Shylendra Kumar suggested coming up with an objective. Rohini Mensinkai provided the Newsletter Committee Information. Jayashree Jagadeesh gave detailed Convention update. Uma Sajjan shared that most of the glitches to the Matrimonial Page have been solved. Rajeev Kumar was encouraged to help with the Youth Elections 2017/slate; Support and assist BOD if necessary. The meeting was opened up for discussion on any new thoughts. In the April 2016 BOR meeting conducted by Dada Patil, the 2016 VSNA convention programs were discussed at length. Maryland Chapter is working very hard and has excellent Spiritual, informative and entertainment programs for all age groups. Jayashreee Jagadish provided insights to the events. They have invited excellent speakers from India and locally. Several time slots are allotted to youths to showcase their talents. She has also requested all BOR members to register and encouraged respective chapter members to register as soon as possible. It was also brought to notice that few BOR meetings were poorly attended by the members therefore it was agreed that meetings should be held once in two months which will be discussed once again in the next meeting when all members are present and given a chance to debate.

*****

18

2016 VSNA Convention Invitations

Veerashaiva Samaja of North America 39th Annual Convention July 1 – 3, 2016 Hosted by Maryland Chapter Venue: Turf Valley Resort, 2700 Turf Valley Road

Dr. G. Jagadeesh

Ellicott City, MD 21042 www.vsnaconvention.com Mr. Shashidar Nagenalli

Dr. Savitha Siddalingaiah

Convention Chair

Convention co-Chair

MD Chapter President

SharaNu, Greetings from the members of VSNA-Maryland Chapter Convention Committee! As the July 4th weekend approaches, Americans plan to celebrate their declaration of independence from the tyranny of the British Empire. For us, Veerashaivas, it is that time to look forward to enjoy the annual VSNA convention and celebrate freedom from the tyranny of caste- and creed- based discrimination and meaningless myths and social structures that ruled mankind for centuries. VSNA conventions are where we meet our old friends and make new friends, while sharing, learning, and reinforcing our values. It is the Anubhava Goshti that our Guru Basavanna established at Kalyana. It is unlikely that the sharaNas of the 12 th century knew that such gatherings would happen on a new soil across the seven seas almost nine centuries later, but the enduring power of that knowledge continues to bring us all together in a land so far away year after year. This year, the Veerashaiva families of Maryland, one of the birth places of VSNA, have the privilege of lighting the lamp of the 39th VSNA convention. We take immense pride in inviting you to join this congregation in a most serene setting of Turf Valley Resort at Ellicott City, MD, that is touted by us as ‘Kadali Vana’. The Convention will be a 3-day event, July 1st will be reserved for golf enthusiasts who wish to play at the resort and for others to have a round of seeing the magnificent museums and monuments of our Nation’s Capital (or simply relax at the “19 th hole”). The next 2 days (July 2nd and 3rd) will be dedicated to the religious activities and cultural entertainment. The host Chapter is working hard to bring you a very comfortable stay for the body and a religious feast for the soul. The five cardinal principles “Immaculate Body, Mind, Thoughts, Deeds and Words” are absolute qualities of a sharaNa. We have chosen this revolutionary thinking that emanate from the treasures of vachanas as our Convention theme (ತನು ಮನ ಭಾವ ಶುದ್ಧಿ ಯ - ನಡೆ ನುಡಿಯಲಿ ಕಾಣಾ). This will be our signature topic of discussion throughout the Convention. The youth with enthusiasm and adventurous mind have been active in designing and formulating various activities on both fronts, the tenets of Veerashaivism and socialization including networking. A number of workshops and Anubhava goshti sessions are planned for youth and adults alike. In addition, we will have various competitions, Jeopardy-style sharaNa sahitya quiz. We will top this with an A-class entertainment. Of course, we will have good food to satisfy your taste buds! The attached brochure lists the venue, program highlights and Convention registration packages. Your generous donation is very much needed to host the event. Discount registration ends May 1, 2016, but we urge you to register as soon as possible so that we can plan for additional accommodation at nearby hotels, if necessary. Please visit the website, www.vsnaconvention.com, for registration details. Please do not hesitate to contact us. We look forward to seeing you all at the Convention in Ellicott City, MD, on July 1, 2016. Together, Everyone Achieves More (TEAM). Sharanu sharanarthi, G. Jagadeesh (Chair) S. Nagenalli (Co-Chair) Email: 2016VSNAConvention@gmail.com Visit: www.vsnaconvention.com Phone: 301-208-8260

19

Invitation from VSNA President (From VSNA Convention Newsletter - ಚೆನ್ನುಡಿ)

Dear VSNA Members, th

On behalf of Central VSNA, it is indeed an honor and a privilege to invite you all to the 39 VSNA Convention hosted by the Maryland Chapter. I am delighted to see the progress made by the 2016 Convention Committee, led by Savitha Shivananda, Maryland Chapter President, G. Jagadeesh, Chair and Shashidhar Nagenahalli, Co-Chair of the Convention. The monthly convention newsletter – “ಚೆನ್ನು ಡಿ” initiated by the committee demonstrates the eagerness and preparedness to welcome you all to the convention. The Maryland chapter deserves a special admiration for the great start they made by showcasing the event at the 2015 convention. The team has chosen a down-to-earth theme “ತನ್ನ ಮನ ಭಾವ ಶುದ್ಧಿ ಯ - ನಡೆ ನ್ನಡಿಯಲಿ ಕಾಣಾ” (Experience the immaculate body, mind, thoughts through deeds and words), which truly reflects the universality and simplicity portrayed in numerous Vachanas of Veerashaivism. As we invite you to the 2016 VSNA Annual convention, I would like to stress the main purpose of the convention and the benefits of your participation. As you know the core mission of VSNA has been to Preserve, Protect and Propagate the Universal Philosophy of Basaveshawara and his contemporaries in North America. The convention is the most important event when we all get together on a larger scale every year to better understand this philosophy not only for us as individuals, but also to let our children increase their awareness of the universal values that we are fortunate to have inherited. th

It is interesting to note that for many years, the VSNA convention is held on the July 4 weekend, the day of independence of the United States of America, representing its struggle for democratic values and equality among its people. This is exactly what th Basaveshwara and numerous sharaNas struggled for the humanity in the 12 century, much before such thoughts evolved in the western world. The ideals reflected in the Vachanas not only cover the social aspects, but also the individual and interpersonal level conduct, that we should follow to achieve the enlightenment - desire to see God by awakening the consciousness within us. The richness of Veerashaiva philosophy is so vast and yet so simple, that we often take it for granted, and continue to look elsewhere for guidance from various sources. It is through such annual conventions that we get together in person with a focus to learn from the spiritual leaders of Veerashaivism. There is an additional aspect that you will benefit from the convention that is in your professional growth as well! On a routine basis, we are all engrossed in our professional careers trying hard for promotions to increase our net worth. In this endeavor, we fail to understand few basics that enable us to achieve the very same. Many management universities and institutes provide leadership courses and training that enhance our careers, with courses such as Emotional Intelligence. Basava’s well-known vachanas describe the same concepts of self-control, self-awareness, relationship building and the social awareness. And the theme selected by the convention committee very appropriately fits these concepts. I am sure, with your presence at the convention, you will surely gain much more that enable you to do well in all walks of life, and th benefit not only yourself but also your future generations. So, welcome to the 39 VSNA Convention at Ellicott City, Maryland on July th 4 weekend!

Sharanu Sharanarthi, Channu Kambalyal President, VSNA

*****

20

21

VSNA Local Chapters Updates VSNA – Maryland Chapter Maryland chapter celebrated Shivarathri and Ugadi - Allama Prabhu Jayanthi in large numbers. Our programs always start with Linga Pooja for kids and then chanting Om Namah Shivaih as a whole group which is so peaceful. We have our unique Anubhava Goshti all run totally by our youth. Our convention preparations are in full swing and a update of it is available on our monthly "Chennudi ". Our chapter is requesting everybody to register ASAP and make this convention successful.

22

VSNA – New York-New Jersey Chapter VSNA New York –New Jersey chapter held a Shivaratri/Ugadi function on April 2, 2016, which was attended by close to 200 members. Our chapter is growing fast and in order to accommodate the large crowd, we had to move our venue to a much bigger modern facility. Most of the new members are young families who are very much devoted to the Samaja and are willing to volunteer and work cooperatively as a large family. We started the program with mass Linga Pooja by all the children where each child holds a Linga in their hand and learns the proper way to offer prayers to Linga. The Pooja was followed by group singing of Brahma-murari. We had excellent religious speeches on what Linga is made off, strengths of Shiva, Shivaratri festival and Vachana discussion. Young children as young as 3 years old sang Vachanas. We encouraged our youth to take on leadership roles and be on stage as MCs. The highlight of the evening was the many religious themed dances, which were participated by samaja members of all ages. The ladies dance Kande Parashiva, was so amazing and so was the men’s Shiva dance both executed perfectly and they made their own props. Children were grouped by various ages and there were three group dances. The dance participants put in many weekends of dancing. The traditional delicious North Karnataka was served. Overall, the function was a great big success.

23

VSNA – Toronto Chapter Over 40 Families from Toronto chapter celebrated Shivaratri on 12th March 2016 at Vaishno Devi Mandir in Oakville, Ontario, Canada. Event was started with Rudrabhisheka performed by Mr. Mandi and Mr. Manoj family and brief prayer on Lord Shiva in temple altar. After the rituals, in the meeting hall all members gathered and started kids presentation with Shiva Linga Pooja with participation of 15 kids. Kids presentation including dance, prayer and songs on Lord Shiva, were performed. Upcoming events including Central VSNA messages were delivered from the Chapter President. All attendees enjoyed the special festive dinner prepared from the families attended.

24

VSNA – Detroit Chapter VSNA Detroit Chapter started off 2016 with Maha Shivarathri, which was held on March 12th, 2016 in Troy, Michigan. This event was well attended by majority of the members and families came from many different parts of the state. The event was hosted by chapter’s youth president Samarth Setru and sponsored by Sulabelle family. The Vachanas and Group Prayers were led by Shiela Kotresh and Vidya Angadi. There were many cultural activities, power point presentations and dance programs by youth members. All youth members performed Linga Pooja. The highlight of the event was, it was led by youth, performed by youth and focused on youth of Detroit Chapter and helped to make the Maha Shivarathri event a huge success. Information on upcoming 2016 VSNA Annual Convention was also presented at the event. The next program is Basava Jayanthi and is scheduled to be held on May 14, 2016.

25

VSNA - Chicago Chapter st

VSNA Chicago Chapter held 2 programs during the 1 quarter – Siddeshwar Jayanthi/ Makara Shankranthi in January th and Shivarathri program in March. Siddarameshwar Jayanthi program was held on January 14 2016. The program conducted by our youth leaders Siya Hugar and Mukhta Patil as masters of ceremony. The 2016 Convention Committee chair – G. Jagadeesh and BOR Member - Jayashree Jagadeesh from Maryland attended the program and invited Chicago chapter members to the convention with a presentation of their preparations for the convention. Few highlights are given below.

More highlights of this program can be viewed online – 2016 Siddeshwar Jayanthi - Makara Sankranthi program photos.

26

th

Shivarathri program was held on March 12 and the program was sponsored by Uma and Sachidananda Murthy. For this program we had a key note speaker – Dr. Basavaraj Jagajampi who spoke on the topic “Shiva Sanskruti”. Youth leaders Siya Hugar and Rohan Betkerur led the programs as the masters of ceremony. Few highlights are given below.

More highlights of this program can be viewed online – 2016 Shivarathri program photos.

27

VSNA – Connecticut Chapter VSNA Connecticut hosted Shivaratri Program on March 13, 2016 at Middletown Temple, CT. Program was a huge success with over 175 people attending the program despite being on a Sunday afternoon. Saamuhika Istalinga Linga Pooja was done with great devotion and with individual boxes made for every interested member; it was a very well organized program. Video call with Rupaka of Basava Divine Center enlightened us about the reason for celebration of Shivaratri. Variety of cultural programs such as small kids’ fancy dress, speech by elder member, dances, songs and skit were well enjoyed by the audience! Innovative programs like bhajan style Shiva naama chanting, song with Shiva family depicted by kids in fancy dress, introduction to Shiva Sharana/ Sharaneyaru by kids and a dance drama describing the reasons for the various names of Shiva , skit depicting how kids can use their creative mind instead of wasting time on watching/playing on electronics was very well received. Every program reflected the hard work and persistence put in by the participants (mostly kids) and parents to keep the Veerashaiva and Indian culture alive, miles away from our homeland! Another highlight of this program was the establishment of VSNA-CT-Y, the Youth committee comprising of kids 10 to 18 that kept the little kids entertained with a craft station. Their motto being "The YOUTH in the process of adopting Veerashaiva philosophies", our hope is that VSNA-CT-Y will be taking part in various charity and enlightenment programs in the future. MC and Cultural committee managed time very well, decoration committee did a beautiful job and the home cooked dinner at the end of the program was hugely appreciated. The memento - a 2016 calendar featuring a graceful picture of Guru Basavanna was a memorable take away. The calendar is designed in such a way that even after 2016, it can still be framed and used to adore their homes with Guru Basavanna's photo.

Generous donations from members and institutions keep us going! It was heartwarming to see familiar and new faces in the audience, showing that the VSNA-CT family is growing. Our heartfelt thanks to all the members that worked tirelessly

28

before and after the program, paying attention to every tiny detail, ensured that the 2016 Shivaratri program was another feather in the cap for VSNA-CT. Ongoing Activities: Vachanamrutha is a monthly event in which VSNA-CT kids and adult members actively participate to learn more about Basava philosophy. Kids recite Vachanas referring to their Vachana book with great fervor! We pick a Vachana for the month and all VSNA-CT members provide their understanding and view on that Vachana. This depicts Anubhava Ghosti! A yoga class has also been started during Vachanamrutha by one of the members, to teach some simple yet effective exercises. Also, VSNA-CT is actively using social media like Facebook to keep members updated. We post information on important celebrations on our VSNA-CT page. Planning for Basava Jayanthi program is underway. And as always, VSNA-CT is open to any suggestions from anyone to implement Basava Philosophies in their daily life and the community.

29

VSNA - Florida Chapter th

The VSNA Florida Chapter - Shivarathri event was held on March 26 at Anuu and Nithyanandaswamy Kora’s home near Tampa. The program was well-attended event with more than 50+ attendees. Thanks to the hosts, Anuu and Nithyananda Swamy Kora for hosting the event, excellent arrangements and fabulous food. We also had several new attendees this time, Naganna Channaveeriah and family who have recently moved to Jacksonville and Siddalinga Jayanna and family who have moved to Tampa region. We welcomed both these families to Florida. The event started with Linga Puje by kids. Priya Veerendra and Nayantara Swamy walked them through various steps of the Linga Puje, and the kids followed through. This was followed by a sumptuous lunch. The meeting started with a quick recap of the agenda. We had connected the laptop to the large TV that was mounted on the family room, and it was used for most of the presentations. We played the presentation sent by the Maryland chapter inviting everyone to the convention this year. We then had another discussion/ presentation on a new idea/ concept regarding a Veerashaiva portal which received enthusiastic response. The next section contained many presentations by kids of all age groups. We had a presentation on a new web site by Shreyas Budibetta, who showed a small prototype using a Wordpress template. A discussion ensued on the web site name, and we all finally agreed to go with, www.VSNAFlorida.com. We then had several presentations on Veerashaiva places and legends, a continuation from last meeting. First was a presentation on Akka Mahadevi by Kiran. After the presentation, Kiran followed through with questions on Akkamahadevi. Next presentation was from Anagha Doddamane on Thontada Siddalinga swamy. Ankit and Akshar narrated the stories and legends describing the origin of Mahashivaratri. During the course of their narration they told stories that explained the reasons for the all night jaagarane and the offering of the Bilva leaf to Lord Shiva. They concluded by stating how Shivaratri is not only a ritual but also a cosmic definition of the Hindu universe. Divit narrated a story about Shiva, Parvati and the Bull which conveyed the moral that we all have to pay no attention to the words of the worldly people and continue to devoutly worship God. We had a video presentation on Aihole by Akanksh Jambagi. A small presentation on Basavana Bagewadi was also presented, besides singing of shlokas/ vachanas by kids. We encouraged our members to visit some of the Veerashaiva pilgrimage centers when they visit India next. We requested them to visit atleast one site during their visit, collect some details about the site, and provide an update during our next meeting. Annual membership dues were collected besides the cabin fee for the fall camping event at Lake Louisa State Park. We have booked about 11 cabins which can each accommodate upto 6 people. We expect to host about 20 – 22 families. More than half of the people signed up. Our next event will be Basava Jayanthi during mid-May. We had a quick update on chapter’s financial state at the end of last year and about our fund raising for Deenabandhu trust. As mentioned before, we have donated about $1,600 (~Rs. 1 lakh) last December, and we hope to donate another Rs. 1 lakh or equivalent this year also. We are about $200 short of that amount, and as soon as we collect that amount, we will issue the check. We then had Puje and sang bhajans and shlokas, followed by mangalarathi from all families. Vote of thanks was given by Rajashekar Jambagi followed by snacks. Here are some photos from the event:

30

Overall, it was a very well attended and lively event. If there are any one interested learning about Veerashaiva philosophy, please get in touch with us at vsna.fl@gmail.com.

********** ***** * 31

News around the World International Sharana Samskruti Convention 2016 For more information, visit: http://www.basavasamithibrisbane.org/convention.php

VSNA was represented by Mrs. Akkama from VSNA – California Chapter. More updates to be published in 2nd Quarter newsletter.

32

VSNA Fund Raising VSNA Convention Trust Fund The concept of Convention Trust Fund (CTF) was presented at the Detroit Convention in the year 1997, and the Convention was seen as the best way to fulfill the mission of Protecting, Propagating and Preserving the Philosophy of Basaveshwara and his contemporaries in North America. It was strongly felt that the convention registration cost be kept reasonable to make affordable for all to attend. At the same time, it was agreed that the Conventions should meet some basic standard and cater comfortable facilities that can only be served by major facilities such as large hotels and convention centers. The basic purpose of the CTF was to raise about one million dollars and the investment returns from the fund (without touching the capital) would offset the ever escalating costs of the Convention. It was memorable and emotional in that around $320,000 was pledged during the few hours of a well-orchestrated appeal in 1997 followed by subsequent pledges totaling about $275000 or so. In every subsequent Convention for few years, time was allotted to seek pledges and collect checks for the CTF drive. The current contribution now stands at $340,608 + $1501 of 2015. The central VSNA provides 90% of the investment returns of the fund to convention organizers as the seed money. The remaining 10% is reinvested. The amounts provided to last few years’ conventions were as follows: Convention Year 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009

Convention Seed Money Derived from 90% Earnings from CTF $18,000 $19,000 $18,000 $15,000 $10,000 $10,000 $8,000 $5,000

As noted above, the idea of investing in convention trust fund to reduce the registration fees for attendees is working well. We request your tax-deductible contributions to CTF. Please send your contributions to:   

Treasurer, VSNA, Irappa Arabhavi, 10 Justin Drive, Mansfield, MA 02048. Make check payable to : "VSNA" Mention "Towards VSNA Convention Trust Fund".

The names of the donors will be published online on VSNA.ORG.

Puttaveeraiah Prabhakar & Sajjan Shiva VSNA Convention Trust Fund Committee

VSNA Scholarship Fund The mission of VSNA is to preserve, protect and propagate the philosophy of Basava and contemporary sharanas in North America. In order to encourage the youth in achieving this goal, VSNA has been providing VSNA Scholarships to the youth members based on their understanding of the organization and the philosophy of Basava and his contemporaries. A selection criterion is based on the essays written by the youth. Starting 2015, we plan to increase the scholarship amounts in various categories. We plan to raise the funds for the 33

VSNA Scholarships separately, instead of using the contributions towards memberships. We encourage members to donate generously towards the VSNA Scholarship Fund. For the 2015-2016 VSNA Scholarship, we have collected $1739/-. With your support we hope to increase this amount to $3000/-. Please send your contributions to:   

Treasurer, VSNA, Irappa Arabhavi, 10 Justin Drive, Mansfield, MA 02048. Make check payable to : "VSNA" Mention "Towards VSNA Scholarship Fund".

VSNA will provide a tax deductible receipt for the donations.

Dada Patil, Shivappa Palled and Leena Paul VSNA Scholarship Fund Drive Task Group

VSNA Life Membership One of the tasks of the 2015-2016 agenda is the VSNA Life Membership Drive. VSNA patrons are encouraged to become life-members at the Central level and to service the organization in fulfilling its mission to spread the words of Basava. You contributions would enable you to have a say in the organizational affairs and to become an active member of the organization. So far, we have a total of 285 life embers. The entire list is on VSNA.ORG under members section. We encourage you would like to become a VSNA Life-Member, please submit your filled-in membership form along with your contribution to:   

Treasurer, VSNA, Irappa Arabhavi, 10 Justin Drive, Mansfield, MA 02048. Make check payable to : "VSNA" Mention "Towards Life Membership".

VSNA will provide a tax deductible receipt for the donations. Names of the donors will be published online on VSNA.ORG.

********** ***** *

34

VSNA – Publications Note: For latest updates please visit: http://www.vsna.org 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42.

Veerashaivism and Bhakti, Dr. Somashekhar Munavalli (Ed). Bel Air, Maryland, 1988 Veerashaiva Religion - An Introduction, Dr. S. Munavalli (Ed), 1989 Veerashaivism - A Collection of Essays, Dr. S. Munavalli (Ed), 1990 Veerashaivism - History and Fundamental Concepts, Dr. S. Munavalli (Ed), 1991 Veerashaiva Religion - Questions and Answers, Dr. S. Munavalli (Ed), 1991 Veerashaivism - Comparative Study of Allamaprabhu, Basava Sunya Sampadane and Vachana Literature, Sri Kumara Swamiji and Dr. S. Munavalli (Ed), 1993 Lingadharana, Smt. Vimala Channabasappa, 1993 Veerashaiva Sharaneyaru, Dr. S. Munavalli and Siddayya Puranik, 1994 In Seach of Shiva, Dr. Saroja Ullagaddi, Clifton, Virginia, 1995 VSNA Brochure - Questions and Answers, Dr. Saroja Ullagaddi, et.al., 1996 Life, Legacy and Lyrics of Devara Dasimayya, Prof. C. S. Bennur (Translator) Dr. S. Munavalli (Ed), 1998 Commemorative Volume - First World Veerashaiva Conference, VSNA Toronto Chapter, Dr. S. Munavalli (Rd), 2000 The Veerashaiva Religion, Its Practices and Principles, Dr. S. Munavalli, Sponsored by JSS, 2002 Cardinal Principles of Veerashaiva Religion, Dr. S. Munavalli A Study of VSNA History, 2007 The Lingayat Dharma, Dr. S. Munavalli, 2007 ABC of Lingayath Dharma, Dr. S. Munavalli, 2007 Veerashaivism Made Simple, Sateesh Kavi, Farmington Hills, Michigan, 2007 Veerashaiva Religion for Preschoolers, Dr. S. Munavalli, 2007 30th VSNA Convention Souvenir, VSNA Detroit Chapter, 2007 31st VSNA Convention Souvenir, VSNA California Chapters, 2008 ARIVU - 32nd VSNA Convention Souvenir - Main, VSNA Chicago Chapter, 2009 ARIVU - 32nd VSNA Convention Souvenir - Supplement, VSNA Chicago Chapter, 2009 33rd VSNA Convention Souvenir, VSNA Toronto Chapter, 2010 34th VSNA Convention Souvenir, VSNA New England Chapter, 2011 The Maker's Mint, A Biographical Novel on Basavanna, Sadanand Kanavalli, VSNA & Basava Peetha Karnataka University, 2011 35th VSNA Convention Souvenir, VSNA California Chapters, 2012 36th VSNA Convention Souvenir, VSNA Florida Chapter, 2013 Siddanta Sikhamani, Dr. Linga Raju, 2013 A Journey Through Sacred Hindu Scriptures, Dr. Linga Raju, 2013 Origin of The People of India and The Vedic Culture, Dr. Linga Raju, 2013 Philosophy and Practice of Vīraṡaivas, Dr. Linga Raju, 2013 A Journey Through Hindu and Vīraśaiva Concepts, Dr. Linga Raju, 2013 Bhagavad-Gita, Dr. Linga Raju, 2014 Sunya Sampadane, 2nd Edition, Dr. Linga Raju, 2014 Evolution of Veerashaiva Concepts, Part-I, Dr. Linga Raju, 2014 Evolution of Veerashaiva Concepts, Part-II, Dr. Linga Raju, 2014 Evolution of Veerashaiva Concepts, Part-III, Dr. Linga Raju, 2014 Lingayoga, Dr.Linga Raju, 2014 Commentary-on-"History and Philosophy of Liṅgᾱyat Religion" by Prof. Sakhare, Dr. Langa Raju, 2014 Jangama, Dr. Linga Raju, 2015 Veerashaivism – A Guide Book, 2015

35

WITH BEST WISHES TO ALL VSNA MEMBERS

FROM VSNA Newsletter – Committee

36