Baandhavya September 2013

Baandhavya ಬಾ೦ಧವ್ಯ Veerashaiva Samaja of North America

HIGHLIGHTS Editor’s Note

September 2013

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President’s Message

Shri. Siddeshwara Swamiji Paṅĉarudram Basava, The Resonant Leader Rudrakshi CENTRAL VSNA UPDATES

LOCAL CHAPTERS UPDATES

Editorial Board Supriya Antin Kaddargi Danashree Suresh Basu Mudenur Abhinav Reddy (Youth) Channu Kambalyal

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

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Editor’s Note

Sharanu Sharanarthi!

Hope you all had a great Navarathri and a wonderful Dasara! Celebrating the triumph of good over evil is the highlight of Dasara and just so, we should always be commemorating Basava tatvas that help us choose only the right and keep the evil at bay.

Between the previous and current editions, we have had eventful times with a grand Annual Convention held at Tampa, Florida in July 2013 and our regular formal and informal gatherings that only seem to get better with time.

As always, the team at Bandhavya strives to bring forth worthy contributions that kindle your spirit and thoughts on spirituality. This newsletter has a feature length article on Shri. Siddeshwara Swamiji, articles related to Basava philosophy, summary of the Annual Convention held in July and different Chapter updates.

“If the sources of water go dry, we could see useless weeds and stone chips, If we go to the bottom of the sea, we could see diamonds and pearls, If the Sharanas of Kudalasangama open their minds and speak, we could see the Linga” Let us motivate one another and enhance our fraternity that upholds nothing but the universal truth in oneself and in each other. We would like you to convey your feedback, ideas for improvement and most of all participate by joining hands through more contributions to the newsletter that will keep us academically and spiritually connected.

We could be reached at newsletter@vsna.org.

Thank you and warm regards, Supriya Antin Kaddargi

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President’s Message

Dear VSNA Member, Please accept my greetings for Dasara and Deepavali festivals. I sincerely congratulate the editorial team for coming up with one more edition of VSNA newsletter - Baandhavya. I appreciate and thank all the writers who contributed to this edition of the newsletter. I humbly request you all to help us keep it going by sending us more articles and information about happenings in your chapter. Please be aware that this is the medium which we want to use to share information from various chapters and be aware of what is happening in other chapters.

It is noticed that not many chapters are using www.vsna.org website to upload their chapter contents. Please note that we built this site for every one of us to feel a sense of belongingness. If required by the local chapter, we can arrange training on how to upload your chapter's information on the web. Please make best use of it.

At this point in time we are working to finalize a chapter to host VSNA convention for 2014. We hope to announce it soon.

For the year 2013 we have noticed that not many of you have paid their membership dues. Please note that this is the only source of revenue to VSNA. Please pay to make this organization stronger.

I also request local chapter presidents to circulate the newsletters to all local chapter members.

Sincerely, Vijay Kumar

Central VSNA Needs Your Latest Contact Details In order to provide better service to the community, we request all VSNA members and interested parties to send us their latest contact details - postal address, e-mail and phone numbers. Central VSNA would like to communicate with you directly regarding announcements, newsletters and periodic updates. Please send details to - secretary@vsna.org.

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Shri.Siddeshwara Swamiji A distinguished scholar in a simple saint, an emanation of all knowledge – corporeal and incorporeal and whose words move the minds to spark the lights within‌ Shri. Siddeshwara Swamiji has borne the torch of spirituality, knowledge and simplicity from the days of his childhood. His is a path of simple living and high thinking. Both his simplicity and thinking are superlative stemming from his yearning for austerity and truth.

Having given up the plane of matter, Swamiji has for over five decades dedicated his life to spiritual philosophies. Jnana yoga etched with principles of simplicity is what He preaches far and wide, relentlessly. In current times, when human values and beautiful and successful traits are alarmingly evanescing, Shri.

Siddeshwara Swamiji through his impactful pravachanas establishes and restores the basic ethics of humanity which lay the foundation for a quintessential life.

Swamiji manifests an aura everywhere He goes, by moving individual minds which initiate affirmative action.

His pravachanas are scheduled frequently in various parts of Karnataka and other states of India as well.

Venues are both villages and cities where people from all creed and class gather. All the devotees have in common is the desire to heighten themselves and the openness to self introspection and retrospection.

Swamiji has even traveled to the western countries to uplift the spiritually inclined souls.

Swamiji’s pravachanas are ones where He narrates common and interesting incidents occurring day-to-day.

Underlying these pravachanas are themes for art of living. While we all can connect with these episodes Swamiji brings up, it becomes glaring that we have not paid heed to many basic essences of living, all along.

Starting from developing a cohesive mind to enhancing it by beautifying, enlightening and sustaining the 5

developed mind, the range of subjects Swamiji addresses is sundry. Only devotees who have listened to Swamiji with rapt attention stand testimony to how captivating and impacting the lessons imparted are.

As an example, one of Swamiji’s lectures on Pragnya (awareness) elaborates the power of consciousness, discerning between good and bad and, controlling the choices made in one’s life. Swamiji explains how this power when harnessed brings forth joy, contentment and success. With short and simple stories of people grumbling over what is absent rather than relishing what is present in life, Swamiji portrays how we have missed true moments of happiness. The downside of not exercising Pragnya proves ignorantly expensive to our lives. With simple analogies of varieties in flavors of life and how the distinction helps us make the correct choices, Swamiji talks about how some associations in our lives need to be encouraged while the others need to be discouraged to lead a blissful life. The ones who have attained Pragnya are able to make the right decisions, speak the right words at the right time and also curtail themselves when necessary. Knowledge does not lead to Pragnya, Swamiji says. Rightly so, being learned does not ensure being aware. Awareness is being present in the moment and in absorbing the true phenomena. A conscious person goes a long way since he is able to comprehend correctly the minutest of developments around him.

Likewise there are series of other pravachanas on how to lead a blissful life, how happiness is in the heart and other aspects of leading a purposeful and substantial life. The words of Swamiji pierce devotees’ minds and hearts in the hour long pravachanas where, they are reminded of the fundamentals of being human and the call for keeping these fundamentals grounded. His lessons are in common words that even a school going girl or boy can grasp. The difference Swamiji is making through his spiritual drive is advancing all in the families, young and old.

It is but a blessing that we all have a saint like Shri. Siddeshwara Swamiji, to observe in the world today. His words are not only rhetoric but also pearls of wisdom that take us on the path of mukthi. Swamiji has established that by not only undertaking the task of addressing society through meaningful Pravachanas but also living the true life He endorses in His pravachanas.

As the famous composition by Shri.Nijagunashivayogi Swamiji goes:

Humble salutations to the master - Shri.Siddeshwara Swamiji is!

Article by: Smt. Supriya Antin Kaddargi

About the author: Smt. Supriya Antin Kaddargi is banking professional and an active VSNA member from Chicago chapter. She has authored the book 'Spiritual Transcendence', a biography of Sri. Jadeya Shantalingeshwara Swamiji.

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Paṅĉarudram Linga Raju

The term ‘paṅĉa’ means five, and Paṅĉarudram refers to the five sūktas in Ṛgvēda designated to the Divinity of Rudra. Rudra is one of the Divinities adored in Ṛgvēda. The earliest phase of development of Rudra as the Supreme Being is in the hymns of Ṛgvēda. Rudra is depicted as one who is the aggregate of all the powers/divinities that are worshipped, and is glorified in these hymns. These hymns are as follows.

Sūkta 43 of maṇḍala one has nine mantras/verses as follows. When shall we sing the most grateful hymn to the wise the most bountiful and the mighty Rudra who is cherished in our hearts? So that Aditi/earth may be induced to grant the grace of Rudra to our cattle, our people, our cows and our progeny. That Mitra and Varuṇa, and Rudra and all the divinities may remember us and show favor. From Rudra who is the Lord of the hymns, the Lord of the sacrifices and the possessor of medicaments that confer delight, we ask for joy and health and strength. He shines in splendor like the Sun, is refulgent as bright gold, is the best among the gods and is the provider of habitations. May He grant health and well being to our steeds, our rams, our ewes, our men, our women, and our cows. O Sōma (Moon), grant us prosperity sufficient for a hundred men, and much strength-engendering food. Let not the adversaries of Sōma, nor our antagonists, hinder us; Indu, give us a share of strength. Sōma, the immortal and abiding in an excellent dwelling, have regards for your subjects, as they serve you their head, in the hall of sacrifice.

Sūkta 114 of maṇḍala one has eleven verses. The descriptions of Rudra in these are as follows - Strong, Lord of the Heroes, has braided hair, bounteous one, ruler of valiant men, the wise, the wanderer, impetuous one, perfects sacrifices, wild-boar of the sky, the red, dazzling shaped, hand filled full of Sovran medicines, Maruts’ father, immortal one, most favoring benevolence, and such. Again these are all glorifying descriptions of Rudra; there is no terrifying feature. Many requests are made of Rudra, and even most of these are for his benevolence – Rudra, be well with all our cattle and all our men, in the village all be healthy and well fed, be gracious unto us, bring us joy, under your guidance may we gain health and strength, come to our families bringing them bliss, repel the anger of Gods from us, grant us protection, shelter and a secure home, grant us the food which the mortals eat, be gracious unto me, my seed and progeny. Some requests may give the impression that Rudra can be terrifying when angry - harm not either great or small of us, harm not the growing boy, harm not the full grown man, slay not a sire among us, slay no mother here and do not harm our own dear bodies, slay not our heroes in the fury of your wrath, give us happiness, far away be the dart/arrow that may kill men or cattle, your bliss be with us, be gracious unto us, bless us and protect us.

Sūkta 33 of maṇḍala two is the longest with 15 mantras/verses. The adorations about Rudra are – Father of Maruts, has most saving medicines, chief of all born, armed with the thunder, mightiest of the mighty, best of all physicians, physician curing the disease of transmigration which is the cycle of births and deaths, has gracious hand, remover of the woe that Gods send, strong one, great, tawny, fair-complexioned, brilliant, has firm limbs, multiform, adorned with bright gold decorations, Sovran of this world, the mighty, carries bow and arrows, wears a necklace, no one else is mightier, the chariot-borne, the young, the famous, fierce, slaying like a dread beast of the forest, Bounteous Giver, Lord of Heroes, giver of medicines, Bounteous God and such.

Sūkta 74 of maṇḍala six is titled Sōma-Rudra; it has only four verses. O Sōma-Rudra let these our sacrifices quickly reach you; placing in every house your seven great treasures, bring blessing to our quadrupeds and bipeds. Sōma and Rudra, chase the sickness that has visited our dwelling; drive away misfortune/poverty into the distance, and give us excellent and happy glories. O Sōma-Rudra, provide for our bodies all needful medicines to heal and cure us; set free and draw away the sin committed which we have still inherent in our persons. Armed with sharp shafts and weapons, kind and loving, Sōma and Rudra, be gracious unto us; release us from the noose of Varuṇa; keep us from sorrow in your tender loving-kindness.

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Sūkta 46 of maṇḍala seven titled Rudra also has only four verses. To Rudra who has a firm and strong bow and swift-flying arrows, bring these songs; the wise, the conqueror whom no one can overcome, armed with sharp pointed weapons, may He hear our call. He through his lordship thinks on beings of the earth, and through his high imperial way rules on the heavenly beings; Rudra, come willingly to our doors, we gladly welcome you, and heal all sickness in our families. May the bright arrow that you shot down from heaven, flying upon the earth, pass us by un-injuring us; you gracious God having thousand medicines, do not inflict evil on our sons and progeny. O Rudra, neither slay nor abandon us, and when you are angry, do not let your noose seize us; give us trimmed grass and fame among the living, and preserve us evermore with blessings.

Most of what is written in this article is taken from ‘The Rig Veda. Complete. Translated by, Ralph T. H. Griffith. Republished 2008 by Forgotten Books

About the author: Dr. Linga Raju 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

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Basava, the Resonant Leader Channu Kambalyal Chicago, Illinois

The modern management gurus discuss about distinction between a manager and a leader. Quoting the article from Wall Street Journal on leadership style (1), “…In his 1989 book “On Becoming a Leader,” Warren Bennis composed a list of the differences: – The manager administers; the leader innovates.

– The manager maintains; the leader develops.

– The manager focuses on systems and structure; the leader focuses on people.

– The manager relies on control; the leader inspires trust.

– The manager has a short-range view; the leader has a long-range perspective.

– The manager asks how and when; the leader asks what and why.

– The manager imitates; the leader originates.

– The manager accepts the status quo; the leader challenges it.

– The manager is the classic good soldier; the leader is his or her own person.

– The manager does things right; the leader does the right thing….”

Examining the above differences, we can certainly identify Basava of 12th century not only an ordinary leader, but a resonant leader with the stature of Gautama Buddha, Mahatma Gandhi or Martin Luther King.

Gauthama Buddha 553-483 BC

Basavanna 1134-1196 AD

Mahathma Gandhi 1869-1948 AD

Martin Luther King, Jr. 1929-1969 AD

When King Bijjala of Kalyana Chalukya kingdom, India in 1160s appointed Basava as his prime minister (2), he could have been an ideal manager with all the power, control and influence he had. But Basava renounced power and stood against the system that was on the wrong path. Basava challenged the status quo of caste system, its blind traditions and customs. He led people to do the right thing. Basava established “Anubhava Mantapa”, an open parliamentary system for people to exchange their thoughts and experiences on human values and way of life.

In their book ‘Primal Leadership: Realizing the Power of Emotional Intelligence’, the authors identify four components of emotional mind – self-control, self awareness, social awareness and relation-ship building (3).

Self Control

Self Awareness

Emotional Intelligence

Social Awareness

Relationship Building

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Studying the history and life of Basava, we can see all the above characteristics of emotional intelligence that made him a resonant leader. In his well-known vachana, Basava says, in simple local language: Don't rob, Don't kill, Don’t lie Don't get angry, Don't think negative about others Don't boast yourself, Don't tease others

ಡ,

ಡ, ಡ,

ಡ

ಡ,

This is the inner purification, this is the outer purification This is how you can impress our God - Koodala Sangama.

ಡ ಡ ಡ

, ಡ

In the above vachana, Basava describes self-control and self-conduct. Basava was also self-aware of his limitations, what he can and cannot do. He knew that inner thought process of an individual cannot be changed by external rules. He knew he could only set an example of himself and communicate in easy to understand dialect and let people make their decisions. Basava was also well aware of his individual risks, limitations and obstacles he would have to face in order to change the society and the systems that existed for centuries. His actions made many ordinary citizens into sharanas reviving their own individual leadership capabilities denouncing the status quo of corrupted society. It is said that there were hundreds of sharanas, who wrote thousands of vachanas like the way he did (4, 5).

Basava’s vachanas demonstrate social-awareness that made him a great leader. He knew most original Hindu ślokas, verses written in Sanskrit, the language unknown to common man were misunderstood and misinterpreted by the so called higher-caste, and leveraged for their own selfish needs. He provided vachanas that were easy to understand concept of God, negating the hideous practices of low-caste and untouchability. He described God being within one-self, in the form of superego or consciousness and how God can be pleased by good conduct and respect for others. . It is interesting to see how some sharanas of his time describe about the self, social and the awareness of God in the following phases (3, 4): ;

If you are aware who you truly are, then God is no different; One who is aware is a saint, one who ignores is an ordinary;

ಣ

;

Awareness is the teacher.

Basava was also exceptionally good at relationship-building. Basava mixed with common people understanding their background and the kayaka or work they did for society. His relationship with people was so great that he will continue to be respected across the world as it comes to know more about him. One well known example is when Madara Haralayya and his wife, Kalyanamma donated shoes made out of the skin of their thigh to Basava, he bowed to their bhakti (devotion) and put them on his head as mark of respect. As noted in Wikipedia, Mahatma Gandhi spoke of Basava at the Belgaum session of the Indian National Congress in 1924: “

It has not been possible for me to practice all the precepts of Basaveswara which he taught 800 years ago and which he also practiced… Eradication of untouchability and dignity of labour were among his core precepts. One does not find even shades of casteism in him. Had he lived during our times, he would have been a saint worthy of worship.

”

The Honorable Speaker of the British Parliament, John Bercow, on 21st January 2013 in the Westminster hall following a thanksgiving occasion organized by The Lambeth Basaveshwara Foundation said, "It's amazing and extraordinary that Basaveshwara professed, campaigned and advocated genuine democracy, human rights, gender equality way back in the 11th century even before anyone in United Kingdom had even thought about it" (1).

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In conclusion, Basava was a resonant leader, as any of the well known world leaders and great thinkers. We are fortunate to have such a spiritual leader that we are closely associated with, and we who know about Basava have a kayaka or duty to preserve, protect and propagate Basava’s ideals and way of life.

References: 1. The Wall Street Journal, Management, Developing a Leadership Style.

2. Basava article on Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basava 3. Primal Leadership: Realizing the Power of Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman, Richard Boyatzis and Annie McKee, Harvard Business School Publishing, 2001.

4. Lingayatha Dharma, http://www.lingayatreligion.com/Sharanaru/Sharanaru.htm 5. VACHANA: A Collection of Shivasharanas’ Vachanas, Basava Samithi, Basava Bhavana, Bangalore, 2012 6. Acharave Swarga, Anacharave Naraka, Mallikarjun Nalawadi, VSNA Chicago Chapter, 2009

About the Author: Channu Kambalyal is a VSNA life-member, currently serving the community as Vice-President of Central VSNA. Earlier, Channu was President, VSNA Chicago Chapter, and Member, Board of Directors, Central VSNA. By profession, Channu is a technology and management consultant assisting large companies in US in their organizational transformation efforts.

http://lingayatreligion.com/Galary/BasavaVachanaGalary.htm

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Rudrakshi

By - Abhinav Reddy Youth Member, VSNA Chicago Chapter [Presented in Ugadi program, March 20, 2010]

 Rudrakshi is the berry of a bead tree.  Rudrakshi is a reminder of Shiva’s fixed gaze.  Rudrakshi is originally a linga, it is a guru and its face is a Jangama, its five lines represent the panchkshari mantra.  The wearing of rudrakshi shows devotion to Rudra or Shiva.

About the Author: Abhinav Reddy is a very active youth member of VSNA – Chicago Chapter and has won many awards at the Annual VSNA Conventions. Abhinav is an alumni of Illinois Math and Science Academy, Aurora, Illinois, a prestigious school in the US. Abhinav Reddy is currently studying in University of Illinois, Chicago and plans to pursue a career in medicine.

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CENTRAL VSNA – UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS Central VSNA congratulates Florida Chapter for successfully hosting the 36th Annual VSNA Convention in Tampa, Florida.

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Highlights from VSNA Convention

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LOCAL CHAPTER – UPDATES VSNA - Florida Chapter 2013 VSNA Convention: Post Convention Meeting The 2013 VSNA Convention committee held their post convention wrap-up meeting in Jacksonville at Udaya and Dr. Jagadish's house. The meeting started with Rudrabhisheka followed by lunch. The wrap-up meeting was well attended. The committee used the occasion to thank and honor all the volunteers and the committee leads. Many of the members gave their view about the convention and also recollected their experiences.

Some of the convention feedback was read in the meeting. All the feedback received regarding the convention was very positive, and some of it will be printed in the Souvenir. Continued focus on expenses and budget from the beginning till the end, helped us to end up with a budget surplus. Timeline of remaining tasks like Souvenir publication were outlined. Overall the feeling was very festive and celebratory. The meeting ended up in the evening, but, many of the members who came from other cities stayed over at Jacksonville that night. The convention fostered many new relationships and strengthened existing ones. From that perspective alone, it was a very successful convention.

VSNA - Florida Chapter Announcements: Mala and Vivek Somashekhar of Orlando blessed with a daughter.

Vidya and Chandrakanth are blessed with a daughter

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VSNA – Georgia Chapter Updates By – Nanda Gulve, President, VSNA Georgia VSNA Georgia Chapter members meet every month for prayer meetings. On August 2nd members had overnight picnic at Table Rock, South Carolina state park. About 70 people attended and had adventurous time with long hikes and play at waterfalls, children enjoying the most. We served about 7 meals over 2 days.

Members also celebrated Gowri - Ganesh festival at a member’s residence. Significance of Ganesh festival was discussed.

VSNA – Texas North Chapter – Update The North Texas Chapter celebrated Basava Jayanthi and Ganesh Chaturthi in the past quarter.

It was very encouraging to see increasing involvement from the youth section of the Chapter. Basava Jayanthi gave them a great forum to interpret the teachings of Lord Basava in the modern world. The members also held a very meaningful discourse on the Vachanas. Youngest of the lot gave music to Basava's words.

Ganesh Chaturthi presented a different festival of sorts for the members this year.

We had an "eco-friendly Ganesh". The members did the Pooja, took the idol on a palki to perform "visarjane", accompanied by songs and music. It was a great way for all to relive memories of such celebrations in India.

We had dance and song recitals from the talented ones amongst us, young and not so young. Those of us who did not perform exhibited our talent to appreciate and encourage.

It is heartening to see the chapter grow in number. As the chapter grows, it is very interesting to see the growing group dynamics as well. The youth of the Chapter publish a newsletter almost every quarter. They also hold 2 service projects a year and are at the forefront at all events. We are looking forward to celebrate the Deepavali in November with great enthusiasm and participation.

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VSNA – Texas-South (Houston) Chapter – Update By – Jyoti Biradar, Present, Houston Chapter Members of Veerashaiva Samaja of North America (VSNA)- Houston Chapter celebrated the first ever Basaveshwara Jayanti and blessed by the visit of Poojyashree Allamaprabhu Swamiji from Basava Yoga Trust, Bangalore, India and Basava Divine Center, Austin, Texas, USA. Swamiji visited the chapter during July Mahamane. The Mahamane was hosted by Amruthesh, Jayanthi and Pragna Shivachar. The program started with Pooja and Prarthana of Guru Basavanna followed by Pravachan by Swamiji. In what was a very interactive and enlightening Pravachan, Swamiji gave discourse on variety of points related to personal development. He talked about the need to spend time for self for spiritual development. He mentioned about purifying ourselves in our daily activities by positive actions and thoughts by adopting the principles of Vachanas. The real benefit of Vachanas will be realized when they are adopted in our daily life activities instead of understanding only the literary meaning. He stressed the importance of everyone practicing meditation on a daily basis and having children also practice it as it would clear the mind of the happenings of the day and allow focusing on the daily activities. The Pravachan had a lot examples on daily activities which the members could relate to easily and also had humor which kept the environment light and helped them in understanding important points related to personality development thru following and adopting Vachanas and following Guru Basavanna’ s path. He was felicitated by chapter president Jyoti Biradar.

Poojya Swamiji invited interested members to attend a workshop conducted under his guidance in Austin from 8/31 to 9/1. The workshop will cover Pooja and its significance, Guidance of Vachanas, Meditation and Pranayama and other important topics. More information can be obtained from info@basavadivinecenter.org or 5126978700.

Poojyashree Allamaprabhu Swamiji is a scholar in Basava Philosophy, is an accomplished practitioner and researcher of Basava Yoga, the tradition taught by Guru Basavanna and his contemporary Sharanas. He is well versed in various systems of Indian philosophy and mystic traditions. Known for his simple lifestyle and calm personality, he has embodied the percept of samate (mental equanimity), a key concept of Sharanas that ensues serenity into life. He is dedicated to the cause of researching and propagating the percepts and practices depicted in Sharanas' Vachanas. He has undertaken extensive research on Vachanas and intense Sadhana in the tradition of Basavanna. In Sharana tradition, he performs his kayaka of delivering pravachanas and guiding spiritual aspirants. He has authored several books on Vachanas and Sharanas of which Enriching Life is very popular in the USA. He is also the editor of Basava Kirana, a monthly magazine. He is a great orator and has extensively lectured in India and USA spreading the eternal message of Vachanas. His elucidating lectures target all classes of the society and have won the acclaim of people from a diverse background.

VSNA Houston Chapter formed in Jan 2012 conducts monthly meetings for the members known as Mahamane meetings which are hosted by one of the members. Meetings consist of Pooja and Prarthana of Guru Basavanna followed by recital of Vachanas by children, discussion on Vachana Sahitya by the group and Prasada. Contact information for VSNA Houston Chapter is vsnahouston@gmail.com/8325451185(Jyoti Biradar).

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VSNA – North Carolina Chapter - Update By - Shivappa Palled, President, VSNA – NC Chapter VSNA-NC chapter members celebrated Gowri-Ganesha festival on Saturday, September 14, 2013 in Dominion Park Clubhouse. The celebration began with the group Linga Pooja followed by three prayers.

Every member participated in the Linga Pooja and the prayer. The Linga Pooja was led by Uma Palled assisted by Girija Hawaldar, Ambuja Umapathi, and Rajalakshmi Nagaraj. This was followed by Vachana recitation. Shivappa Palled recited two Vachanas and explained the meaning of the Vachanas and their relevance to our daily life. Many children and adults sang the Lord Ganesha prayers. Aarati was done by the families. The ladies performed the Gowri Pooja. Bharath Natyam dance was performed by Pooja Korategere. Members enjoyed the delicious dinner prepared by the ladies. Shivappa Palled, President of the Chapter, introduced the new members and the visiting guests. This was followed by the open forum. There were two topics for discussion. The first topic was about upcoming VSNA –NC Fall Day Bus trip to Tweetsie Railroad, Blowing Rock, NC. The discussion was lead by Nandeesh Kaggare, Secretary and Veeranna Chinnappa, Treasurer. Members were given the details of the trip. The second topic was VSNA Convention.

The discussion was lead by Shivappa Palled. The center of the discussion was the fund for the convention and the committed volunteers. Handful of the members came forward to explore this idea further.

Santhe Nagaraj and Shivappa Palled families’ attended the 36th VSNA Convention in Tampa, Florida on July 5th and 6th. Rajalakshmi Nagaraj, Uma Palled, and Shivappa Palled also participated in a drama at the convention. Shivappa Palled thanked ladies for cooking the delectable food. He also thanked Kiran and Girija Hawaldar for renting the Clubhouse for the event and also for their contribution to the event. Finally, he thanked the NC board members and others for their help and support.

Photos can be viewed from this album: https://picasaweb.google.com/101704911231261736988/GaneshaGowriFestivalPics?authuser=0&authkey=G v1sRgCKfj_JPi8rj_ngE&feat=directlink

VSNA – Ohio Chapter Updates By – Amit Vagarali, President, VSNA Ohio The Ohio Chapter had annual picnic on Sep 14th at High Banks Metro Park in Lewis Center, Ohio. About 35 people including kids attended the picnic. During the picnic we had various games including cricket, badminton and kids games. We also did some hiking along the trials of the metro park.

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In addition the ladies also had their own night out on the 28th of Sep. We have events planned for Deepavali and Holidays for the fourth quarter.

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VSNA – Toronto Chapter Updates By - Vijay Aivalli, President VSNA Toronto At VSNA Toronto, we have continued the tradition of organizing Shiva Ratri event in a temple. The 2013 event was held at Laxmi Narayana Temple, Scarborough, a suburb of Toronto, Canada. Attended by over 60 members we did Samoohika Linga Pooja at the temple and had song recitals and kids' skit at the hall. Group songs 'Navu ellaru onde' and 'Vachanadalli namamruta tumbi' were sung. Program ended with prasada.

Basava Jayanti was observed in a school auditorium. Vachana recital by many children and dance by Khushi, Shiva-Shilpa Desai's daughter, and a round of quiz by Gitu Aivalli, Shilpa Bagewadi and Shruti Gonchicar were local talent highlights. Added to it was professional recital of vachanas and devotional songs by Vidya Nataraj which attracted everyone.

This year's Picnic was a boat cruise to 30,000 islands. Though attended by only 25 it was good fun and the weather co-operated fully. We had two Vachanotsava this year, both conducted by Yuvaraj Patil. The 'Shatsthala' was discussed in details in both sessions. Annual General Meeting is set for Oct 20, 2013.

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VSNA – Chicago Chapter Updates VSNA – Chicago Chapter is a very vibrant chapter with more than 100 attendees for every program. This quarter we had 2 major programs – Annual Picnic and Ganesh Chaturthi. Several of our members also represented the chapter at the 36th Annual VSNA Convention.

Our annual picnic was held on Sunday July 28th at Deer Grove East Forest Preserve. Picnic shelter and food was sponsored by Chetan Shedjale, and the office-bearers. Ganesh Chaturthi program was held in Palatine on September 28th. During the Ganesh Chaturthi program, Srishail Hadimani led the Linga Pooja performed by children. Members observed one-minute silence as mark of respect to our beloved Jayaswamy, who attained lingaikya. J. L. Manjunath performed Vachana Recital and Masters of Ceremony were Sachin Shiva, Tejas Hullur, and Shailesh Vhasure. Food was sponsored by Anitha and Rajendra Hugar, Deepa and Murugesh Patil, and Jyoti and Sanjeev Vaggar. Hall was sponsored by Kusuma and Basavarajappa Indusekar. Members also celebrated birthday of Riya Shirahatti and Satish Suresh birthday and the 25th wedding anniversary of Danashree and Suresh Koratagere. Members congratulated Riya Shirahatti for receiving the President's Award for 5th Grade, 2013 VSNA Scholarship Award Winners - Soumya Vhasure and Nikhil Shiva, 36th VSNA Convention Competition Winners - Vachana Competition (6-12yrs) - I Prize Priya Dhananjaya, Coloring Competition (5-8yrs) - I Prize - Priya Dhananjaya, Essay Competition (13-18yrs) II prize - Pranav Reddy, Dance Competition (8-13yrs) - II prize - Shreya Dhananjaya, Vachana Competition (12-18yrs) - I Prize - Shreya Dhananjaya, and Golf Tournament - Best Score - Satish Suresh.

VSNA Chicago Chapter events for the past 5 years can be viewed on VSNA web site – VSNA Chicago Chapter Events page.

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VSNA – Pittsburg Chapter Updates Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrations

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VSNA – Publications Note: For latest updates please visit: http://www.vsna.org

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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 Search 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.

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WITH BEST WISHES TO ALL VSNA MEMBERS

FROM VSNA Newsletter – Committee

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