VSNA 36th convention 2013 Souvenir : Host FL by VSNA VSNA

Cover Page by: Smt. Vidya Rao

VSNA Convention 2013

Convention Theme

ಛಲ ಬ ೇಕು ಶರಣಂಗ ! ಛಲ ಬ ೇಕು ಶರಣಂಗ ಪರಧನವನ ೊಲ್ ೆನ ಂಬ ಛಲ ಬ ೇಕು ಶರಣಂಗ ಪರಸತಿಯನ ೊಲ್ ೆನ ಂಬ ಛಲ ಬ ೇಕು ಶರಣಂಗ ಪರದ ೈವವನ ೊಲ್ ೆನ ಂಬ ಛಲ ಬ ೇಕು ಶರಣಂಗ ಲಂಗ ಜಂಗಮ ಒಂದ ೇ ಎಂಬ ಛಲ ಬ ೇಕು ಶರಣಂಗ ಪರಸಾದ ದಿಟವ ಂಬ

ಛಲವಿಲೆದವರ ಮೆಚ್ಚ ನಮಮ ಕೊಡಲ ಸಂಗಮದ ೇವ ಶ್ರೇ ಬಸವ ೇಶವರ 'Chala' means - passion, zeal, staunch, unwavering, firm, determination, steadfast. 'Chala' exemplifies the essence of a 'Veerashaiva'. The name 'Veerashaivas as opposed to just 'Shaivas', are a group of brave (veera) Shaivaites (devotees of Shiva) who fought fearlessly the injustices in religion and society. A group of passionate people who are staunch and steadfast in their devotion to Shiva, unwavering in their commitment to his devotees. This Sri Basaveshwara vachana showcases the essence of a Veerashaiva. Basavanna says, a devotee should not aspire to another's wealth, be faithful to one’s spouse, be true to one’s faith, believe that Linga (God) and Jangama (embodiment of God on earth) are one and the same, and know that prasada is real (have faith in the blessing). God does not approve of anyone without this steadfast belief.

VSNA Convention 2013

Veerashaiva Geethe

VSNA Convention 2013

Swagatha Geethe

VSNA Convention 2013

Table of Contents Convention Theme ....................................................................................................................................... 1 Veerashaiva Geethe ..................................................................................................................................... 2 Swagatha Geethe ......................................................................................................................................... 3 VSNA FL Chapter President’s Address: Smt. Nayantara Swamy................................................................. 6 Convention Chairperson’s Address: Sri Girish Budibetta............................................................................ 7 VSNA President’s Address: Sri Vijay Kumar ................................................................................................ 8 Chairman, Board of Regents, VSNA: Smt. Laxmi Hiremath ...................................................................... 10 Aashirvachana: Dr. Shivamurthy Shivacharya Mahaswamiji ................................................................... 12 Convention Address: Sri Chandrashekhara Shivayogi Rajendra Mahaswamiji ....................................... 19 Shuba Sandesha: Dr. Sri Shivamurthy Murugha Sharanaru ..................................................................... 24 Program List ................................................................................................................................................ 26 Program List ................................................................................................................................................ 27 Program Highlights: Smt. Nayantara Swamy ............................................................................................ 28 Youth Activity: Rajashekar Jambagi .......................................................................................................... 37 VSNA Convention 2013 Golf Tournament ................................................................................................. 38 Coloring by Kids (Age 5 – 8 Years).............................................................................................................. 39 Art Competition – Theme: Veerashaiva/Indian ........................................................................................ 40 Essays by Kids (Age 7-12 Years) ................................................................................................................. 41 Chalabeku Sharanange: Eshan Ramesh – 1st Place .............................................................................. 41 Chala Beku Sharanange: Akanksh Jambagi – 2nd Place ....................................................................... 43 Chala Beku Sharanange: Nidhi Budibetta.............................................................................................. 45 Chala Beku Sharanange: Kiran Ganga.................................................................................................... 46 Essays by Kids (Age 13-18 Years) ............................................................................................................... 47 Chalabeku Sharanange: Rachna Sannegowda – 1st Place .................................................................... 47 Chalabeku Sharanange: Pranav Reddy – 2nd Place .............................................................................. 49 Chalabeku Sharanange – Persistence is must: Nikhil Shiva .................................................................. 51 Chalabeku Sharanange: Shreyas Budibetta........................................................................................... 53 Chalabeku Sharanange: Sachin Shiva .................................................................................................... 55 Chalabeku Sharanange: Anagha Doddamane ....................................................................................... 57 Winners List ................................................................................................................................................ 58 ‘Dehave Degula’ – Health Forum: Dr. Mallikarjuna Swamy ..................................................................... 59 Anubhava Ghoshti: Prof. Sajjan Shiva ....................................................................................................... 61 4

VSNA Convention 2013 Yoga & Pranayama for Stress Management: Mrs. Jyothi Murthy and Mrs. Meera Rama Rao ............... 65 VSNA Cultural Programs: Kalpana Malligere ............................................................................................ 69 Musical Evening with Smt. Sangeeta Katti ................................................................................................ 71 Sharana Smarana – Kathak Recital from Vidwan Sri Mysore B. Nagaraj ................................................. 73 Revitalizing VSNA through Youth: Neeta D’Souza, Youth Board President ............................................. 74 Vachana Antakshari – Impressions of Dr. Sajjan Shiva ............................................................................. 75 Advaita Philosophy of Vīraśaivas: Linga Raju ............................................................................................ 76 Heroes in our World and the Difference They Made: Shreya Dhananjaya .............................................. 78 ಪ್ಾೆರಿಡ ಚಾಪಟರಿನ 2013 ರ VSNA ಸಮೆಮಳನದ ಬಗ ೆ – ಪ್ರರ. ಬಿ. ಸ ೊೇಮಶ ೇಖರ್......................................................... 80 Relevance of Kayakave Kailasa in Modern Society: Prateek Paul ............................................................ 82 Seeker and the God: Guruswamy Ayya ..................................................................................................... 84 Veerashaivism: Soumya Vhasure............................................................................................................... 85 ಛಲ ಬ ೇಕು ಶರಣಂಗ ಪರಧನವನ ೊಲ್ ೆನ ಂಬ - ಶ್ರೇಮತಿ ಲೇಲ್ಾ ಗರಡಿ, ಬ ಂಗಳೂರು ...................................................... 86 VSNA Remembers with Respect ................................................................................................................ 89 VSNA Awards 2013 ..................................................................................................................................... 90 Journey to Convention ............................................................................................................................... 92 36th VSNA Convention Committees .......................................................................................................... 94 Convention Pictures ................................................................................................................................... 96 Guests Speak - Convention Feedback ...................................................................................................... 107 Post-Convention Celebration with Rudrabhisheka ................................................................................. 111 Post-Convention Celebration with Rudrabhisheka ................................................................................. 112 Vote of Thanks: Sri Girish Budibetta........................................................................................................ 113 Special Acknowledgement and Thanks! .................................................................................................. 115 VSNA Scholarship ..................................................................................................................................... 116 VSNA 37th Annual Convention 2014 ....................................................................................................... 118 From the Editor’s desk…. ......................................................................................................................... 120

VSNA Convention 2013

VSNA FL Chapter President’s Address: Smt. Nayantara Swamy ‘Nimma sharanarige sharanembudu karuniso Kudala Sanga ma Deva’ Sharanu Sharanarthi! I have been granted the privilege of welcoming and greeting you all. Welcome to Florida, welcome to our chapter, and welcome to the 36th annual convention of the Veerashaiva Samaja of North America. On behalf of all the Floridian Veerashaivas - Suswagatha! It is our honor to welcome two distinguished swamiji’s from India – Pujya Jagathguru Sri Shivamurthy Shivacharya Maha Swamiji, of Taralabalu Brihanmatha Sirigere, and Pujya Sri Jagathguru Chandrashekar Shivayogi Rajendra Mahaswamiji from Hosamath Hubli, who have graced the occasion with their presence. No such occasion is ever complete, without the presence and blessings of our revered Swamijis. Pranam Swamijis. Thank you for being here. I would like to extend a very warm, and affectionate welcome to all our brothers and sisters gathered here, to what we consider this to be a - not so much a convention, but a Veerashaiva Family Reunion! We realize, that you had a lot of options for this weekend, but you choose to spend it with us. We are happy and humbled that you did. Our members, who are spread through the entire length of this state, have come together and worked very hard, overcoming many obstacles. Our chosen theme is 'Chala Beku Sharanange' from Basavanna's vachana. We chose to highlight the essence of the Veerashaiva spirit and movement - 'chala,' - meaning, passion, zeal, steadfast, determination. Undoubtedly God has a sense of humor! He provided ample opportunities for us to practice our chosen theme! Obviously, here are rewards to be gained, when we persevere through challenges. I believe we have been blessed with many such rewards - we have discovered several hidden talents, generosity, courage and stamina, of many of our people. As we worked, worried and persevered together, we have learnt to understand and inspire each other better, and, more importantly we have grown much closer as a community. And that is an invaluable gift! We sincerely hope that you enjoy your time with us, as much as we have enjoyed preparing for your visit. If at the end of the day, you feel just a little bit inspired, energized, educated, entertained, and feel the support and kinship, of other Veerashaivas during this reunion, we will have achieved our objective. Again, on behalf of all the Floridian Veerashaivas, a hearty and affectionate welcome to you all. Sharanu Sharanarthi! Now I would like to request our convention Chairman to address the convention. He is a softspoken gentleman, with nerves of steel, and one of the hardest working chairpersons a chapter could hope for - Sri Girish Budibetta.

VSNA Convention 2013

Convention Chairperson’s Address: Sri Girish Budibetta His Holiness Dr. Shivamurthy Shivacharya Mahaswamiji of Sri Taralabalu Brihanmath, Sirigere, his Holiness Shri Jagadguru Chandrashekara Shivayogi Rajendra Mahaswamiji of Akkihond, Hosamath, Hubli, Sri Vijay Kumar, President of VSNA, Smt. Nayantara Swamy, President VSNA-Florida Chapter, Dr. Somashekar Pallegar, past-president of VSNA, Smt. Laxmi Hiremath, Chairman Board of Regents, VSNA, BOD/BOR members, my fellow co-chairs, distinguished guests, and my fellow Veerashaivas….Sharanu Sharanrthi. It gives me a great pleasure to welcome you all to the 36th Annual Convention of VSNA. It is a great honor and privilege to be here in presence of respected swamiji’s and guests. We would not have been here now, but for the prodding of Dr. Pallegar last year to host this convention. I remember the first vote we took last April in St. Augustine regarding the convention. We have come a long way since then. Our convention theme is “Chala Beku Sharanange”. This is a beautiful vachana written by Basavanna. I will not bore you with my interpretation of what this vachana means and its significance. We have respected swamiji’s who will talk about it, and we have a very distinguished panel of scholars who will interpret and analyze this vachana during Anubhava Ghosthi. Before continuing, I would like to take a moment to remember and honor one of our members, Dr. Basavaraj Mutnal, who suddenly passed away just this week. It has been a tough time for the family and for all close friends of Dr. Mutnal. He supported the community and our convention, and was the first person to register for the convention. On behalf of all the Florida chapter members and other Veerashaivas, we would like to offer condolences to Dr. Lalitha Mutnal. Our organizing committee has put together a lot of time and effort to plan and organize this convention. We have braved several setbacks and persisted until now. We have taken the convention theme, “Chala Beku Sharanange”, literally to our heart and have worked to host this convention. A convention of this size is difficult to organize without funding from generous donors. We thank all their support to host this convention. We invite you to attend all sessions, enjoy the food, socialize and rejuvenate your cultural and religious roots and heritage. We are focusing on providing as many takeaways as possible towards helping you to practice our principles and philosophy in daily life. Group Linga puje is a key program in the morning session towards that goal. Hope you will benefit from that and will take home not only nice memories, but some practices that will stay with you long after the convention. Enjoy the convention. 7

VSNA Convention 2013

VSNA President’s Address: Sri Vijay Kumar Poojya Sri. Dr.Shivamurthy Shivacharya Jagadguru gale, Poojya Sri Chandrashekar Shivayogi Rajendra Mahaswami gale and my dear fellow Veerashaivas, First of all I would like to congratulate Florida chapter, especially the convention chair Mr. Girish Budibetta and his team for organizing the 36th VSNA convention here in Tampa, Florida. So far it is been a very wonderful experience and I am sure it is going to end wonderfully. As we all know, to organize an event of this magnitude, it takes lots of effort, time commitment and leadership. They have done wonderfully well. Please give them a big round of applause. It is been about 6 months since our current team of VSNA officers and BOD are in the office. I, as a President would like to thank my fellow officers (Vice President, Channu Kambalyal, Secretary Basavaraj Mudenur and Treasurer B.S. Nanjundappa), all the BOD members and chapter presidents for their support, contributions and efforts to take our organization forward. In these 6 months we have a few accomplishments which we are proud of, a few tasks that are in the works and lot of challenges. First of all, our finances are looking good. I would like to thank my predecessor, Dr. Somashekar Pallegar for his leadership in making wise investments. We are just continuing the good work done by him. We will show the details of our finances during the general body meeting later on. Communications, which is the key for success for any organization is strengthened. The foundation for this was again laid during Dr. Pallegar’s time. The new web-site which was redesigned and launched last year is well accepted and appreciated. We have provided the webspace for all the chapters to securely upload their chapter contents on to the web-site. If any chapter already has their web-site hosted in a different server, we have the provision to provide links to their own website. We also have added more content to it. Please use it as extensively as possible and give us your feedback so that we keep improving it and make it more interesting and meaningful. We have restarted our quarterly newsletter, ‘Bhandavya’, which had been stalled for a few years. I think you must have received the 2nd quarterly newsletter for 2013, last week. I would like to thank our Vice President, Mr. Channu Kambalyal and his team for making this happen. I hope this continues. I would like to request help and support from all chapters to share their chapter news, articles and accomplishments to the rest of us through this media. At this point in time, we have Bhandvya in the soft format which could be read online through our web. There has been requests from some of our members to make it available in the print format. We are looking into making this happen. 8

VSNA Convention 2013

If I remember it correctly during the convention held in 2011 at Boston, we laid the foundation for the first International Basava Center (IBC), and we had envisioned to have such centers in all 4 corners of USA. Unfortunately, the establishment of the very first center has gone into rough weather. Please remember that, since this is the first of the kind that is been attempted, we need to establish sound foundation and guidelines that is accepted by all. We are in the process of establishing foundation and guidelines that is acceptable by all. Lots of promises had been made in the past keeping the ultimate goal in mind. The path that we need to take to reach this goal may not be easy and straightforward. But I promise you, that we will make all attempts to reach the goal and will not give up easily. My only request is to have confidence in us and patience. One another idea that was envisioned was VSNA credit union. A credit union is a member owned financial co-operative, democratically controlled and operated for the purpose of providing credit and other financial services to its members at a very competitive rates. These financial services could be extended to provide assistance for community development which is very suitable for an organization like ours. If any individual were to avail of any such service from any other financial institution like a bank, the cost will be very high because these banks are profit making organization unlike a credit union which is a non-profit organization. We have formed an exploratory committee to study the feasibility of forming such credit union which would benefit VSNA members and the organization. We will be investing in youth. We have increased the budget for VSNA scholarship. I will let our BOR chair, Mrs. Laxmi Hiremath to highlight different initiatives that BOR has taken for the benefit of our youth. She will also be speaking other notable accomplishments which they have achieved within the board of regents. As we all know, to run an organization like ours, finance is the main requirement. The only source of revenue for our organization is the membership fees. I humbly request all VSNA members to be diligent in paying your yearly membership fees. I further urge you to become life members. In this way you need not worry about yearly membership, your membership is assured for life. We are yet to find a volunteer chapter to host the next VSNA convention for 2014. Any chapter who has not hosted the convention for a long time or any chapter who has not hosted at all, I humbly request you to come forward. I know it is lot of commitment in terms of time, effort and finance. I promise all help and support from VSNA if you were to come forward. We will be working together to make it happen. I will conclude here. Any questions, suggestions, clarifications, criticism, feedback etc., please bring it up in the general body meeting. We will try to answer it to the best of our ability. If we cannot answer, I promise we will reply back to you later. Thanks for your attention. Please enjoy the rest of the day. Thank you again. 9

VSNA Convention 2013

Chairman, Board of Regents, VSNA: Smt. Laxmi Hiremath Poojya Sri Sirigere Shivamurthy Shivacharya Mahaswamiji, Poojya Sri Chandrashekara Shivayogi Rajendra Mahaswamiji, and Honored Guests and Dignitaries, Sharanu Sharanarthi Yelarigu. They say, "Success isn't how far you got, but, the distance you traveled from where you started". Thirty years ago our founding fathers had a vision. They started VSNA conventions literally from scratch. Some of them are present in the audience. Here we are today, reaping the harvest of success. I am ever so grateful to them. When we hosted the 2008 Convention in San Ramon, CA I decided to become the Youth Coordinator. Some of them said to me, why you want to work with the 22 year olds. They said you are a food professional you should be on the food committee. Just as Sheryl Sandburg, facebook’s COO says, I like being surrounded by young people, I seized it as a great opportunity to work with the youths. I made personal calls to them. We received a very good response from the youths in attendance as well as participation during the Convention. Ever since, I have been working with the youngsters. The 35th VSNA Convention was held in Palo Alto, CA last year. A panel discussion exclusively between the youths and the guest speakers including Swamiji went on for almost 2 hours. Poojya Sri Sirigere Shivamurthy Shivacharya Mahaswamiji called me one day at 10.30 night, informing he was writing an article about the youths. I was genuinely touched and humbled by his call. When I got involved with the VSNA youngsters, little did I know, I would be elected the Chairman of the Board of Regents? I am truly humbled and honored to serve as the BOR Chair. My goal is to encourage more women and youths at all levels including the top, to change the dynamics and reshape the VSNA Organization with fresh ideas. BOR Overview Just to give you a quick overview of the Board of Regents, it’s an independent body working hand in hand with Board of Directors. My BOR team consists of Dr. Nagabhushana, Dada Patil, Mamatha Hiranniah, Uma Sajjan, Rajeev Kumar, and Rajeev Navayal. I am very proud to say, all my teammates are very enthusiastic and dedicated. We all work as a team. Our areas of short term and long term work and focus in the coming year is as follows: 

We just completed Youth Scholarship headed by Dada Patil. We received several applications. I insisted on having all applications be judged by the youths.

VSNA Convention 2013

The following are the names of the judges: 1. Abhishekh Hendi – University of Pennsylvania 2. Divya Patil -- UC Berkeley 3. Tanvi Kartal -- High school senior 

Currently there is no avenue to get Veerashaiva boys and girls born and raised in North America and Canada to meet other than in the local chapter or at the VSNA convention. Matrimonial Service is a project, my teammate Uma Sajjan is working diligently. The purpose of this project is to provide an online forum for VSNA youth to meet each other and start a conversation. This will provide a way for our youth to meet and hopefully find their future spouses. One can navigate the main VSNA site and register to access the matrimonial secure webpage. It's a goal I know we all share.

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Encouraging the youth is closest to my heart. We are enrolling and engaging the youth widely and actively.

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Rajeev Kumar is heading the youth activities. We have planned to create a Youth Executive Committee at the Central level. Almost 20 youths have shown interest and are working via the facebook. If anyone is interested please feel free to call me. Best of all, we want our young second generation to come together. The entire BOR team is working towards achieving these goals.

Upcoming Conventions These conventions are not about us, adults, it is about our youths born and raised in America. We have to bridge the gap, between the old and the young. Perhaps, we can make a three day convention, and offer the youngsters a chance to possibly run the convention for a day or two. Provide them major leadership roles. This bridge will help in connecting them between the rich and diverse traditional Indian values and an independent and outgoing American way of life. Here are some other priorities I would like to work closely with BOD on this. We have to look inward to progress outward. We are a 30 year organization, we have less than half a million dollars in the bank. By now we should have a couple million dollars. We have to work with chapter presidents and set some goals in enrolling life members. Perhaps look at other avenues to raise funds. Please look around in the audience and see, we are only 300 people. We have to find out why conventions are dwindling in attendance year after year. Do we need more celebrities, local baseball player’s star athletes to attract the young and old? We have to put more effort on improving the purpose of conventions. Our other BOR project is, we plan on sending out surveys. As your BOR Chairman, I give you my word that I, look forward to serving you in the coming year and appreciate your continuous commitment. Let's continue to work together to help each other and make VSNA a successful organization and our pioneers proud! In conclusion, I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks to the Convention organizers for your kindness and hospitality. 11

VSNA Convention 2013

Aashirvachana: Dr. Shivamurthy Shivacharya Mahaswamiji Sri Taralabalu Brihanmath, Sirigere, Karnataka His holiness Chandrashekara swamiji, board of regents, and members of the VSNA, just now Dr Shivakumar introduced me and showed deep respects and appreciation for me. I wish he was at the immigration counter the day when I entered USA. Wherever the disciples meet the swamiji, they show so much respect, but it is not the same when the swamiji comes across immigration officer. He has more doubts, more suspicion, about the religious leaders and movements. It’s very unfortunate that the religious leaders are frowned upon and viewed with so much suspicion and doubts. Coming to the theme of the conference Chala Beku Sharanange, when Vijaykumar the president of VSNA, was talking to you, so many thoughts came into my mind. The VSNA has successfully hosted 35 conventions so far, and this is the 36th convention. As I told you yesterday I have mixed feeling of both pleasure and pain, joy and sorrow. The attendance in the earlier conventions was so high, with so much enthusiasm and spirit, but slowly the spirit is dwindling, the attendance is dwindling. But coming to this convention, when no other chapters came forward to host the 36th convention of VSNA, this Florida chapter, true to the spirit of Basavanna’s vachana ‘Chala Beku Sharanange’, have taken it as a challenge to host this 36th convention of VSNA. I must congratulate them. They have lived upto the spirit of the vachana of the Basavanna, Chalabeku Sharanange. With that sprit they have hosted this convention. Sri Girish Budibetta and earlier to him, the former president Sri Somashekar Pallegar, had extended an advanced invitation last year itself to participate in this convention. But I was not hoping to participate. But few months ago, the present chairperson Sri Girish Budibetta, sent an email insisting I must participate in this convention. I was little undecided. After a week or so, Smt. Nayantara Swamy personally came to Sirigere Math. I was sitting in a meeting, I didn’t know that, she was waiting in the guest room with her family members. She personally invited and insisted that I participate in this convention. All this shows your deep feelings for me. I am not doing a great thing by participating in the convention. You are doing what we as religious leaders should be doing in this part of the world. You are taking the lead and we must at least support whatever you have been doing here on our behalf. I express my indebtedness to all the members of VSNA for inviting me to this convention. I have a few words to say about this theme of this conference. The theme of this annual VSNA convention, ‘Chala Beku Sharanange’, is selected from one of the popular vachanas by Basavanna.

VSNA Convention 2013

As you all heard it was eloquently recited by a young boy with its translation. ಛಲ ಬ ೇಕು ಶರಣಂಗ ಪರಧನವನ ೊಲ್ ನ ೆ ಂಬ ಛಲ ಬ ೇಕು ಶರಣಂಗ ಪರಸತಿಯನ ೊಲ್ ನ ೆ ಂಬ ಛಲ ಬ ೇಕು ಶರಣಂಗ ಪರದ ೈವವನ ೊಲ್ ೆನ ಂಬ ಛಲ ಬ ೇಕು ಶರಣಂಗ ಲಂಗ ಜಂಗಮ ಒಂದ ೇ ಎಂಬ ಛಲ ಬ ೇಕು ಶರಣಂಗ ಪರಸಾದ ದಿಟವ ಂಬ ಛಲವಿಲೆದವರ ಮೆಚ್ಚ ನಮಮ ಕೊಡಲ ಸಂಗಮದ ೇವ You have all heard this vachana and also know its meaning. The word ‘Sharana’, used in this vachana, forms the 5th stage of spiritual odyssey, of a soul longing for self-realization. Shatshala, the central doctrine of veerashaivism consists of 6 stages namely, Bhakta, Mahesha, Prasadi, Pranalingi, Sharana and finally Aikya. Sthala or stage is endowed with different levels of bhakthi or devotion. Bhaktasthala is endowed with shraddha bhakti. The Maheshwara sthala is endowed with naitika bhakti, Prasadi sthala with avadana bhakti, Pranalingisthala with anupama bhakti, sharana sthala with ananda bhakti, and lastly Aikyasthala with samarasa bhakti. These different levels of bhakti take you to different stages of statshala. Higher the level of bhakti, higher in the stage of shatstala. Ascending the higher spiritual level, is often compared with ascending a staircase or a ladder, but there is a marked difference between the two. When you climb up a staircase and place your step on the higher step, you raise your other foot from the lower step. In other words, when you raise your body you give up the lowest step and go to the higher step. But ascending the spiritual ladder of Shatsthala is somewhat different from ascending a ladder. These stages are no doubt like ascending a ladder and going to the higher plane but the difference being, when you go to the higher stage you do not totally give up the lower stage. And also when you are at the lower stage you are not totally bereft of the virtues of higher stage. This is the difference. I was thinking on this subject and searching for a better analogy during the flight from Bangalore to Dubai enroute to Washington. I landed in Dubai, with a group of our disciples who are also here participating in this convention. As we were going to catch the next flight I suddenly found the new analogy. It was not the ladder but the escalator. As you carefully place your foot on the escalator, you go to the higher level altogether, without giving up the lower level that you are stepped on. So you can continue on the same step but will be moving to the higher level. The escalator is a better analogy for explaining the Shatsthala. Perhaps if escalators were there in the Kalyana, I think Basaveshwara would himself have chosen to use this simile. Like in your theme vachana, Basavanna also refers to the para dhana, para sathi, and para dhaiva in many other vachanas. In the printed book you will find the vachanas of Shiva sharanas grouped under Bhakta, Mahesha, Prasadi, Pranalingi, Sharana, and Aikya sthalas. They are classified according to the main doctrine of Shatsthala. I don’t think the Shiva sharanas wrote these vachanas keeping in mind the various sthalas. They were free thinkers of our country. They are 13

VSNA Convention 2013

like any other poet. They did not sit quietly and started writing the vachanas, stage by stage. They can be classified depending on their experiences that you find in the vachanas. For example, in this vachana Chala Beku Sharnange, although the word sharana is used in this vachana it may be very hard to equate this word with the fifth stage of Shatsthala. Although the word Sharana refers to the fifth stage of Shatsthala, but very often I see that these words are used in general sense. Sharana can also be a bhakta here. You can go through some of the vachanas where there is a reference of this para dhana and para sati and para dhaiva. All these 3 things are associated when describing who is a true bhakta. Let me quote these vachanas ಹರಿವ ಹಾವಿಗಂಜೆ, ಉರಿವ ನಾಲಿಗೆಗಂಜೆ ಸುರಗಿಯ ಮೊನೆಗಂಜೆ, ಒಂದಕ್ಕಂಜುವೆ ಒಂದಕ್ಕಳುಕ್ುವೆ ಪರಸ್ತ್ರೀ ಪರಧನವೆಂಬೀ ಜೂಬಂಗಂಜುವೆ, ಮುನನಂಜದ ರಾವಣನೆೀ ವಿಧಿಯಾದ, ಅಂಜುವೆನಯಯ ಕ್ೂಡಲ ಸಂಗಮದೆೀವಾ. I have no fear of moving snakes, nor the flame of the raging fire. There is one thing I fear, and one thing that I shy away. I tremble at the hazardous game, another’s wife or wealth may make. In the olden days Ravana was bold and did not hesitate. But, soon Ravana fell. Look at this next vachana. ಭಕ್ತನೆಂಬೆನಯಾಯ ಭವಿಯ ಸಂಗ ಬಡದನನಕ್ಕ? ಮಹೆೀಶ್ವರನೆಂತೆನೆಂಬೆನಯಾಯ ಪರಸ್ತ್ರೀ ಪರರರ್ಥದಾಸೆ ಬಡದನನಕ್ಕ? ಪರಸಾದಿಯಂತೆಂಬೆನಯಾಯ ಆಧಿವಾಯಧಿ ನಷ್ಟವಾಗದನನಕ್ಕ? ಪ್ಾರಣಲಿಂಗಿಯಂತೆನೆಂಬೆನಯಾಯ ಪ್ಾರಣ ಸವಸ್ತ್ಿರವಾಗದನನಕ್ಕ? ಶ್ರಣನೆಂತೆನೆಂಬೆನಯಾಯ ಪಂಚೆೀಂದಿರಯ ನಾಶ್ವಾಗದನನಕ್ಕ? ಐಕ್ಯನೆಂತೆನೆಂಬೆನಯಾಯ ಜನನ ಮರಣವಿರಹಿತವಾಗದನನಕ್ಕ? ಇಂತಪಪ ಭಾಷೆ ವರತ ವೆೀಷ್ಂಗಳ ನಾನರಿಯನಯಾಯ, 14

VSNA Convention 2013

ಅಘಟತಘಟತ ವತಥಮಾನವ ನಾನರಿಯನಯಾಯ. ನಿಮಮ ಶ್ರಣರ ತೊತುತ-ಭೃತಾಯಚಾರವ ಮಾಡುವೆ, ಕ್ೂಡಲಸಂಗಮದೆೀವಾ. Here clearly Basavanna explains the concepts of various 6 stages. What is the meaning of Bhavi? In general we believe, that those who don’t wear the linga are bhavis, and those who wear the lingas are bhaktas. Channa Basavanna ponders this question in one of his vachanas, “ಭವಿ ಯಾವನು, ಭಕ್ತ ಯಾವನು ಬಲಲದೆ ಹೆೀಳಿರೊ, ಅರಿವು ಇಲಲದಿದದರೆ ಕೆೀಳಿರೊ”.. ಕಾಮ ಮೊದಲನೆಯ ಭವಿ ಕೊರೀಧ ಎರಡನೆಯ ಭವಿ ಲೊೀಭ ಮೂರನೆಯ ಭವಿ ಮೊೀಹ ನಾಲಕನೆಯ ಭವಿ ಮದ ಐದನೆಯ ಭವಿ ಮತಸರ ಆರನೆಯ ಭವಿ “..ಇಂತ ಷ್ಡ್ವವಧ ಭವಿತನವ ತಮಮ ಎದೆಯಲಿಲ ಇಂಬಟ್ಟಟಕೊಂಡು, ಭವಿಯ ಮುಖವ ನೊೀಡಲಾಗದು ಎಂದು ಹೆೀಳುವರ ನೆೀನೆಂಬೆ ಕ್ೂಡಲ ಚನನಸಂಗಮದೆೀವಾ”. Explain, who is Bhavi? And who is Bhakta? Can you call a person wearing a linga as a Bhakta? Can you denounce a person as a Bhavi who doesn’t wear the linga on his chest? What do you say about those people who have within themselves all the bad vices (Kama, Krodha, Lobha, Moha, Madha, Matsara), but still say that they do not want to see ‘Bhavi’s face. Yesterday a young girl asked me why we can’t do away all the rituals. What do you think? Well, even among the vachanas we have answer for this. ಎರೆದಡೆ ನೆನೆಯದು ಮರೆದಡೆ ಬಾಡದು ಹುರುಳಿಲಲ ಹುರುಳಿಲಲ ಲಿಂಗಾಚಥನೆ ಕ್ೂಡಲ ಸಂಗಮದೆೀವಾ ಜಂಗಮಕೆಕರೆದೆಡೆ ಸಾಿವರ ನೆನೆಯಿತುತ. What is the use of performing linga puja without true devotion? The shivasharanas have already thought about the rituals. Yeredhade Neneyadhu - Linga will not get wet if you pour water on it. 15

VSNA Convention 2013

Maredhade baadadhu- if you forget it is not going to dry. Hurulilla, hurulilla lingakke - meaningless to do the puja What they mean, the rituals must be performed in the spirit with which they signify. If you don’t perform the linga puje with the proper spirit, then it becomes a ritual. That does not mean you should forget doing the puja. Think of singing the National anthem, hoisting the national flag. Don’t you think it is a ritual? It is a ritual. But, it is done with emotions. If you make it as a ritual, then it has no meaning. If the same thing is performed with the true devotion, then it is not a ritual. The literal meaning of sharana is one who has surrendered oneself, surrendered to God. The final stage of life, Aikiya is to overcome the passion, weakness of the mind and become one with spirit with no more births and deaths. Noted by so many vachanas is the ideal path to salvation and doesn't advocate running away from responsibilities. With a family, or being a family member, one can be a spiritual person. We have many choices and there is not an ideal or only one way to salvation. Basavanna explains this in many vachanas. These virtues are so relevant even today in our human lives. These virtues are not easy to achieve in life. In one such vachana he even defends saying O god, why find faults with me when you created me with these bad vibes that are so natural for me - to lie, feel hungry. Why don't you come down to live in this mortal body? Then you might understand how difficult it is for me and will appreciate me. Similarly 15 years ago when I was leading a movement in Karnataka against alcohol, people that consumed alcohol told me that I couldn't understand their plight. Rig-Veda has a story of a dice player- gambler who lived with his wife and children. He was fed up with the fights at home as he had wasted money, so he left home after taking with him the remaining money. He lost everything and others didn't want to play with him anymore. He pledged gold ornaments that were at his home and played again, but lost. However when they went to gambler’s home to collect the gold ornaments, his family disowned him telling them, they didn't know who he was, they were at a wrong address and closed the door. Shocked at this, he advised others not to gamble! This story has been recorded in the Rigveda. Religion, region and language, play an important part in one's life and in the society we live. It influences our thoughts, behavior and relation with people around us. We identify ourselves with religion we belong, region we live and the language we speak. We feel proud of each of these. Religion in principle preaches love for mankind, transform our hearts and tames our mind to view divine spirit in us. However in practice, religion has generated hatred and has become a force harmful to mankind. Day in and out, we hear of gruesome attacks and killing of innocent lives in different parts of the world. Basavanna says ‘Dayave dharmada mulavayya.....’ compassion is the root of all religions. No wonder, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia's commented that ‘politics is short term religion and religion is long term politics’. Religions are being misused and religious sentiments are being exploited by politicians to stay in power in India.

VSNA Convention 2013

My observation is that youth in the west and also some adults have favorite sport teams that they support like Yankee or Red Socks. It's like cinema culture in India where boys and girls have their favorite movie stars. It's ok to support, but if the team loses and the supporters become hooligans, pelting stones or throwing eggs, hand grenades then support has no meaning. Similarly religious fanatics have made their religion meaningless by their irreligious activities and become detrimental. If the adults of all religions make sincere effort to understand their own religion, without prejudice of other religions, and try to practice the true teachings and kill the monstrous enemy within themselves, then religious harmony can be attained. We should work together for peaceful co-existence and save the humanity from all the brutalities committed in the name of religion and God. In this respect, members of the VSNA have been doing a wonderful job here, for the past 35 conventions as well as this 36th convention. Now the youth should not shy away from their responsibilities in VSNA. It is in your hands and have to drag the chariot of this community. It’s high time that youth shoulder the responsibility of the adults, it's a slow process. Maybe the next convention can be led by youth. Allow them, they can do it, trust them, as they have the potential to do well. Our scriptures advise how to treat our children - first 5 years we should cuddle and love them, next 10 years discipline them, and once they attain 16 years treat them as friends. I am sure American youth will endorse this aspect. Unless we handover the responsibility we cannot expect them to be involved. In the next convention allow youth to frame, form, and discharge and handle tasks as they want. I appeal to the youth here to take the stage and pledge to organize and take initiative. You have my support. I express my indebtness to all office bearers of Florida chapter and all other chapters. Please select or nominate volunteers to take lead and work together for the next convention. Wish you all the best. God bless you all!

ಚಕೆ ೋರಂಗೆ ಚಂದ್ರಮನ ಬೆಳಕಿನ ಚಂತೆ ಅಂಬುಜಕೆ ಭಾನುವಿನ ಉದ್ಯದ್ ಚಂತೆ ಭ್ರಮರಂಗೆ ಪರಿಮಳದ್ ಬಂಡುಂಬುವ ಚಂತೆ ಎನಗೆ ಎನನ ಕ ಡಲಸಂಗಮದೆೋವನ ನೆನೆವುದೆ ಚಂತೆ!

VSNA Convention 2013

Convention Address: Sri Chandrashekhara Shivayogi Rajendra Mahaswamiji

VSNA Convention 2013

Shuba Sandesha: Dr. Sri Shivamurthy Murugha Sharanaru CHALLENGE YOURSELF

Dr. Sri Shivamurthy Murugha Sharanaru Sri Murugharajendra Math Chitradurga, Karnataka INDIA You are well aware of the adventurous women who were born in India but settled down in America to lead adventurous life in America. India is a land of talented people. America encourages these talented people, although they were born in India. The Indians who are nonresident Indians living in America have exhibited their talents. America administration has been supporting the adventurous and talented people. Many Indians who feel that they have no opportunities in India due to casteism and reservation system fly to the countries like America. You Indian Americans have been successful in securing jobs and living well in America. You have got proper support here for your talents. I whole heartedly appreciate and feel proud of your intelligence. You have many opportunities here to lead independent life and succeed. I remember the adventurous lady Kalpana Chawla who married an American youth and built a bridge between two nations. The adventurous lady sacrificed her life in space. Life has no meaning if there is no achievement. Achievement is a gift in life. People face hardships in adventure. But we have to take them as a challenge. A few people get opportunities to be adventurous. Kalpana Chawla’s life was such a life of challenge. Our spiritual poet Akka Mahadevi’s life was also full of challenges. The achievement of Allama Prabhu is noteworthy. The Sharanas of 12th century Basavanna’s period achieved a lot in showing ideals in life. They were all great in achievements. Lord Basavanna had a challenging personality. He built society with good administration and propagating the principle of “Work is Worship”. Since 1912 Lord Basavanna’s Birth Anniversary has been celebrated worldwide every year. This 2012-13 year is the Centenary Year of Basavanna’s Birthday Celebration. Chitradurga Murugha Math’s branch math at Davangere Viraktha Math Sri Mrithyunjayappagalu and Hardekar Manjappa together started celebrating Basavanna’s Birthday in 1913. We have to remember their meaningful celebration. They took it as a challenge and forwarded this to society.

VSNA Convention 2013

Sharana must be resolute, not to desire another’s wealth. Sharana must be resolute, not to desire another’s wife. Sharana must be resolute, not to desire another’s god. Sharana must be resolute, that Linga and Jangama are one. Sharana must be resolute that prasada is truth. Kudalasangama does not love those who are not resolute.

Here I advise you to become dreamers, and develop a challenging personality. Make your dream come true and become adventurous. You youths of America become adventurous with the help of your intelligence, wisdom, efforts and support of all. Follow the meaningful Vachana of Lord Basavanna - have firm mind not to accept somebody else’s money, not to desire somebody else’s wife, not to follow some other God, not to blame others and not to harm others. You will certainly become successful in life. I wish you all the success.

Sri Murugha Math, Chitradurga, Karnataka

VSNA Convention 2013

36th Annual VSNA Convention: July 5 – 6, 2013 Florida Chapter

Program List Date & Time Friday, July 5, 2013 07:30 AM - 12:00 PM 08:00 AM - 12:00 PM 12:00 PM - 09:00 PM 12:00 PM - 01:00 PM 12:30 PM - 01:30 PM

01:30 PM - 02:30 PM

02:30 PM - 03:15 PM 04:00 PM - 04:50 PM 04:50 PM - 05:00 PM 04:00 PM - 06:00 PM 04:30 PM - 05:30 PM

06:00 PM - 08:00 PM

08:30 PM - 09:30 PM 09:30 PM - 10:00 PM

Event Golf Outing @ TPC Tampabay Golf course - Dr. Mallikarjuna Swamy, Ramesh Sannegowda and Dr. B. Mruthyunjaya Youth Sight Seeing Tour – Smt. Geetha Pallegar, Rajashekar Jambagi and Basavaraj Devershetty On-site Registration Lunch BOD/BOR Meeting Lighting of Lamp National Anthem of US – Anupama Swamy National Anthem of India – VSNA Florida Chapter members Welcome – Girish Budibetta Veerashaiva Theme Song – VSNA Florida Chapter members Prarthane Vachana Recital Om Namah Shivaya Inaugural Dance – Kiran Gangadhar and Anagha Doddamane. Choreographer - Vidya Rao Speech – Dr. Shivamurthy Shivacharya Mahaswamiji Ask Swamiji - Q & A Session: Moderators – Yamir Siddalingappa and Shreyas Budibetta Chapter's Voice - Smt Nayantara Swamy VSNA Matrimonial Service Overview – Smt. Umadevi Sajjan Singles Meet – Icebreaker: Coordinator – Smt. Geetha Pallegar Snacks and Coffee/Tea Hindustani Vachana Concert - Sangeetha Katti (India) Accompanied on Harmonium by Sri B. Somashekar and Sri Vivek Somashekar Accompanied on Tabla by Sri Shankachur Lahiri Dinner Shuttles from Venue to Hotels

VSNA Convention 2013

36th Annual VSNA Convention: July 5 – 6, 2013 Florida Chapter

Program List Date & Time Saturday, July 6, 2013 07:00 AM - 07:30 AM 07:30 AM - 08:45 AM 07:30 AM - 08:45 AM 08:00 AM - 12:00 PM 09:00 AM - 09:15 AM

09:15 AM - 09:45 AM

09:45 AM - 10:15AM 10:15 AM - 10:20 AM 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM 11:15 AM - 12:00 PM 12:00 PM - 01:30 PM 01:30 PM - 02:30 PM 02:30 PM - 03:30 PM 03:30 PM - 04:00 PM 04:00 PM - 05:00 PM 04:00 PM - 05:00 PM 04:00 PM - 05:00 PM 05:00 PM - 05:30 PM 05:30 PM - 07:00 PM 06:45 PM - 07:00 PM 07:00 PM - 07:45 PM 08:00 PM - 09:00 PM 09:00 PM - 10:00 PM 10:00 PM - 10:10 PM

Event Yoga by Smt. Jyothi Murthy Shuttles from Hotels to Venue Breakfast Registration Procession & Bhajan – By VSNA Florida Chapter Inauguration Welcome by Florida Chapter President - Smt. Nayantara Swamy Address by the Convention Chairperson - Sri Girish Budibetta Address by VSNA President - Sri VijayKumar Jignehalli Address by BOR Chairman - Smt. Laxmi Hiremath Ashirvachana – Jagadguru Dr. Shivamurthy Shivacharya Mahaswamiji, Sri Taralabalu Brihanmath, Sirigere, Karnataka, India Essay Reading by Youth Competition winner Ashirvachana - Jagadguru Sri Chandrashekar Rajendra Shivayogi Mahaswamiji, Hosamath, Hubli, Karnataka, India Group Linga Puje & Shiva Dhyana (Meditation) Lunch/Dehave Degula – Presentation by Dr. Somashekar Pallegar/ Dr. Mallikarjun Swamy VSNA General Body Meeting Anubhava Ghosthi Moderators - Dr. Sajjan Shiva, Prof. B. Somashekar, Smt. Shashikala Vachana Antakshari – Smt Nayantara Swamy Children Competition Program Business Summit: Coordinator – Manjunath Charmani Singles Meet Snacks with Coffee/Tea Cultural Programs & Awards BOR Scholarship Awards Cultural Programs contd… Banquet Dinner, Donor/Guest Recognition Sharana Smarana, Kathak Recital - Sri Mysore Nagaraj (India) Vote of Thanks by Convention Chairperson - Sri Girish Budibetta

VSNA Convention 2013

Program Highlights: Smt. Nayantara Swamy The programming for our convention was inspired by core Veerashaiva principles, Sharana sahitya and Karnataka traditions. Our objective was to encourage member participation in as many programs as possible, while trying to make it interesting. Our ultimate goal was to make this feel not like a convention but a Veerashaiva Family Reunion! We wanted our large family to feel welcome, well cared for, and leave inspired, energized, enlightened and entertained. Our guests arrived at the India Cultural Center that was decorated with traditional fresh mango leaf ‘torana’, banana trees, elaborate ‘rangoli’, exotic tropical flowers, lamps, Shiva Lingas and mantapas made by our own. All were warmly welcomed with vibhuti, kumkum and jasmine flowers for the ladies.

Opening ceremony

The ‘damaru’ was played to call all Shiva’s devotees to prayer. The members of our chapter, dressed beautifully in traditional Karnataka attire, with vibhuti adorning their foreheads, entered the auditorium, chanting ‘Om Namaha Shivaya’ in unison. The hall resounded with the Panchakshari Mantra. Half way through the procession, the chant changed to another upbeat chant, to which some of us broke into dance (inspired by the pilgrims in ‘jatre’). Audience were encouraged to join in as well – ‘Hara Mahadev’! With this, the atmosphere and mood for the convention was set. Ladies carrying arati and flowers laid them at the altar of Shivalinga set on stage. This was followed by Bhajans, VSNA theme song, and our theme vachana – ‘Chala Beku Sharanange’.

VSNA Convention 2013

Saamuhika Ishta Linga Puja After the inaugural addresses and the keynote address, presidents and chairman’s address, we moved to the adjoining hall where impeccable arrangements were made for Linga puja. Attention was paid to minute details - Puja articles (including fresh Bilva leaves and ‘thumbe’ flowers) that were pre-packed in a special handmade Linga applique bags. The group puja and meditation was led by Hosamath Swamiji. We wanted to give importance to the core Veerashaiva practice of Ishta Linga puja, by putting it in a prime time slot, rather than 7 am as it has been in the past. It was a resounding success, as all attended.

Chapter’s Voice The convention is a place where people from all chapters meet once a year. We thought it is an excellent platform for the Chapter Presidents and members share their experiences. They reported on their activities, what programs were successful, challenges they faced in their chapters etc. They were able to suggest solutions that might have worked for them. Problems regarding membership, attendance, attracting older kids was discussed. For example giving youth a say in the programming and responsibility in executing them has worked well in the Chicago Chapter. Setting contemporary music to vachanas in English or Kannada was suggested as a way to attract youngsters. Creating educational and interesting games like Veerashaiva Jeopardy was very successful in Atlanta. Ways to help bring back youngsters and their families who have married non-Veerashaivas was also discussed. Some college age youngsters spoke up. They appreciated their parents forcing them to attend VSNA in the early years, which eventually became something they looked forward to. They said socializing was a big part of the attraction and they were grateful for the bonds formed for life. VSNA officers were urged to reach out to the chapters, and provide regular updates and seek input from the Chapters. Support in the form of educational material was desperately needed.

VSNA Convention 2013

This kind of informal interaction proved to be very beneficial to the effective functioning of all the chapters.

Chapter’s voice – with Chapter’s representatives

Ask Swamiji – Q & A Session

Ask Swamiji This was another informal and interactive forum. Everyone was encouraged to ask the Swamijis anything. Questions ranged from – Why do Swamis wear orange, the need to study other sharana’s vachanas in addition to Basavanna, equality of not only the sexes, but of sadhus and common householders in their ability to attain ‘moksha’ (salvation). History questions asked were related to the existence of Veerashaiva Maths before Basavanna as chronicled in Harihara’s ragale, and Akka Mahadevi Ragale... Jataveda Muni who gave diksha to young Basavanna. Questions like – Can we follow the Veerashaiva faith without performing the rituals? Why is work and spirituality (kayaka and bhakti) both emphasized in Veerashaivism? Discussions and answers from both the swamijis were very enlightening.

Anubhava Ghosti is a traditional part of the convention. Our convention theme was Basavanna’s vachana - ‘Chala Beku Sharanange.’ Three speakers elaborated on this. Prof. Sajjan Shiva, Prof. B. Somashekar and Shashikala Chandrashekar, who had chosen to focus on different lines in the vachana. Their presentation was very interesting and lively (a more detailed report by the panel is included). This led to a very energetic discussion and interaction with the audience.

Anubhava Ghosti Panel – Prof B Somashekar, Shashikala Chandrashekar and Prof. Sajjan Shiva

VSNA Convention 2013

Vachana Antakshari Education of our philosophy should be given paramount importance in VSNA. I believe that if we can find innovative ways to make learning interesting, fun and entertaining, we would have a winning formula. With that objective in mind ‘Vachana Anthakshari’ was conceived. It was also a way to memorize and recite vachanas in a friendly competitive format. We divided the audience into Akka’s Team and Anna’s team. We had experimented with different formats and rules. We had a moderator and a scorekeeper and two facilitators. The game was on.

Prof. Sajjan Shiva hosting Vachana Antakshari

VSNA Convention 2013

The moderator recited a vachana, and the last consonant of that vachana, would be the beginning consonant of the next vachana. That was the challenge. The audience participation was outstanding! They needed to recite the vachana not only accurately, but also in its entirety to score points. For every challenge there were several people jumping up to recite! We never expected the large number of people who could not only recite vachanas from memory, but so many could sing them beautifully as well. Amongst them were several second generation Veerashaivas! We were so happy that the knowledge and talent of so very many people was showcased in this event. This would not have occurred if we kept our audience as passive spectators. Sometimes there could be more talent in the audience than on stage. The enthusiasm and excitement that this program created was way beyond our wildest expectations! Sharana Sankula – was written and produced by Shashikala Chandrashekar. It needs special mention because it was a collaboration of several chapters – Washington, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New England, Florida to name a few. It depicted the lives and message of Veerashiva sharanas like Satyakka, Dupada Guggavve, Lakhamma, Aaydakki Marayya, Ambigeya Rayanna and others. People appreciated learning about the lesser-known sharanas and their vachanas. (This also addressed the need expressed by members earlier). In addition to the theme, the cooperation, enthusiasm and networking of this group was noteworthy inspirational!

Gift bags The bags that all the registrant received also reflected our commitment to core Veerashaiva philosophy. They received the ‘Linga puja Illustrated’ book written by Vimala Channabasappa the founding president of VSNA. ‘Woman Saints of Karnataka in search of Truth’ by Ujwalla Hiremath was donated by Basava Samithi, Bangalore.

VSNA Convention 2013

For the first time the attendees and the hosts wore not just their nametags, but specially designed buttons that proudly proclaimed - ‘I’M VEERASHIVA’. The hosts and guests were identified by the size and color of their buttons.

Linga Puja book distributed to all attendees

Linga Puja applique bag

All the participants of the group linga puja took home a handmade Linga applique bag. All the children that participated in any of the several competitions were given a copy of the ‘Veerashaiva Activity book’ produced by the Washington DC chapter.

VSNA Convention 2013

We had a photo booth open to all during the convention, where attendees could take pictures with family and friends, and take home a complimentary keepsake from the convention. The kids had fun with the available costumes. This gift was very much appreciated by one and all.

Professional Artists Putting ourselves in the attendee’s shoes, we asked ourselves what we would like to see. It is always fun to see the local talent, the children and your friends on stage. But the attendees, who have travelled long distances to attend, deserve the top class professional entertainment we can afford. We searched high and low in the US and India. Although we are a small group with an even smaller budget, we dared to dream big! My wish list consisted 2 professional programs - of music and dance with Veerashiva themes.

We were very fortunate to get Smt. Sangeeta Katti for the opening day. She rendered a fantastic concert of Vachanas in Hindustani style accompanied by B.Somashekar on the harmonium, Shankchur Lahari on the tabla, and Vivek Somashekar on the kanjira. Sangeeta is known for not only her sweet voice, but also her amazing vocal range and vast repertoire. The words of our sharanas through the medium of music, emotionally rendered by her, enthralled and inspired us for over two hours. Sangeeta promised to come back to Florida, to fulfill all the additional requests that were being rained on her. People just couldn’t get enough!

Vidwan Mysore Nagaraj – is well known in VSNA. He has presented Veerashaiva themes in a couple of conventions in the past that were unforgettable! For that reason he was on top of my wish list. I have not seen a dancer convey the message of our sharanas better than him. He is not only an excellent Kathak dancer and choreographer, he is a proud and inspired Veerashaiva, whose passion for our philosophy, comes through his dance. I had asked him to create something special just for our convention. He presented ‘Sharana Smruti’ a one-man theater. He started 34

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with a touching tribute (not to Ganesha or the ranga bhoomi as is traditional, but) to the sacred ‘Vachana Sahitya’ itself. He narrated and enacted scenes from the lives of Basaveshwara, Akka Mahadevi and Allama Prabhu in English. He strung a series of vachanas sung in Kannada, into an emotionally charged Kathak performance that brought tears to many eyes! There was pin drop silence. He kept the audience spellbound. It was a powerful presentation that mesmerized both the children and the adults!

I personally believe that the arts are the most powerful medium of communication. We were so very proud and blessed to have Sangeeta Katti and Mysore Nagaraj from India. We realized that there wouldn’t be a better opportunity to use these superb artists as messengers of our philosophy. We felt it our duty to share with others, the wisdom of our sharanas through their lives and vachanas. We opened up these concerts to the public.

Dining – Food is one of the most important part of the experience in any convention. If the dining experience is not satisfactory it affects the entire convention experience. For that reason our food committee was uncompromising in its selection of menu, variety and quality of food (prepared fresh on the premises). Our guests were delighted with the variety of ethnic Karnataka cuisine – like sajji roti, karindi, chutni pudi, (imported from India), huruli kalu, holige saru, idli, vada etc.

VSNA Convention 2013

All meals ended with locally grown beetle leaf paan. Cold buttermilk served mid-day to refresh our guests in the auditorium on Friday, and badam milk served as mid afternoon snack, brought to them during the program on Saturday, pleasantly surprised our guests. Our guests not only enjoyed the delicious food, but were touched by the personal attention and affectionate service they received. It is gratifying for all of us to hear our guests claim that we made them feel like, very special and honored family members. Some hated to leave, while others looked forward to coming back. We need no better testimony than that! I would like to personally thank all our Chapter family members, who worked tirelessly and enthusiastically to make this all happen. I thank them for the privilege of serving as their president, and working side by side with this amazing group. They rose to the occasion with an ample dose of ‘chala’. I commend our convention chairman for not only his tireless work, but for keeping an open mind, and having the courage to execute many new ideas. We, the Florida Chapter of VSNA, humbly thank all those that attended our ‘Family Reunion’, and feel sorry for those that missed it. We are grateful that, with the grace of Lord Shankara we accomplished our mission. HARA HARA MAHADEV! Nayantara Swamy 36

VSNA Convention 2013

Youth Activity: Rajashekar Jambagi Youth activity was arranged and led by Smt. Geetha Pallegar, Rajashekar Jambagi and Basavaraj Devershetty. A group of 20 enthusiastic youth began the day excursion to the Florida Aquarium in Downtown Tampa on Jul-5th, Friday. This is ranked in Top 10 Aquarium in the country and Top 5 “Kid-Friendly Aquarium”. The exhibits such as Coral Reef, Ocean Commotion, and Journey to Madagascar, Wetlands, and Interactive touch experiences were mesmerizing. The Coral Reef Gallery was one-of-a-kind view into one of the most beautiful and diverse ecosystem in the world. The group took a “Wild Dolphin Cruise”, a 90-minute Eco tour through the bay aboard encountering awesome animals that thrive in these local waters. This fun filled and educative five hour excursion was a good appetizer for the group as a real excitement was waiting at the door steps as we began the VSNA Convention.

VSNA Convention 2013

VSNA Convention 2013 Golf Tournament From the Florida Golf team: Dr. Mallikarjun Swamy & Ramesh Sannegowda

Florida in peoples mind usually means â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Disney World. But most golfers know that Florida is the Golf capital of America. It is known for its large number of very fine golf clubs, well maintained and reasonably priced. When we were discussing ideas for programming of our convention, I thought that there would be many golf enthusiasts like me, who would love to get in a round of golf during their visit to Florida. I also thought that the outing could be accomplished without missing any convention activities. Although it was an idea that was expressed a little late, our chairman gave the go ahead. I was happy to discover several golf enthusiasts in our midst. My sincere thanks to Dr. Mruthyunjaya, Ramesh Sannegowda and Manjunath Bhadrasetty for the successful planning and execution of this outing. We booked the prestigious TPC Golf Course. We had arranged transportation from the hotels for those who requested. We were also able to lend a couple of golf bags to those who could not bring their own. Since we had announced this late, many interested people could not join us since their flights were already booked. We were happy that we had 11 players, 2 of them women and one teenager! We left the hotel around 6:15am after breakfast. We had a wonderful time playing with our fellow Veerashaivas. We had prizes for Best Score (tied at 92), Closest to the Pin, and the longest Putt. We were able to come back in time to join everyone for lunch and the inauguration of the convention. The Florida chapter can proudly proclaim that the very first VSNA golf outing occurred here! I hope the future convention organizers continue golf outing as a prelude to the VSNA convention, and announce it early. I personally believe that - what is experienced indoors, through the practice of yoga and meditation, is experienced by golfers on the golf course! Dr. Mallikarjuna Swamy 38

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Coloring by Kids (Age 5 – 8 Years)

Priya Dhananjaya – 1st Place

Nidhi Budibetta – 2nd Place

Disha Mudenur -2nd Place

Akul Jambagi

Trisha Kurahatti

Neha Patil

Amogh Doddamane

Arnav Vivek

Ayush Godfrrey Simon

VSNA Convention 2013

Art Competition – Theme: Veerashaiva/Indian

Akanksh Jambagi – 1st Place (8-13 yrs)

Eshan Ramesh (8-13 yrs)

Maithri Goud (8-13 yrs)

Anagha Doddamane (8-13 yrs)

Parul Marulendra – 1st Place (14-18 yrs)

Tanvi Marulendra – 2nd Place (14-18 yrs)

Kiran Ganga – 2nd Place (8-13 yrs)

VSNA Convention 2013

Essays by Kids (Age 7-12 Years) Chalabeku Sharanange: Eshan Ramesh – 1st Place Chala beku sharanange paradhanavanollenemba Chala beku sharanange parasthathiyanollenemba Chala beku sharanange paradhyvavanollenemba Chala beku sharanange linga jangama ondemba Chala beku sharanange prasadha dhitavemba Chalavilladhavara meccha namma kudalasangamadeva. English translation One must have the conviction to not steal another’s wealth, One must have the conviction not to steal another’s spouse One must have the conviction to not steal another’s god One must have the conviction to believe that linga and jangama are one One must have the conviction to believe that prasadha is real Lord Kudalasangama does not approve of anyone without these qualities Chala is the key to this vachana written by the great Basavanna meaning firm faith, unwavering and strong belief in God, it also means zeal. Basavanna was a social activist in the 12 th century who revolted against discrimination or inequality based on caste, class, and gender and against injustice, meaningless rituals and superstitions, polytheism and idle worship. These Kannada vachanas of Basavanna are known for simplicity, originality, spontaneity, passionate devotion, poetic vision and beauty in expressing the zest of social reformer and zeal of a prophet. He emphasized humanitarian values and revived Veerashaivism, a religion that is democratic in sprit and practice, he uplifted downtrodden and established a society that is equal to all. It has made me wonder how avachana written 800 years ago is so relevant even today. As far as I can remember I have been taught many vachanas which I love to learn. To me Chala beku sharanange was another newvachana, after the convention chose it as the theme. I soon realized that the vachana was truly so special, and the meaning made more sense later on. I thought of this as a guideline to Veerashaiva cornerstones, tenets and basic principles, peace, truth and spiritual devotion. 41

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To not steal another’s wealth also means we should always build our own riches because easy money is lost soon. Basavanna preached “Kayakave kailasa” to do work as worship to god. We are expected to choose a job that we like and must have true dedication. We should charge fair price and not be greedy, Basavanna said no job is high or low and we need to have dignity of labor. The excess wealth that we earn honestly should be shared with the ones who are less fortunate which is known as charity or daasoha. Donations we give can change another’s lifestyle. Our hands should never do anything that is disapproved by the mind or heart. One must not steal another’s spouse. We should never aspire or have an uncontrollable desire towards something or someone. We should have self-control and never be a slave to our senses; we should never indulge too much nor fully deprive. This applies to me using electronic gadgets. Happiness is found within and never found outside in sense objects. Veerashaiva is the first religion to give equal rights to women. One must never aspire to another God. Basavanna condemn practice of polytheism and advocated monotheism, saying there is only one god with various names. It is just that one may see god in different ways. This is explained very lucidly in this story: there were 3 blind men arguing about how an elephant looks. The decided to touch the elephant, One said it is wall, because he touched the body of the elephant, the 2nd man said it was a pillar, because he touched the leg, the 3rd man said it was a rope because he touched the tail. All the men described differently while they all touched one thing: the Elephant. This story explained how there is only one God but can be seen or described differently. Other examples are electricity is one but depending on the bulb color, color of light is different and although so many rivers in world all end up in the ocean, does it matter from which river the water comes from? Definitely not! One must believe that Linga and Jangama are the same. Istalinga is considered a symbol of Shiva and its worship is same as worship of divinity hidden in jangama. Jangama is the embodiment of god on earth, a person who has attained spiritual perfection and given up everything to serve mankind. He is a person who guides us, with unconditional love and compassion to all, eliminating the need of priest mediation to worship Linga at the temple. Every time I have done linga puje I have received prasadha and something good has always happens, proving that blessings are real. Fruit of action or prasada is the result of your own actions that can be good or bad, however it’s real. An example is a science experiment of mine, once the experiment is completed, the fruit of action lasts a few moments of happiness, so I should enjoy building the experiment and learning the science, which is my action for longer period of time. This vachana is overflowing with wisdom and has made my journey in life purposeful. It tells me how to control my actions, how to build my own riches, to believe that prasadha is real and that Linga and jangama are the same. Moral values preached by Basavanna are relevant to all of us at all times, they need to be implemented by everyone in every nook and corner, in all walks of life. This vachana has taken me a long way and it won’t stop now.

VSNA Convention 2013

Chala Beku Sharanange: Akanksh Jambagi â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2nd Place Basavana was a Philosopher, a Statesman in Karnataka and also a Social reformer. He lived during 1106-1167. He fought against the Caste system in India. The Caste system discriminated people by birth based on how high or low their parents were in the Caste system. Basavana fought against this practice because he thought that all are equal. He also wrote Vachanas in the form of poetry to spread social awareness. Basavana used the Ishtalinga to put an end to Untouchability. Basavana created the Anubhava Mantapa which gave equality to men and women and had different representatives from different classes. Also, Basavana taught people how to live happily through the Sharana Movement. Veerashaivism was established in the 12th century and was created by Basavana. Veerashaiva means Heroic Bearers of the Linga. People who follow Veerashaivism are called Lingayats. Lingayats wear a Linga in a pendant around their necks. Veerashaivism worship is the best because wearing the Linga (God) unites the soul with the Omnipresence. Veerashaivism give equality to everyone weather they are male or female or no matter what race. Lingayats worship Lord Shiva by Linga and Ishtalinga. Basavana wrote many Vachanas. Here is one: Chalabeku Sharanange Paradhanavanollenemba Chalabeku Sharanange Parasathiyanollenmba Chalabeku Sharanange Paradiavavanollenemba Chalabeku Sharanange Linga Jangamaondemba Chalabeku Sharanange Prasada Ditavemba Chaladillavara Mechha.. Nama Kudala Sangama Deva..

The meaning of this Vachana is, you should not have a desire for other peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s things. Also you should be satisfied with what you have. Sharana means the worship of Lord Shiva. Basavana narrated that Sharana should determine not to have the wealth or money belonging to others and also determine to perform Shiva Pooja. That means to say people should worship only one god. Kudala Sangama Deva will not appreciate those who do not have determination and persistence. Chalabeku Sharanange means you need persistence to achieve something in life. We also must have determination to achieve something too. Also desire for others things always causes conflict. The second line of the Vachana means that you should not have others wife as it is just a result of foolishness. The third line means that you should not have others God which means God is one but name is plenty, therefore Shiva is one god but has different appearances and different names. God has no particular appearance but we should always believe Shiva. The fourth line means Linga, the god, and Jangama are one. Linga is God, Jangama is Guru. If the Guru is there we can achieve our goal. The fifth line means that the truth is everything that is Prasaada which means we should not be greedy and we should give to others and not waste food. The last

VSNA Convention 2013

line means that those who do not have any determination or persistence the god Kudala Sangama Deva will not appreciate them. Today Veerashaivism is a vibrant faith, strong in its homeland of Karnataka. There is hardly a village in a state without a Jangama and matha (monastery). On the occasion of birth in the Lingayats family, the child is bestowed with a small Shivalinga by a Jangama. This linga is to be worn and worshipped throughout life.

ಜ್ಞಾನದ ಬಲದಿಂದ ಅಜ್ಞಾನದ ಕ ೇಡು ನ ೊೇಡಯಯ ಜ ೊಯೇತಿಯ ಬಲದಿಂದ ತಮಂಧದ ಕ ೇಡು ನ ೊೇಡಯಯ ಸತಯದ ಬಲದಿಂದ ಅಸತಯದ ಕ ೇಡು ನ ೊೇಡಯಯ ಪರುಷದ ಬಲದಿಂದ ಅವಲ್ ೊೇಹದ ಕ ೇಡು ನ ೊೇಡಯಯ ಕೊಡಲಸಂಗನ ಶರಣರನುಭಾವದಿಂದ ಎನನ ಭವದ ಕ ೇಡು ನ ೊೇಡಯಯ

The power of knowledge drives the ignorance away! Appearance of light drives the darkness away! Truth drives the untruth away! The touch of the alchemic gem turns any metal into gold! With exposure to Kudala Sangana devotees’ experience and mysticism, my materialism goes away!

VSNA Convention 2013

Chala Beku Sharanange: Nidhi Budibetta Veerashaivism is a Shaivite tradition in India. It was established by Basavanna, a social reformer in the 12th century. The followers of this faith are known as Lingayaths, or Veerashaivas. They worship Lord Shiva in the form of Linga. The term is obtained from Lingavantha (Kannada). Lingavantha’s are people who wear IshtaLinga. Basavanna was a philosopher and social reformer in the 12th century. He was born in Bagevadi, Karnataka. He advised people to believe in themselves. He believed that all living beings should be treated equally and with kindness. Basavanna and other saints communicated their ideas in Kannada which can be understood by common people. They were called Vachanas. There were in the form of small poems. The Vachana, “Chala Beku Sharnange”, was composed by Basavanna. It means Sharanas need determination and passion. Sharanas should not desire other’s wealth. They should remain true to their faith. Lord Kudala SangamaDeva does not like those without Chala or determination.

ನಾದ್ಪ್ರರಯ ಶಿವನೆಂಬರು ನಾದ್ಪ್ರರಯ ಶಿವನಲಲ ವೆೋದ್ಪ್ರರಯ ಶಿವನೆಂಬರು ವೆೋದ್ಪ್ರರಯ ಶಿವನಲಲ ನಾದ್ವ ಮಾಡಿದ್ ರಾವಣಂಗೆ ಅರೆಯಾಯುಷವಾಯುು ವೆೋದ್ವನೆ ೋದಿದ್ ಬರಹ್ಮನ ಶಿರಹೆ ೋಯುು ನಾದ್ಪ್ರರಯನ ಅಲಲ ವೆೋದ್ಪ್ರರಯನ ಅಲಲ ಭ್ಕಿುಪ್ರರಯ ನಮಮ ಕ ಡಲಸಂಗಮದೆೋವ!

VSNA Convention 2013

Chala Beku Sharanange: Kiran Ganga In the vachana: Chala Beku Sharanange, Basavanna stresses the importance for a devotee to have persistence to succeed in the spiritual path. This vachana has a very strong meaning. The meaning of this famous vachana from Basavanna is: A devotee must have the persistence to say ‘I don’t want others’ wealth’ (Chala Beku Sharanange paradhanavanollenemba) A devotee must have the persistence to say ‘I don’t want others’ wife’ (Chala Beku Sharanange parasatiyanollemba) A devotee must have the persistence to say ‘I don’t want other God’ (Chala Beku Sharanange paradaivavanollemba) A devotee must have the persistence to say ‘Linga, the god and Jangama are one’ (Chala beku Sharanange Linga Jangama onde emba) A devotee must have the persistence to say ‘the truth is that everything is Prasada’ (Chala Beku Sharanange Prasada ditavemba) Our Lord Kudalasangamadeva will not admire those that don’t have persistence (Chalavilladavara mecca namma Kudalasangamadeva)

The whole vachana sums up to say that: Morality is needed for a devotee’s success in realizing themselves and it brings the calmness of mind, self-confidence and one mindedness and helps in reaching themselves. Foolishness can only result in misery. A devotee must have persistence to say it is not mine. When Basavanna says, “I don’t want other god” it means that you must not seek other Gods or other forms of God other than Ishtalinga. Jangama has found the self and his only purpose in life is to guide others into his achieved success. A devotee must have the persistence to say that Gods’ elements are all around us. We must be persistent to achieve what we set out to achieve.

VSNA Convention 2013

Essays by Kids (Age 13-18 Years) Chalabeku Sharanange: Rachna Sannegowda – 1st Place ‘Chala’ is a term that encompasses a group of English words—zeal, determination, conviction, and above all, passion. The beauty of Kannada lies in the fact that there is no simple, direct translation to English. The depth of each line can scarcely be fathomed because of the ideas and history surmounted. I’ve always deliberated upon the applicability of vachanas today. How can they bring so many ideas to the table even though they were written about 900 years ago? There is much more woven into each and every word of the vachana ‘Chala Beku Sharanange’, previously penned down thoughtfully by the reformer Basavanna. Basavanna hoped that by writing vachanas in a straightforward and accessible manner, they could appeal to the masses in an instructional way using the local language. In this vachana, he invites us to immerse ourselves into the ideals and basic structure of Veerashaivism. Today, society lacks one vital quality in their thirst for success, passion. Passion provides an inherent drive, pushes you to learn more, it is infectious to others, and is therefore the beginning of success. Basavanna preached about the tenants of Veerashaivism with zeal and passion, allowing it to spread like infectious wildfire. In the first line, we are instructed to never aspire for another man’s wealth. Often, in the rigor of our world today, people lose sight of their inherent passion in order to lay their eyes on money. When anything is done with passion, it ultimately incorporates both the mind and the heart. The key towards honorable success lies in being happy with what you do and accomplish. A majority of society falls prey to their senses. We feel like we are entitled to everything our heart desires. Somewhere along the way, hard work has been undermined and a hedonistic lifestyle has taken precedence. Basavanna, an insightful philosopher, recognized this tendency of human nature about 900 years ago. Not only did he recognize it, but he summed up this desire in one line that almost everyone could relate to. It insists that a devotee must not aspire for another man’s wife. This simple line is one that even a common man can incorporate into his life. Although I concede that it is most admirable to cut off all desires, I still insist that in the real world, being drawn to them is inevitable. What I believe is really trying to be conveyed, is that we need to have self-control over our desires and enjoy sense objects intelligently without craving or getting engrossed in them. Indian society in the past was complicated and divided by sexism, classes, castes, and polytheism. Only the learned could read Sanskrit scriptures and many of the lower classes didn’t even have access to religious places. Moreover, women weren’t entitled to the same opportunities as men in the traditional Shaivites society. People from all walks of life naturally welcomed an egalitarian faith that vehemently opposed all kinds of discrimination, worked to educate the masses, and one which simply incorporated monotheism, in a time of complicated rituals, with the Ishtalinga. Basavanna states that a Veerashaiva can be true to faith by worshipping no other deity other than the Ishtalinga. Ishtalinga, our single god, is believed to be omnipotent, omnipresent, and omniscient. 47

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Jangamas are walking temples of spirituality, who have dedicated their life to the benefit of mankind. These benevolent individuals strive to educate people and their dedication towards this faith often inspires those around them. The depth of their knowledge calls for respect and reverence. This is why Basavanna corroborates that a devotee should believe the Linga (God), and Jangama (embodiment of God on Earth), to be the same. Prasada is given to us after linga pooja and as Basavanna says in his vachana, we must have unflinching faith that this blessing is real. I believe that prasada is symbolically the fruit of our action. It can be good or bad, depending upon our behavior and decisions. This can be a blessing only if we deserve it. An example can be drawn from an event that is a part of everyone’s lives, graduation. If we have worked hard all year, putting forth our best effort, we will reap happiness on the day of graduation. Graduating, in this case is the fruit of action. But the fruit of action or prasada, isn’t really in our control. A doctor will most likely put forth their one hundred percent while treating a patient. Whether the patient survives or doesn’t is beyond their control. Along the same lines, we must offer our love and devotion unconditionally to be able to receive blessings in the form of prasada. All of Basavanna’s vachanas contain age long wisdom examined and tested in the light of their own spiritual and practical experiences in everyday life. Their approach to all problems is based on realism, rationalism, and scientific outlook. Vachanas provide solutions to any intricate problems that all walks of life might face. They are a unique contribution to world literature, a common man’s life reflection, both timeless and universal. At the end of the day, it is up to us to absorb this advice, contemplate upon it, and implement it in our own lives. Conviction and zeal, ‘Chala,’ is imperatively stressed upon in each and every line by Basavanna. Every step of the way towards a zenith of life requires conviction and self-driven effort.

ಎನನ ಕಾಯವ ದ್ಂಡಿಗೆಯ ಮಾಡಯಯ ಎನನ ಶಿರವ ಸೆ ೋರೆಯ ಮಾಡಯಯ ಎನನ ನರಗಳ ತಂತಿಯ ಮಾಡಯಯ ಬತಿುೋಸ ರಾಗವ ಹಾಡಯಯ ಉರದ್ಲೆ ತಿು ಬಾರಿಸು ಕ ಡಲಸಂಗಮದೆೋವ!

VSNA Convention 2013

Chalabeku Sharanange: Pranav Reddy – 2nd Place The sharanas were revolutionaries with a vision of a society that was truly good. They were led by a bright and kind man named Basavanna. The idea of such a place came to him the moment he saw people kicked out of a temple for somehow being different than him, even though he could not see any way that they were inferior. This passion for equality burning within a young child truly showed that he was the one to bring his world out of the pitfall of inequality. His true values brought him to show his determination for the cause that he would devote the rest of his life to. He denied his path as a Brahmin the very instant he rejected the tying of the sacred Brahmin thread. But a single voice can only do so much to further a cause, so he began to write short poems that would end up being called vachanas to spread his message. As many greats have said all across time, “one man can do greater things than the sum of his actions.” Basavanna inspired other people’s ideas as they began to write their own vachanas and spread his teachings. These actions were only possible because of the extreme passion that fueled his determination to do what was right. As said through his vachana Chala Beku Sharanange, to follow this path of good someone must have the will and the determination to defy the things stopping them in order to reach their of spiritual enlightenment. ಛಲ ಬ ೇಕು ಶರಣಂಗ ಪರಧನವನ ೊಲ್ ನ ೆ ಂಬ Determination is needed for the devotee to cause to say ‘I don’t want other’s wealth.’ ಛಲ ಬ ೇಕು ಶರಣಂಗ ಪರಸತಿಯನ ೊಲ್ ನ ೆ ಂಬ Determination is needed for the devotee to cause to say ‘I don’t want other’s wife.’ Following a path of good can be very hard; in fact, it can be even harder than following of evil. The reason that so many stick to this difficult path all throughout the ages is because even though they may not be praised during their lifetime, they know that they did something truly good in their life and may rest in peace. But evil comes from desires, which if let loose, they will hurt, steal, and kill many. Desire is the root of sorrow for many of those with good hearts and it controls over their lives. If the desire is fulfilled then it may bring momentary joy, but will leave the person and maybe even others with sorrow. The only way to properly fulfill a desire is to work hard to earn that item. This can all be avoided by learning that what belongs to another is not yours. Learning to follow that simple phrase shows determination and also keeps one’s inner self in a state of peace. ಛಲ ಬ ೇಕು ಶರಣಂಗ ಪರದ ೈವವನ ೊಲ್ ೆನ ಂಬ Determination is needed for the devotee to cause to say ‘I don’t want any other God.’ One of the key principles of Veerashaivism is to create equality and peace. When there is only one god every one’s beliefs are closer together and ideas do not conflict as much. Through this peace people can find a time of peace and prosperity. Along with this it can develop science along with a richer culture for people no longer see religion as a reason for fighting but as a world 49

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unifier. The development of science can also coexist with religion because it only needs to follow the principles of one religion under one God. ಛಲ ಬ ೇಕು ಶರಣಂಗ ಲಂಗ ಜಂಗಮ ಒಂದ ೇ ಎಂಬ Determination is needed for the devotee to cause to say ‘Linga, the God, and Jangama are one.’ But to reach this state of calm most must have help to find the courage and gain a source of support. The Jangama is the wandering aesthetic who teaches others to help them find peace and to spread his ideas, but to learn that the Jangama and god are one takes time to realize. One must be determined to evaluate every moment of his/her life and see truth in it. In this case, once one reaches this stage of enlightenment then they can see that you are not to just do linga pooja and ignore the pleas of others, but instead one becomes the Jangama at that point and can help others reach that same stage. ಛಲ ಬ ೇಕು ಶರಣಂಗ ಪರಸಾದ ದಿಟವ ಂಬ Determination is needed for the devotee to cause to say ‘the truth is that everything is Prasaada.’ ಛಲವಿಲೆದವರ ಮೆಚ್ಚ ನಮಮ ಕೊಡಲ ಸಂಗಮ ದ ೇವ Our God Kudalasangamadeva will not admire those who don’t have determination! We offer food to god as a regular part of our worship. When he returns the material we eat it since it has been purified by god. This idea has been practiced for centuries. But isn’t everything Prasaada since the world itself was created by god’s gift. This simple act of extension shows how much we take for granted in our lives, when everything around us really is a sacred gift. But desire gets in the way of this good intention and some simply take from others who worked hard to gain the things they did. Those people who do immoral acts to get the easy way should be respected by no one for going against all that these social reformers tuaght us. The world around us may change but we must still follow the same principles that many strived to be well known and keep those principles as the standard. For everything takes effort to achieve and when you do not perform this effort yourself but instead let others do it for you will one day find yourself at a point where you wish you knew, you wish you could, or you wish you were able to.

VSNA Convention 2013

Chalabeku Sharanange â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Persistence is must: Nikhil Shiva In the Vachana Chala Beku sharanange that was asked to be interpreted, impressed me the most. As I read about it the word Chala which is repeated in all lines makes you get involved and energized. Vachanas of our sharanas of the 12th century are a treasure house of philosophical and spiritual thoughts tinged with the contemporary social context. They are pertinent to our lives today. Persistence is needed for the devotee to cause to say "I don't want other's wealth". Persistence is needed for the devotee to cause to say "I don't want other's spouse". Persistence is needed for the devotee to cause to say "I don't want other God". Persistence is needed for the devotee to cause to say "Linga, the God and Jangama are one". Persistence is needed for the devotee to cause to say "the truth is that everything is Prasada". Our God Kudalasangamadeva will not admire those who don't have persistence! Desire is the root cause of all sorrow. Aspiring for what belongs to others is foolishness and can only result in misery. Basavanna insists on not swaying from being the devotee of one God, the God within us. A devotee must cultivate such persistence to say that God is in all the elements around us. Just concentrating on linga worship and ignoring the fellow beings is not the right path; one should see and feel that God and everyone around us are one. Jangama is a wandering ascetic and he is dynamic. He has found the self and his only purpose in life is to guide others in achieving the same. Basavanna says that Jangama is God. Finally, the devotee must be persistent enough to say that the prasaada is truth. Basavanna is extending the concept of prasaada to everything that we have, since everything we have is really a gift from him. Basavanna concludes by saying that the Lord will not appreciate those without persistence and constancy. While the vachana is addressed to a devotee, the concepts presented by it are equally applicable to all aspects of our lives. This is my story of persistence and trying to be successful in failure! "I'm sorry, but you didn't make the team." These were the last words that I had expected to hear. Getting cut from the tennis team during the spring of my freshman year is an experience that stands out poignantly in my head and still has a profound effect on me. I had reported to tryouts ready to play, confident that I would do well. Other than a few mishit, I thought I played well overall. I left the final day of tryouts feeling good about my chances. I reported to one of the coach's classrooms the next day to find out who had made the team. The coaches decided that they would tell each player individually in the hallway about the cuts. When 51

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it was finally my turn to find out the news, I went up to the coach in the hall. He looked down at his clipboard and said that I hadn't made the team. Barely able to hold back the tears, I walked out of the school. I felt sick. For all my life, I had expected to be standing among that group, thrilled to have made the tennis team. Instead, I was standing outside, tears in my eyes, devastated. It was one of the worst moments I experienced in high school. After my hard work for all those years, my dreams were shattered in matter of a few seconds. In the following weeks, I felt miserable about not making the tennis team. Whenever I saw somebody who had made the team, the image of getting cut replayed in my head; I couldn't stand walking past the tennis courts when the team was playing. Even today, whenever I watch Tennis on TV, I still reminisce about not making the team. However, a few weeks later, a friend on the track team told me that I could still join, as they were looking for freshman throwers, I had thrown shot put and discus in middle school, so I decided to join the team to take my mind off tennis. After joining the track team, I worked really hard to get better. It had been a long time since I had thrown, so I spent countless hours training. I took the pent-up frustration and applied it to lifting weights and getting stronger. My mind still occasionally drifted to thoughts of tennis, but I brushed them off and focused on improving my technique. Even though I had not planned to be on the track team in high school, I excelled and went to freshman conference for both shot put and discus. I still continue to experience failure. In practices for the track team, I mess up at one thing or the other every single day; I'll trip over hurdles in the field house during drills, or my technique on a throw will be wrong. Though these failures may be considered minor, I have learned a lot more from my mistakes then from my accomplishments. My failures help me improve for the next time. If I put my best efforts forward, I know that I'm bound to rub up against the limits of my abilities; until I find those boundaries, I won't know where I can improve. Not making the tennis team won't be the most profound setback that I will ever experience, but I know that my approach to life has forever been altered. My failures define me and have allowed me to become the person I am today. I am truly thankful that I failed, because it taught me that I can't be perfect at everything. Though I have failed many times since, I no longer treat these incidents as mere failures, but as stepping-stones to success. I work hard on my next attempt to ensure that I don't make the same mistakes. I now see an opportunity to get better in every one of my failures. I have realized that we must be persistent to achieve what we set out to achieve. Giving up is easy to do!

VSNA Convention 2013

Chalabeku Sharanange: Shreyas Budibetta Veerashaivism is a unique tradition in India. It was established in Karnataka during the 12th century AD. The spiritual leaders of Veerashaivism at that time were very progressive and wise. The followers of Veerashaivism were known as Veerashaivas or Lingayats. They worshipped Lord Shiva in the form of Linga or Ishtalinga. Vachanas written by them were simple to understand by common people. In the middle of 12th century Veerashaivism arose in Karnataka due to the nourishment of Basavanna. Allama Prabhu, Akka Mahadevi and Channabasavanna also played pivotal roles in the spreading of the message and the true meaning of Lingayatism. Veerashaivas / Lingayats believed in:  Equality for men and women, and made no distinction between caste and race.  They believed in ahimsa or non-injury.  All human beings should be given the same amount of happiness and kindness in life.  “Universal brotherhood”, allowing anyone into the religion without any distinction. They worship lord Shiva in the form of Linga or Ishtalinga. Ishtalinga and Linga are different. Linga is worshiped in the Temples. Whereas Ishtalinga is worn on self-body and is worshiped individually. Basavanna was a social reformer and philosopher. He introduced wearing and worshiping of Shivalinga on the body. He was born to Brahmin family in Bagevadi, Karnataka. Basavanna lived and taught in the northern part of Karnataka. Basavanna believed that man becomes great not by his birth but by his conduct in the society. He believed in the principle of Káyakavé Kailása which means work is worship. He established Anubhava Mantapa. It is an academy of saints and philosophers of Lingayat faith in 12th century. It was headed by Allama Prabhu. Sharanas from all over Karnataka and other areas were its participants. They communicated their ideas and beliefs through Vachanas. Vachanas were written in Kannada, and were simple enough to understand by the common people. About 20,000 vachanas were published. Some of the Vachana writers are Basavanna, Allama Prabhu, Akka Mahadevi and Channabasavanna. The authors of Vachanas never used their true name but used his or her insignia. Basavanna’s insignia is “Kudala Sangama Deva”, Allama Prabhu’s insignia is “Guheshwara”, Akka Mahadevi’s insignia is “Channamallikarjuna”, and Channabasavanna’s insignia is “Kudala Chennasangama”. Chala Beku Sharanange Vachana was written by Basavanna. In this Vachana, Basavanna states that you should have determination not to aspire other’s wealth, wife and God. You should have determination to say “Linga and Jangama” are one and the same. You should have the determination to say “Prasada or blessings” are true. Lord Kudala Sangama Deva will not like you if you don’t have that determination.

VSNA Convention 2013

The universal principles of Veerashaivism are attracting a lot of followers. It is a very popular religion and philosophy in Karnataka and nearby states in India. There are various Mathas that are spreading the Veerashaiva philosophy. I am proud to be a Veerashaiva.

ಉಳಳವರು ಶಿವಾಲಯವ ಮಾಡುವರು ನಾನೆೋನು ಮಾಡಲಿ ಬಡವನಯಯ? ಎನನ ಕಾಲೆೋ ಕಂಬ ದೆೋಹ್ವೆ ದೆೋಗುಲ ಶಿರವೆೋ ಹೆ ನನ ಕಳಸವಯಯ! ಕ ಡಲಸಂಗಮ ದೆೋವ ಕೆೋಳಯಯ ಸಾಾವರಕಕಳಿವುಂಟು ಜಂಗಮಕಕಳಿವಿಲಲ! Rich build temples for Shiva what can I, a poor man, do? My legs are pillars My body is the temple My head makes the golden cupola Oh, Lord of Kudala Sangama There is destruction for what stands, but not for what moves!

VSNA Convention 2013

Chalabeku Sharanange: Sachin Shiva It all started out in Kindergarten. After I settled into my curious and quite exiting “home” I began to find my true personality. The Sachi-personality, I thought. I craved this type of positive thinking and individuality and I enjoyed it so phenomenally. It was the true me, the real and extraordinary Sachin Shiva. The room walls as busy as a bee hive with Legos in one area and drawings at the next. The bright lights, toys, and beautiful teddy bear themed carpet, made you brim with energy and happiness. Through the art of the Sachi-personality; I warmed all the kid’s hearts and brought them true compassion. While others were quite selfish, I shared with every one and condolence those with sadness, because someone had broken their toy or teased them. I would always make sure to tell people it is not nice to tease or break other people’s Lego ships. Most would stop when I said that, especially when I gave them the Clint Eastwood stern look. But there were always those exceptions to my ideas of kindness and compassion in the classroom. Although, my ideas were quite wonderful, there were some kids who really hated them and were the true exceptions. They were called “THE KINGS”. “When there’s light, there was always be some darkness” a wise man once said. Well… this is a perfect example. These kings of darkness would tease and hurt everyone, and would never listen to me. I decided that I was going to have to do something, for the positive well-being of the class. This is what I told them, “Listen up, Kings! No one here appreciates your hostile (I know, big word for a kindergartener) behavior towards everyone in this class. You are breaking toys but most of all breaking hearts, by your treacherous teasing. You have to stop for the wellbeing of yourself and the class”, I told them in a strong and firm Sachi-voice. “You’re not the boss of me. You’re just a dumb little boy,” screamed one of the four kings. “Dumb is a bad word. I am not bossing you around, but I’m helping you stay out of trouble now and for the rest of your future”. They immediately became as quite as mice, and realized their mistake. My teacher was super proud of me, so she wrote a praising letter to my parents, and I got a prize and a mini-medal. The while class was cheering and I felt so proud. I got a prize! A couple of days later I realized that the prize wasn’t really why I was happy, although a new Star wars Lego set could really make a kid coated. I was happy because I did the right thing not for myself, but for everyone. I showed true heroism and stood up from the crowd. I realized that for my entire life, I wanted to be the kindest and most positive person ever. I wanted to change the negative ideas of the World, and make them spectacular ones. But most of all, I decided I was going to be Sachin Shiva a Sharana and stand by sharana Philosophy.

VSNA Convention 2013

Sharana must be resolute, not to desire another’s wealth. Sharana must be resolute, not to desire another’s spouse. Sharana must be resolute, not to desire another’s gods. Sharana must be resolute, that linga and jangama are one. Sharana must be resolute that prasada is truth. Kudalasangama does not love those who are not resolute. Morality is the most important tool for a devotee’s success in realizing the self. Morality brings calmness of mind, self-confidence and one mindedness and helps in reaching self. Sharana must be resolute, not to desire another’s wealth.

ಮಾಡಿದ ನ ಂಬುದು ಮನದಲೆ ಹ ೊಳ ದರ ಏಡಿಸಿ ಕಾಡಿತುು ಶ್ವನ ಡಂಗುರ. ಮಾಡಿದ ನ ನನದಿರಾ ಲಂಗಕ ೆ! ಮಾಡಿದ ನ ನನದಿರಾ ಜಂಗಮಕ ೆ! ಮಾಡಿದ ನ ಂಬುದು ಮನದಲಲೆದಿದದರ ಬ ೇಡಿದದನೇವ ಕೊಡಲಸಂಗಮದ ೇವ!

VSNA Convention 2013

Chalabeku Sharanange: Anagha Doddamane As being Veerashaivas when we first hear Chala Beku Sharanange we think of the vachana that Basavanna wrote. Basavanna is the one who started recognizing the Lingayat religion. Now, this religion is based mostly off of vachana literature. The vachana Chala Beku Sharanange has meaning and portrays the importance of persistence in each line. To begin with, the vachana Chala Beku Sharanange has a meaning to the Lingayat religion Veerashaivas follow. The vachana says that a devotee must have the persistence to say “I don’t want others’ wealth”, “I don’t want others’ spouse”, and “I don’t want other god”. The last few lines say that persistence is needed for a devotee to say Linga, the god and Jangama are one and the truth is that everything is Prasad. At last it says: Our Lord Kudalasangamadeva will not admire those who don’t have the persistence in them. Basavanna stresses the relevance for a devotee to have persistence to succeed in the spiritual path in this particular vachana. The words “chala” (persistence or constancy), “beku”(is needed), and “sharanange”(for the devotee)are repeated in each line and it means: Persistence or constancy is needed for a devotee to say…….Persistence is the main idea of this literature and it means the courage to say something without giving up. Not only what the vachana is saying is essential, but what the meaning actually means in real life is very significant. As you see, Basavanna’s foremost point in this specific vachana is constancy (persistence) which is important for a devotee to have morality. Morality is needed for a follower’s (devotee) success in realizing themselves and it brings calmness of mind, selfconfidence, one’s mindedness, and helps in reaching themselves. When Basavanna says “I don’t want other god”. It means that you must not seek other gods or other forms of God other than Ishtalinga. A devotee must have the constancy to say that Gods’ elements are all around us and the devotee must be persistent to achieve what we set out to achieve. To conclude, the vachana Chala Beku Sharanange has a meaning to the Lingayat religion and the vachana portrays the significance of persistence in each line. This specific vachana shows that constancy is needed for one to succeed in the spiritual path.

VSNA Convention 2013

Winners List Following is the list of winners of various competitions held during the Convention. Congratulations to all the winners and participants Golf Tournament Best Score â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Tie: Satish Suresh, IL & Ramesh Sannegowda, FL Closest to pin: Mallikarjun Swamy, FL Longest putt:

Coloring Competition (5 to 8 years) 1st Prize: Priya Dhananjaya, IL 2nd Prize:

Disha Mudenur, MA & Nidhi Budibetta, FL

Kumar Rajashekara, MD

Art Competition (8 - 13 years) 1st Prize: Akanksh Jambagi, FL nd 2 Prize: Kiran Ganga, FL

Art Competition (14 - 18 years) 1st Prize: Parul Marulendara, FL nd 2 Prize: Tanvi Marulendra, FL

Vachana Competition (6 - 12 years) 1st Prize: Priya Dhananjaya, IL nd 2 Prize: Eshan Ramesh, FL & Disha Mudenur, MA

Vachana Competition (13 - 18 years) 1st Prize: Shreya Dhananjaya, IL nd 2 Prize: Anagha Doddamane, FL & Maithri Goud, NY

Dance Competition (8 - 13 years) 1st Prize: Kiran Ganga, FL nd 2 Prize: Shreya Dhananjaya, IL

Dance Competition (14 - 18 years) 1st Prize: Rachna Sannegowda, FL

Essay Competition (7 - 12 years) 1st Prize: Eshan Ramesh, FL nd 2 Prize: Akanksh Jambagi, FL

Essay Competition (13 - 18 years) 1st Prize: Rachna Sannegowda, FL nd 2 Prize: Pranav Reddy, IL

VSNA Convention 2013

‘Dehave Degula’ – Health Forum: Dr. Mallikarjuna Swamy ದೆೀಹದೊಳಗೆ ದೆೀವಾಲಯವಿದುದ, ಮತೆತ ಬೆೀರೆ ದೆೀಗುಲವೆೀಕ್ಯಾಯ? ಏರಡಕೆಕ ಹೆೀಳಲಿಲಲಯಾಯ ಗುಹೆೀಶ್ವರಾ, ನಿೀನು ಕ್ಲಾಲಧೆಡೆ ನಾನು ಏನೆಪ್ೆಪನು? Dehadolage devalayviddu, Matte bere degulavekayya? Eradakke helalillayya. Ghuheshvara neenu kalladhede naanu eneppenu? Allama Prabhu reminds us in this vachana that the physical body is the abode of the Almighty.

Dr. Somashekar Pallegar

Dr. Mallikarjun Swamy

At the convention we have programs to enlighten the mind and uplift the spirits. I feel that it is great that we tend to the mind and thru religious practice, in an attempt to move to a higher level of consciousness. But the mind is housed in the physical body. Unless the body is alive, healthy and functional, it makes the other impossible! So I strongly believe it is equally important to take care of our God given body. In fact it is our duty – since it is the abode of the Almighty. In our culture it has been considered ‘selfish or self-centered’ to take care of oneself, whereas taking care of others is always applauded. I wanted to educate people about simple emergency procedures that can save lives that everybody needs to know. I talked about basic life support. Most people when faced with life threatening emergencies, involving their loved ones, become paralyzed by fear and unable to act. Knowing what exactly what to do or not to do will give them confidence. Conditions such as – sudden unconsciousness/ unresponsiveness, choking on food or other objects, drowning, bleeding etc. were discussed. When faced with such situations, certain sequence of actions result in greater success in reviving the person and avoiding fatality. Description of measures such as, checking pulse, respiration, position, chest compression, giving mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, 59

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use of AED, and calling 911 was discussed. Attendees were urged to take First Aid Training offered by local hospitals, YMCA, American Heart Association namely Basic Life support. Participation in such programs can lead to greater confidence if faced with such emergencies. We dealt with common health problems among Indians like Diabetes, Hypertension and abnormal lipid states. All of these being modifiable risk factors, in addition to smoking. There is much uncertainty regarding detection of heart disease affecting men in the prime of their lives. I highly recommend the Coronary CT Angiogram as a very useful test for a reliable detection of coronary heart disease even before it becomes evident. Early detection is of enormous value as most people want to know their health status accurately especially so with heart. I had planned an hour long program including medical and dental issues, with the help of Dr.Pallegar, Dr. Mruthyunjaya and Dr.Shivashankar. This was to be followed by a question and answer session. Detection of cancer including skin cancer was presented by Dr.Pallegar. Unfortunately since the previous program ran over, we had to cut short this workshop. The most important message I would like to convey to all is that – We have to make it a priority to take care of ourselves. Be good to yourselves by taking care of your health, and kind to your loved ones by staying healthy. Dr. S.M. Mallikarjuna Swamy M.D. Board Certified Internal Medicine Board Certified Cardiologist Board certified and recertified Nuclear Cardiologist

Dr. Somashekar Pallegar M.D.FRCs,DA

Board Certified Family Practitioner Family Physician Bradenton, FL

Staff Cardiologist Baypines VA, Baypines FL

ಕಟ್ಟಟದ ಲಂಗವ ಬಿಟುಟ ಬ ಟಟದ ಲಂಗಕ ೆ ಹ ೊೇಗಿ ಹ ೊಟ್ ಟ ಆಡಿಯಾಗಿ ಬಿೇಳುವ ಲ್ ೊಟ್ ಟ ಮನುಜನ ಕಂಡರ ೇ ಮೆಟ್ಟಟದ ಎಡಪ್ಾದರಕ್ಷ ಯಲೆ ಲಟ ಲಟನ ಹ ೊಡ ಯಂದಾತ ನಮಮ ಅಂಬಿಗರ ಚೌಡಯಯ 60

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Anubhava Ghoshti: Prof. Sajjan Shiva Panel: Prof. Sajjan Shiva, Prof. B. Somashekhar, Mrs. Shashikala Chandra The panel extends its gratitude to Poojya Taralabalu Swamiji for his presence and guiding the discussions. It was a pleasure to witness the enthusiasm of the participants. The discussions were based on the theme of the convention: ಛಲ ಬ ೇಕು ಶರಣಂಗ ಪರಧನವನ ೊಲ್ ೆನ ಂಬ ಛಲ ಬ ೇಕು ಶರಣಂಗ ಪರಸತಿಯನ ೊಲ್ ೆನ ಂಬ ಛಲ ಬ ೇಕು ಶರಣಂಗ ಪರದ ೈವವನ ೊಲ್ ೆನ ಂಬ ಛಲ ಬ ೇಕು ಶರಣಂಗ ಲಂಗ ಜಂಗಮ ಒಂದ ೇ ಎಂಬ ಛಲ ಬ ೇಕು ಶರಣಂಗ ಪರಸಾದ ದಿಟವ ಂಬ ಛಲವಿಲೆದವರ ಮೆಚ್ಚ ನಮಮ ಕೊಡಲ ಸಂಗಮ ದ ೇವ Persistence is needed for the devotee to cause to say ‘I don’t want other’s wealth’. Persistence is needed for the devotee to cause to say ‘I don’t want other’s wife’. Persistence is needed for the devotee to cause to say ‘I don’t want other God’. Persistence is needed for the devotee to cause to say ‘Linga, the God and Jangama are one’. Persistence is needed for the devotee to cause to say ‘the truth is that everything is Prasaada’. Our God Kudalasangamadeva will not admire those who don’t have persistence! Basavanna, in this popular Vachana stresses the importance of persistence or constancy for a devotee to succeed in the spiritual path. After all, we are Veerashaivas. “Veera’ in a way signifies ‘Chala’. The word ‘chala’ is usually used in a very negative context. Basavanna paints a very positive picture of ‘chala’. Morality is the most important tool for a devotee’s success in realizing self. Morality brings the calmness of mind, self-confidence and one mindedness and helps in reaching the Self. Two important aspects of the morality as stressed by the first two statements in the Vachana are not aspiring for other’s wealth and other’s wife. Aspiring for these two is the clear case of becoming the victim of desire. Desire is the root cause of sorrow. Desires when fulfilled make one high and when not fulfilled make one low. An individual with such highs and lows cannot achieve anything. Basavanna’s use of the phrase ‘other’s wife’ should be interpreted as ‘other’s spouse – wife or husband’. Essentially, these belong to others. Aspiring for what belongs to others is foolishness and can only result in misery. A devotee must thus develop the persistence or constancy of mind 61

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to say that what belongs to others is not mine. In fact, the concept of ‘kaayaka’ urges us to earn our own living through honest, sincere work. Basavanna insists on not swaying from being the devotee of one God, the God within us. An intense desire to merge with Him and persistent devotion is a must. Yielding to ignorance and momentary temptations to seek other Gods or other forms of God (other than Ishtalinga as an icon) stray the devotee from the spiritual path. This can be considered as the second step in refining our lives, after conquering the desire. Jangama is a wandering ascetic. He is dynamic. He has found the self and his only purpose in life is to guide others into achieving the success he has achieved. Basavanna says that Jangama is God. Since God is inherently a part of all those around us, seeing God in everyone is a must. A devotee must cultivate such persistence to say that God is in all the elements around us. The respect for all and treating everyone around us as God moves us towards the concept of ‘Daasoha’ the unselfish service to the community. Finally, the devotee must be persistent enough to say that the prasaada is truth. We offer food and other material to God as part of our worship. We then consume that material as the sacred giving from Him. This returned material is ‘prasaada’ in general. Basavanna is extending the concept of prasaada to everything that we have, since all that we have is really a gift from Him. As such, an appreciation for what has been given to us and the constancy to say that everything we have is His is a must. Basavanna concludes by saying that the Lord will not appreciate those without persistence and constancy. The Vachana thus gives a complete guideline to mold the path of spirituality. Let us develop the persistence not to stray from the spiritual path! There were questions from participants as to what good is reciting vachanas just during the convention and forget them until the next year. The answer obviously is that one has to realize that the Vachanas although were written several hundred years ago, their message is still applicable to modern life. One has to reflect on them and internalize their message on a daily basis. For our community, it is important that the parents and elders in the community make an all-out effort to understand the messages from Vachanas and disseminate to youngsters. We should be ready to answer questions from our youngsters.

VSNA Convention 2013

Anubhava Ghoshti: Kannada translation ಇಲೆ

ಬಸವಣಣನವರು

ಶರಣನಿಗ

ಛಲ

ಅಥವಾ

ಹಠವಿರಬ ೇಕು

ಎಂದು

ಹ ೇಳುತ್ಾಾರ .

ಆದರ

ಅದು

ಯಾವ

ವಿಷಯದಲೆರಬ ೇಕ ನುುವುದು ಮುಖ್ಯ. ಶರಣನಿಗ ನಿೇತಿಯು ಬಲು ಮುಖ್ಯವಾದದುು. ನ ೈತಿಕತ್ ಯು ಅಂತರಂಗ ಶುದಿಿಯ ಮಹತವದ ಅಂಗ. ನ ೈತಿಕತ್ ಯಂದ ಮನಸ್ಸಿಗ ನ ಮಮದಿ, ಆತಮ ವಿಶ್ಾವಸ, ಏಕಾಗರತ್ ಗಳು ಉಂಟಾಗುತಾವ . ಇವುಗಳಂದ ಆತ್ ೊೋನುತಿಯಲೆ ಸಹಾಯವಾಗುತಾದ . ಆದುರಂದ ಈ ನಿಟ್ಟಿನಲೆ ಮೊದಲ ಎರಡು ನಿಯಮಗಳ ಂದರ ಪರಧನ ಮತುಾ ಪರಸತಿಯನುು ಬಯಸದ ಇರುವುದು. ಪರಧನ, ಪರಸತಿಯನುು ಬಯಸುವುದು ಎಂದರ ಆಸ ಗ ತುತ್ಾಾಗುವುದು. ಆಸ ಮನುಷಯನನುು ಅತಯಂತ ಕೇಳಾಗಿಸುತಾದ . ಆಸ ಕ ೈಗೊಡಿದಾಗ ಸಂತ್ ೊೇಷದ ಶ್ಖ್ರಕ ೆ ಏರುವುದು, ಕ ೈಗೊಡದ ಇದಾುಗ ನಿರಾಸ ಯ ಪಾತ್ಾಳದ ಆಳಕ ೆ ಬೇಳುವುದು ಸವ ೇೇ ಸಾಮಾನಯ. ಈ ರೇತಿಯಾಗಿ ಘಾಸ್ಸಗ ೊಂಡು ಹ ೊಯಾುಡುವ ಮನಸುಿ ಎನನೊು ಸಾಧಿಸಲ್ಾರದು. ಆದುರಂದ ಪರಧನ ಪರಸತಿಯ ಆಸ ಗ ಪಕಾೆಗುವುದು ಸಲೆದು. ಇಲೆ ಬಸವಣಣನವರು ಪರಸತಿಯಂಬ ಪದವನುು ಉಪಯೇಗಿಸ್ಸದರೊ ಸಹ ಇದು ಹ ಣುಣ ಗಂಡು ಇಬಬರಗೊ ಅನವಯಸ್ಸ ಪರ ಪುರುಷ ಮತುಾ ಪರಸ್ಸರೇ ಎಂಬ ಅಥೇವನುು ಸೊಚಿಸುತಾದ . ಪರಸ್ಸರೇ ಅಥವಾ ಪರ ಪುರುಷನೊ ಪರ ಧನವ ೇ. ಯಾವುದು ತನುದಲೆವೇ ಅದಕಾೆಗಿ ಆಸ ಪಡುವುದು ಮೊಖ್ೇತನ ಮತುಾ ಅಪರಾಧ. ಆದುರಂದ ಅದು ನಿಷ ೇಧವಾದದುು ಎಂದು ಹ ೇಳುತ್ಾಾರ . ಆದುರಂದ ಅದನುು ತ್ಾನು ಬಯಸುವುದಿಲೆವ ಂಬ ಛಲ ಶರಣನಿಗ ಅತಯಂತ ಮುಖ್ಯವಾದದುು ಮುಂದ ಪರದ ೈವದ ಬಗ ೆ ಹ ೇಳುತ್ಾಾರ . ಶರಣನಿಗ ದ ೇವರನುು ಕಾಣುವ ಜಿಜ್ಞಾಸ ಯರುತಾದ . ಈ ಜಿಜ್ಞಾಸ ಯಲೆ ಮುಂದುವರದಂತ್ ಆತನಿಗ ದ ೇವನು ಒಬಬನ ೇ ಎನುುವುದು ಸಪಷಿವಾಗುತಾದ . ಆ ಲಂಗವಂದ ೇ ದ ೇವರು ಎನುುವ ಭಾವ ಗಟ್ಟಿಗ ೊಳುುತಾದ . ಆದರ ಆಗಾಗ ಅಜ್ಞಾನದ ಕತಾಲ್ ಆವರಸ್ಸ ಇತರ ದ ೈವಗಳನುು ನಂಬುವಂತ್ ಮಾಡಬಹುದು. ಆ ದ ೈವಗಳು ಅರಗು ತಿಂದು ಕರಗುವವಾಗಿರಬಹುದು,

ಅಥವಾ ಮಣುಣ ಇಲೆವ

ಸಗಣಿಯಂದ ಮಾಡಿದವುಗಳಾಗಿರಬಹುದು ಅಥವಾ ಇನಾುವುದ ೊೇ

ರೊಪದಲೆರಬಹುದು. ಒಂದು ಕ್ಷಣದ ಅಜ್ಞಾನ ಇವುಗಳನ ುಲೆ ದ ೇವರು ಎಂದು ನಂಬುವಂತ್ ಮಾಡುತಾದ . ಆದುರಂದ ಆ ಅಜ್ಞಾನಕ ೆ ಒಳಗಾಗದ ಇತರ ದ ೇವರುಗಳನುು ನಂಬದ ಇರುವಂತಹ ಛಲಬ ೇಕು ಶರಣನಿಗ ಎನುುತ್ಾಾರ . ಈ ಛಲ ಆತನನುು ಏಕಾಗರತ್ ಯಂದ ತನು ದಾರಯಲೆ ಮುಂದುವರಯುವಂತ್ ಮಾಡುತಾದ . ಆಮೆೇಲ್ , ಶರಣನಿಗ ಲಂಗ ಜಂಗಮ ಒಂದ ೇ ಎನುುವ ಅರವು ಇರಬ ೇಕು ಎನುುತ್ಾಾರ . ಲಂಗ ಎಂದರ ದ ೇವರು. ಜಂಗಮ ಎಂದರ ಆ ಲಂಗವನುು ಅರತು ಅನುಭವಿಸ್ಸದವನು. ಮತುಾ ಆ ಅರವನುು ಪಡ ಯಲು ಯೇಗಯರಾದವರ ಹತಿಾರ ತ್ಾನ ೇ ನಡ ತಂದು ಆ ಅರವನ ಡ ಗ ಹ ೊೇಗಲು ಸಹಾಯ ಮಾಡುವ ವಯಕಾ. ಒಟ್ಟಿನಲೆ ಜಂಗಮ ಲಂಗಸವರೊಪಿ. ಲಂಗ ಮಾತರ ದ ೇವರು ಎಂದುಕ ೊಂಡು ನಿಜಿೇೇವವಾದ ಲಂಗವನುು ಮಾತರ ಪೂಜಿಸುತಾ ಇರುವುದು ತಪುಪ ಮತುಾ ಅಜ್ಞಾನ. ಲಂಗಸವರೊಪಿಯಾದ ಜಂಗಮನೊ ಲಂಗವ ೇ. ಇಬಬರೊ ಒಂದ ೇ ಎನುುವ ತಿಳುವಳಕ

ಇರಬ ೇಕು. ಬಸವಣಣನವರಂತೊ ಜಂಗಮರನೊು ಕೊಡಲಸಂಗನ ರೊಪವ ಂದ ೇ

ಪರಗಣಿಸುತಿಾದುರು.

VSNA Convention 2013 ಸಮಾಜದಲೆಯ ಮಾನವರಗ ಗೌರವವನುು ಕ ೊಡದ ಕ ೇವಲ ಲಂಗಪೂಜ ಮಾಡಿದರ ಅದಕ ೆ ಯಾವ ಅಥೇವೂ ಇರುವುದಿಲೆ. ಪರತಿಜಿೇವಿಯೊ ದ ೇವರ ಅಂಶವ ೇ ಅದುರಂದ ಅದು ಲಂಗವ ೇ ಎನುುವ ಅರವು ಗಟ್ಟಿಗ ೊಳುಬ ೇಕು. ಅದಲೆದ ಭಾವ ಮನದಲೆ ಬರಗ ೊಡದ ಛಲ ಬ ೇಕು ಶರಣನಿಗ . ಕ ೊನ ಯದಾಗಿ ಪರಸಾದದ ವಿಷಯ. ಸಾಮಾನಯವಾಗಿ ನಾವು ದ ೇವರಗ ಎಡ ಮಾಡಿದದು ಪರಸಾದ ಎಂಬುದು ಎಲೆರಗೊ ತಿಳದದುು. ಅಂದರ ಪರಕೃತಿಯಲೆರುವುದನುು ನಾವು ಆರಸ್ಸ ತಂದು ಅದನುು ದ ೇವರಗ ಅಪಿೇಸುತ್ ಾೇವ . ಆನಂತರ ಅದು ದ ೇವರಂದ ನಮಗ ಪರಸಾದವಾಗಿ ಬರುತಾದ . ಇದನುು ಪರಸಾದವ ಂದು ಎಲೆರೊ ಒಪಿಪಕ ೊಳುುತ್ಾಾರ . ಆದರ ಇಲೆ ಬಸವಣಣನವರು ಹ ೇಳುತಿಾರುವುದು ಭಿನುವಾಗಿದ ಎನಿುಸುತಾದ . ಪರಕೃತಿಯಲೆರುವುದ ಲೆವೂ ಪರಸಾದವ ೇ. ಏಕ ಂದರ ಎಲೆವೂ ದ ೇವರ ಸೃಷ್ಟಿಯೇ, ದ ೇವರ ಕ ೊಡುಗ ಯೇ. ಅಲೆ ನನುದು ಎನುುವುದು ಏನೊ ಇಲೆ. ಅಲೆ ನಾನು ಮಾಡಿದುದು ಏನೊ ಇಲೆ. ಆದುರಂದ ಎಲೆವೂ ದ ೇವರ ಪರಸಾದವ ೇ ಸತಯ ಎಂಬ ಭಾವವಿರಬ ೇಕು, ಎನುುತ್ಾಾರ ಬಸವಣಣನವರು. ನ ೈತಿಕತ್ ಯನುು ಕಾಪಾಡಿಕ ೊಳುುವ ಛಲದಿಂದ ಪಾರರಂಭವಾಗಿ ಶರಣನು ಅಧ್ಾಯತಮದ ದಾರಯಲೆ ಮುಂದುವರದು ದ ೇವನು ಒಬಬನ ೇ, ಲಂಗ ಜಂಗಮ ಒಂದ ೇ ಮತುಾ ಎಲೆವೂ ದ ೇವರ ಪರಸಾದವ ೇ ಎನುುವ ಮಟಿಕ ೆ ಏರಬಹುದು. ಸಕಾರಾತಮಕವಾದ ಛಲ ಆತನನುು ಈ ಔನುತಯಕ ೆೇರಸುತಾದ .

ಎನಗಿಂತ ಕಿರಿಯರಿಲೆ! ಶ್ವಭಕುರಿಗಿಂತ ಹಿರಿಯರಿಲೆ ನಮಮ ಪ್ಾದ ಸಾಕ್ಷಿ ಎನನ ಮನ ಸಾಕ್ಷಿ! ಕೊಡಲಸಂಗಮದ ೇವಾ ಎನಗಿದ ೇ ದಿಬಯ No one is inferior to me! No one is superior to the devotees of the Lord Shiva! I swear on your feet! I swear on my heart (mind)! O Lord Kudalasangamadeva, this is verily the touch-stone for me!

VSNA Convention 2013

Yoga & Pranayama for Stress Management: Mrs. Jyothi Murthy and Mrs. Meera Rama Rao Yoga as Patanjali defines, “Citta Vrutti Nirodah” - a way of moving towards peaceful state of mind. It is a conscious process of being in ‘self’. Stress the reaction to the demanding situation on the human physiology. Stresses can occur at two levels. One is the physical stress like accidents, burns, major surgeries, major infection, which make demand on the entire physiology. Psychological stresses, which can occur independently or as a reaction to the physical stresses for ex.: fear, anxiety, tension, worry, jealousy, hatred, anger, excitement, emotional conflicts etc. It may be a temporary stress demanding only on immediate adaptation process or it may be in standing one leaving deep seated subconscious impressions leading to prolonged tensions. So, Stress Management techniques which is tool to consciously take the mind to that higher state of relaxation using the yoga technique “Cyclic Meditation”

The above figure represents our existing layers of our body: Yoga, a way of life which brings harmony at all levels. 65

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    

Annamaya Kosa Pranamaya Kosa Manomaya kosa Vijnanamaya Kosa Anandamaya Kosa

Physical & gross body Vital body Mental body Intellect body Subtle body

- Asanas, Kriyas, Cyclic Meditation - Breathing exercises, pranayama - Meditation - Discourses, counseling, Swadhyaya - Happy with oneself

Introduction: Cyclicity is one of the key facets of nature. We find this cyclicity present in the nature, internally and externally. The earth revolves in the solar system, stars moves in larger orbits, planets circle around the sun, seasonal changes repeat themselves year after year, days and nights roll on one after the other, alternating mornings, afternoons and evenings. Electrons moving around the nucleus, menstrual cycles, sleep cycles, breathing rhythms, circulatory cycles and brain cell operations – all go to show that cyclicity is the main facet of nature, internal and external. Activity and rest, a higher activity region compensated by a low activity region in the cosmos (or nature) occur alternatively. Utilization of renewable sources of energy in the external world is the essence of ecologically friendly technology which utilizes the cyclicity of nature. Any Sadhana for inner growth should also incorporate cyclicity for smooth operations. Human tendency is to be in stimulation most of the time and he rarely knows the method of relaxation. Cyclic Meditation is an art which provides us the adequate knowledge of relaxation techniques in spite of various kinds of stimuli that we tend to do in our day to day life. Objectives: In this unit we have given the step by step methodology of Cyclic Meditation – series of yoga practices with successive stimulation to relaxation. Concept: Cyclic Meditation built on the principle of alternate stimulation and relaxation incorporates this concept of cyclicity as explained in the introduction and hence is in tune with the nature. A number of stimulations is varying intensity suited to different levels of stress bring out harmonious growth in tune with one’s innate nature. The smallest and the most profound of the Upanishads is the ‘Mandokyopanishad’. In tradition, the commentary karika on the Upanishads is regarded as part of the Upanishad itself. In that, we have essence of all ‘sadhana’ beautifully described thus: “Laye sambhodhayet Cittam, Viksiptam Samyetpunah, Sakasayam vinaniyatsampraptam na calayet’

VSNA Convention 2013

Meaning: Stimulate and awaken the sleeping mind, calm down the distractions, recognize the innate stagnations and stay in steadiness without disturbing it. The two major problems is sadhana are that the mind is either drowsy and sleepy or hyperactive with distraction. When we activate the system, the stagnation is shattered which may lead to distractions. Calming of distractions is the remedy. But again it may lead to subtle stagnation which has to be recognized to make further progress of distractions and featured by wakefulness, if the mind gets steadied it is the right state to stay in without further disturbance. Pranayama Techniques:       

Cleansing Energizing Organizing Balancing Cooling Merging Oneself

Kapalabhati Bastrika Sectional breathing Nadi Shuddhi Sitali, Sitkari, Sadanta Brahmari Om Meditation -

Forcible exhalation Forcible inhalation and exhalation Abdominal, Thoracic, Clavicular Alternate Nostril breathing Manipulating the tongue Female honeybee sound A-U-M

Yogena chittasya padena vacham Malam sarisyacha vaidyakenam Yopakarotam pravaram muninam Patanjaim pranjali ranatosmi Meaning: For the problems at mind level, one have to do yoga to bring it to peaceful state. For the proper speech, one have to learn proper grammar by Panini. For problems at the body level, one have to follow ‘Ayurveda’. This is told by Patanjali. References: New Perspective in Stress Management Yoga for Positive Health Swamy Vivekananada Yoga Research Foundation

VSNA Convention 2013

VSNA Convention Biz Summit

“Discover the Entrepreneur in YOU” Join Business Summit organizers and a Panel of Elite Entrepreneurs for an engaging conversation and a unique learning opportunity that promises to leave you INSPIRED! Meet our awesome Speakers!

Topics

Ian Ippilito, Founder and CEO of Exhedra Solutions, Inc, Entrepreneur Magazine’s “100 Smartest, Most Innovative + Brilliant Companies”. Inc. 5000 “Fastest growing companies in the U.S. award” 4 years in a row. Interviewed by Wall Street Journal, Business Week, Forbes, TIME, Fast Company, TechCrunch, CBS, FOX and more. Sold his venture VWorker for a cool 11 Million USD.

“How I Started a MultiMillion Dollar Firm from my Extra Bedroom”

– Ian Ippilito “navigating an entrepreneurial ecosystem”

Sheena Koshy “opportunities for investing in India”

– Ram gangisetti

Sheena Koshy, recognized as the Northeast Florida’s Innovator and Influencer of 2013, Sheena is the Conversation Curator for iStart Jax (www.istartjax.org), a business accelerator for tech startups based in Jacksonville, Florida. Her job involves connecting the dots between entrepreneurs and resources accelerate the growth of startup communities. Business summit team 2013 MJ Charmani, Chair Mahesh Shivamallappa Mallikarjuna Swamy Anu Kora

July 6th 4.00 PM 68

VSNA Convention 2013

VSNA Cultural Programs: Kalpana Malligere VSNA Cultural Programs by our vsna artists was excellent, who had traveled from various parts of the US to perform. To begin with, Shreya Dhananajay from Chicago sang Basavanna’s vachana. It was followed by a dance drama “Onaake Obava”, performed by a group from Jacksonville, FL. Legend of Onake Obavva Obavva was the wife of a guard at Chitradurga fort during the reign of Madakari Nayaka. While her husband is eating she comes out to fetch water. She hears the muted sounds of enemy soldiers attempting to enter the fort through the crevice. With great presence of mind she immediately hid behind the crevice in the fort and hit at each soldier trying to squeeze through the crevice with Onake, the name given in Kannada to a masse or pestle, a wooden rod used for pounding paddy. In this process, she killed several enemy soldiers. By the time her husband appeared on the scene, she had already dragged several bodies of dead soldiers into the fort wall and was standing around the dead bodies with the blood stained Onake in her hand. The guard blew the bugle alerting the army. But Obavva herself was killed by an enemy soldier. This legendary act of patriotism was enacted in a dance drama by the Jacksonville team for the song from Puttanna Kanagals movie ‘Nagara haavu’. Cast Obavva: Guard: Madakarinayaka: Hyder Ali: Spy: Soldiers:

Manjula Mahesh Mahesh Shivamallappa Ravi Marulendra Deepa Kurahatti Tanvi Marulendra Akanksh, Eshan, Shreyas, Mayank, Sanika, Parul

One of our young artists from Florida chapter, Neha Patil from Orlando sang a bhajan in praise of Lord Shiva. Our next program was from Chicago team, who performed a Vachana Nritya on Nelanonde Holageri Shivaalayakke and Haraneeva Kaalakke Siriyu Bennalli Banthu. The participants were Esha Patil, Priya Dhananjay, Rhea Kumar, Rohan Kumar, Sachin Shiva and Shreya Dhananjay. The dance was choreographed by Neeta Dhananjay. Sharana Sankula was an outstanding play with participants from multiple chapters, directed by Shashikala Chandrashekar of Washington chapter. The participants were Shashikala Chandrashekar, Sheela Rajashekhar, Jayasheila Murthy, Vamadeva Murthy, Basavaraj Mudenur, Mamatha Mudenur, Vimala Siddalingaiah, Vidya Rao, Mamatha Hirannaiah, Kalpana and Sajjan Shiva.

VSNA Convention 2013

Marissa Rajashekar from Maryland performed to the Bettadha Melondu Maneya Madee vachana, truly one of Akkamahdevi's masterpiece, which portrays how one must stay equanimous while handling life's situations, how we should not lose our temper and finally how we should not complain about the results of your own mistakes. Vidya Rudresh from Atlanta presented Panchali Shabdham. Panchali Shabdham depicts a familiar episode from the Mahabharatha. Composer: Sri. D. S. Srivatsa, Choreographed by Padmaja Kelam. Our next program was from Sharanarthis from three corners of Florida. This group of Sharanarthis led us to the path of god using some of Basavanna's vachanas. The participants are Rachna Sannegowda from Orlando, Anagha Doddamane, Kiran Ganagadhar, Tanisha Devershetty from Tampa, Shikha Patel and Purbasha Rahman from Stuart, FL. The next program was from Disha Mudenur from New England who danced gracefully to the popular folk song from Karnataka Bhagyada Balegara. Next performance was from Orlando team dancing for the vachana Jnanada Baladinda. The participants were Akanksh Jambagi, Nidhi Budibetta, Eshan Ramesh, Aadhya Babaladi, Krishang Babaladi and Isha Jigaginni. The last and definitely not the least was the dance for the folk song Nimbiya Banada myagala from ladies of Orlando, Florida by Deepa Jambagi, Sabitha Jigaginni and Manjula Babaladi. After we enjoyed this array of excellent performances, we headed to the main hall for a delicious banquet followed by a stunning performance from Vidwan Mysore Nagaraj.

VSNA Convention 2013

Musical Evening with Smt. Sangeeta Katti

Smt. Sangeeta Katti is one of the leading Hindustani Classical Vocalists amongst the young brigade of artists of India. She was recently awarded the prestigious Suvarna Karnataka Rajyotsava award, 2006-07 by the Karnataka State Government. Daughter of Dr. H. A. Katti and Smt Bharati Katti, Sangeeta was born in Dharwad, an abode of Music, significantly on the Saraswati pooja day of Dasara as a child prodigy in music, on 7th October 1970. Sangeeta received the initial lessons in Music from her father and she was fortunate to have the blessings of the Legendary Sangeet Samrat Naushad Ali at the tender age of 4, which paved her way to learn Hindustani Classical Music. Trained initially under Sri Sheshagiri Dandapur and Pt. Chandrashekhar Puranikmath, Sangeeta received the advance training in classical vocal from Padmabhushan Pt. Basavraj Rajguru of Kirana & Gwalior Gharana 71

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for about 12 years. She is presently under the tutelage of PadmaVibushana Gana Saraswati Smt Kishori Amonkar of the Jaipur-Atrauli Gharana. She was accompanied on Tabla by Sri Shankachur Lahiri and on Harmonium by Mr. B. Somashekar. Sri Shankachur Lahiri Shankhachur comes from a family with a strong tradition of Indian Classical Music and has fully devoted his life to this art. Son of the visionary sitarist and Guru Shri Rabindranath Lahiri (disciple of Ustad Dabir Khan), he grew up in an environment imbued with the fragrance of Hindustani music. As a child, he received intensive training in both vocal and tabla from his father and went on to graduate with a Sangeet Visharad in both subjects. He later took advanced talim in tabla from Pt. Sandeep Dev in Kolkata. Besides tabla and vocal, Shankh has explored many different percussion instruments such as the Pakhawaj, Cyjon Drum etc. He has accompanied and toured with many reputed and front ranking artists such as Pt. Jasraj, Arati Ankalikar, Pt. Nayan Ghosh (sitar), Shri Rakesh Chaurasia (flute), Ustad Saeed Zafar Khan (sitar), and many others. He is a regular performer with his elder brother Pulak Lahiri (sitar), and his sister, a young talented vocal exponent Sangeeta Lahiri. Shankhachur was a prominent faculty member and respected teacher for many years with the Pandit Jasraj School of Music Foundation in Tampa, Florida (USA). He shares his knowledge with many students in his newly formed Music School in Tampa, Florida.

Mr B Somashekar Mr. B. Somashekar is a retired professor & an ex-principal of J.S.S College, Mysore. He holds Master of Arts in Kannada Literature, diploma in English Literature and diploma in Dramatics. Mr. Somashekar is a founder and president of Saptaswara Balaga Trust, an organization that promotes Hindustani Classical Music in Mysore by organizing music concerts and festivals and by running a music school for all ages. Mr. Somashekar is an accomplished harmonium player in Hindustani Classical style. He has also directed, acted and provided music to more than 35 dramas as part of amateur drama troops in and around Mysore. He has numerous publications in vachana literature and collections of poems, essays. Divyachetana, agnidivya, akka kelavva and hanneradane shathamanadha sharana dampathigalu are a few of his publications.

VSNA Convention 2013

Sharana Smarana â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Kathak Recital from Vidwan Sri Mysore B. Nagaraj

Vidwan Mysore B. Nagaraj is a highly accomplished artist and scholar, internationally renowned for his dance and choreography. In addition, his rendition of Veerashaiva themes/vachanas were passionate, inspiring, educational and memorable. We were honored and excited that he choreographed a production for the VSNA convention. It was a one man theater production, based on the anecdotes from the life and literary works of some of the sharanas. He explained and interpreted the vachanas. The enactment was in English while the vachanas were in Kannada. The whole program was very well received and was the highlight of the convention.

VSNA Convention 2013

Revitalizing VSNA through Youth: Neeta D’Souza, Youth Board President For many of the people on this year’s youth convention committee, VSNA has been a constant in our lives; from attending local chapter meetings to going to conventions across the country, our families have made sure to include themselves in the community. After attending five conventions across the country, I realized that the amount of participation, not only from the youth themselves but also from Veerashaivite families, was falling. The last convention that Meghana, Rachna and I attended, in Florida during the summer of 2013, had only around 250 people, and there was only one specifically youth activity. To me, this was so disappointing, considering that I have seen how successful the conventions have been in the past with fostering friendships, generating spiritual thought, and creating an enjoyable atmosphere. This problem was recognized not only by us but also by the Swamiji who was present at the Florida convention. On the Saturday of that convention, the Swamiji called youth members, including current convention committee members (Meghana, Rachna, and myself), to the stage and made us promise to take a bigger role in the conference next year. We agreed because we truly feel that VSNA can be a majorly positive force in the lives of the high school and college age people who attend, not only on a spiritual level, but also on a communal level. This year, we plan to introduce more youth activities and youth-adult integrating activities into the VSNA schedule. We want to start things off by including an amazing youth retreat, one that is exciting enough for people to want to come and also an easy and fun introductory activity. We also want to include a youth-only forum with the Swamiji this year. Many of us do not follow the Veerashaivism that our parents or grandparents followed. Some of us don’t even believe in God, and others don’t do the linga pooja or other rituals. We would like to have a safe space to discuss our beliefs, how they have evolved, and how to reconcile Veerashaivism, which isn’t a religion as much as it is a lifestyle, with our identity. The VSNA Convention is the best place to introduce these concepts and initiate a discussion based in philosophical inquiry amongst youth. Finally, VSNA is not only a religious convention but also a cultural one. We plan on introducing cultural activities that make youth across the country participate, including improved competitions and cultural performances. In other words, next year’s VSNA convention will be anything but boring, and we plan on making it an event to remember. If you’re in high school or college and have always wondered why your parents have dragged you to these things, we hope you reconsider this year’s convention and take an active role in the events we have planned—we promise that you will have an amazing time. If you are looking for a way to get more involved in VSNA (perhaps start a chapter youth initiative) and would like our help, contact the convention youth board at vsnayouth@gmail.com. VSNA 2014 Convention Youth Board: Neeta D’Souza Poonam Benakatti Meghana Patil Pranitha Patil Meghana Eswarappa Rachna Sannegowda 74

Tanvi Kartal

VSNA Convention 2013

Vachana Antakshari â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Impressions of Dr. Sajjan Shiva We are pleased to inform you that the FIRST Vachana Anthaakshari conducted during the convention turned out to be a big success. Dr. Sajjan Shiva hosted the event in consultation with Mrs. Nayanatara Swamy. He was assisted by Chandrakanth Kalmady. The event was advertised so attendees came prepared with Vachanas that they can recite and participate in the activity. We divided the audience into two groups. The host started with the Vachana, Chala Beku Sharanange, and the theme of the convention. The two groups competed to come up with a Vachana beginning with the ending letter of the last recited Vachana. The event went on for more than half an hour, the time allocated for it. We had to stop the event at the risk of disappointment of participants. We were surprised by the knowledge and familiarity of Vachanas among the participants â&#x20AC;&#x201C; youth and adults alike. We were especially impressed by two or three youth members, who apparently had prepared to be active participants. The event went so smooth that no prompts were needed. We expected the participants to recite one or two lines beginning with the appropriate letter. Most recited the complete Vachana and some with melody. This probably was the most enthusiastically participated event during the convention. The feedback we received later from the convention attendees did confirm that this was one of the best programs of the convention and they gave kudos to the organizers and the host for arranging and managing the program so well. It was nice to have Taralabalu Swamiji in the audience. He encouraged and provided enthusiastic support and suggested that we should continue this event in all future conventions and gatherings. Here is a photo from this event.

VSNA Convention 2013

Advaita Philosophy of Vīraśaivas: Linga Raju Advaita Philosophy is the ‘Oneness’ Philosophy. Vīraśaivas believe in only one Absolute Reality called Śūnya. Literal meaning of Śūnya is ‘void’ ‘emptiness’ or ‘nothing’. The Śūnya of Vīraśaivas is the ‘Infinite’ or the ‘Absolute’, and is equivalent to Brahman of the Upaniṣads. Brahman is mere Jñāna or Knowledge. Brahman is impartite and without a body, and therefore, it cannot be worshipped by an ordinary person. A form of deity has to be adopted for an ordinary aspirant for the purpose of worship. For a Vēdic-ritualistic person, the deity is the sacred fire into which oblations are offered. For a person of contemplation the deity is in the heart of that person. For one who is not enlightened yet, the deity is the image in a concrete form. But for the one who knows Ātman (Self), it is the Self that is everywhere. The Vīraśaivas propound the theory of ‘Sāmarasyavāda’ or the argument that delineates the idea of ‘Unity’ or ‘Oneness’. Vīraśaivas have conveniently adopted Śiva for the purpose of worship. Brahman or Śiva has two aspects. Nirguṇa Brahman or Nirguṇa Śiva is attribute-less and is Śūnya of Vīraśaivas. Nirguṇa Śiva is transcendent and tranquil, and therefore is dissociated from Śakti. Śūnyasaṁpādane is the attainment of this Nirguṇa state of Śiva. The other aspect of Śiva is the Saguṇa aspect with attributes. In this Saguṇa aspect, Śiva is associated with Śakti. Out of this Saguṇa Śiva, Śakti emanates and creates the universe. Śiva is the male component, and Śakti is the female component. Śiva and Śakti are inseparable; the inseparable relationship is compared to the fire and its burning power. Saguṇa Śiva has active Consciousness. The universe and the worldly existence are created by Śakti in Śiva’s Consciousness. The activities are being played out as Līlā (sport, game, play, play acting) in Śiva’s Consciousness. Hence everything is real within Śiva’s Consciousness – that way everything is still one – one Reality. The impersonal Nirguṇa Śiva transcends the human intellect; therefore the personal Saguṇa Śiva is worshipped as Liṅga which represents the whole universe. But the Absolute is to be known as it really is, and not as one wishes to see it (1). Vīraśaivas believe that one can attain oneness with the Absolute, even when alive. The spiritual aspirant has to first go through various moral and ethical practices, worship Śiva/Liṅga as the personal God, and then go through intense meditation which enables the aspirant the knowledge of the inner Divine Self. When the body and soul is Divine, the outer symbol is superfluous. At that stage, rigid scriptural prescription of outward aids for worship is like confining the Infinite with a headband, it is absurd (1). This process of attaining oneness is called Śūnyasaṁpādane. It is also called Liṅgāṅgasāmarasya, the attainment of union of Liṅga and Aṅga. The attainment of Śūnya is through Ṣaṭsthala. The Vīraśaiva concept of Ṣaṭsthala is the spiritual hierarchy of six stages through which the seeker rises stage by stage till the apparent duality vanishes and attains oneness. The Ṣaṭsthalas are Bhaktasthala, Māhēśvarasthala, Prasādisthala, Prāṇaliṅgisthala, Śaraṇasthala and Aikyasthala. Vīraśaivas believe that the worship of, or meditation on the monosyllable Ōṁ can lead to the highest knowledge. This Ōṁkāra or Ōṁ-form is said to represent both Nirguṇa and Saguṇa aspects of Brahman or Śiva. Ōṁkāra is termed Praṇava, because it is the source of support of Prāṇa which is life or life-force. But the Absolute is termed Praṇavaparātpara – that which 76

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transcends even the Praṇava. Ōṁ is Śabdabrahman whereas the Absolute is ‘Silence’ (śabda means sound). One has to transcend Ōṁ to attain the Absolute. It appears that Vīraśaivism and Liṅgāyatism are synonymous, and are used interchangeably. However, the Liṅgāyat version applies/uses the term Liṅga for everything to emphasize the oneness philosophy. Śūnya is Niṣkala Liṅga. The Universal Self is Mahāliṅga. The Individual Self is Ātmaliṅga. Śūnyasaṁpādane, the attainment of oneness with the Absolute, is Liṅgāṅgasāmarasya. The personal god Śiva is Iṣṭaliṅga (portable form) and Sthāvaraliṅga (fixed version at a temple). Śūnyasaṁpādane compilations are considered by Vīraśaivas to be what the Bible is to the Christians. The compilations consider Vīraśaiva philosophy to be Śiva-advaita philosophy Śivādvaitism. Siddhānta Śikhāmaṇi, another important Vīraśaiva scripture also states the philosophy to be Śiva-advaita Philosophy. However some others have raised controversy, stating that it is Śaktiviśiṣṭādvaitism (2). This term is not mentioned anywhere in either Śūnyasaṁpādane or Siddhānta Śikhāmaṇi. Professor Sakhare in his book (2) states that the philosophy of Liṅgāyatism is the same as that of Kashmere Śivādvaitas. Śiva is characterized and distinguished (viśiṣṭa) by His power (Śakti) or capacity to work. Kashmere philosophers imply the viśiṣṭatva of Śiva, but do not express it in so many words; but Liṅgāyatas do – this is the point of difference in terminology only (page 281 of reference 2). He continues – Liṅgāyat philosophy of Māyā is an improvement upon Kashmerean theory where there is no explanation of what the real Māyā is (page 290 of reference 2). He states that misconception is possible if the content of Paraśiva, the un-manifest condition of the universe in Śiva’s consciousness (Śakti) is stressed; and that this could be construed to be similar to the philosophy of Rāmānuja’s school of Viśiṣṭādvaita (page 290 of reference 2). Emphasizing Śakti and using the term viśiṣṭa in the proposal of Śaktiviśiṣṭādvaitism is causing too much confusion, and the concept may be misconstrued. It is to be pointed out again that Śūnyasaṁpādane is the attainment of Śūnya, the Absolute, the Infinite, the Nirguṇa aspect of Brahman or Śiva. Nirguṇa Śiva is dissociated from Śakti. Therefore, the Vīraśaiva Philosophy cannot be Śaktiviśiṣṭadvaitism, because it would mean the attainment of Saguṇa Śiva only; that is not the philosophy of Vīraśaivas. As to the practice of Vīraśaivism – Śūnyasaṁpādane text (1) is replete with the use of the terms Śivādvaita and Śivādviata-bhakti in the practice of Vīraśaivism where the worshipper and the worshipped is one and the same. Śiva-advaita philosophy is generally accepted to be the philosophy of Vīraśaivas. If there is a need for another term to differentiate the philosophy of Vīraśaivas from others, then may be, simply the term Vīra-advaitism (Vīrādvaitism) or Liṅgaadvaitism (Liṅgādvaitsm) could be used. 1. ŚŪNYASAṀPĀDANE. Volumes I through V. Published by Karnataka University, Dharwad, India 2. History and Philosophy of Lingāyat Religion. M. R. Sakhare. 1978 Karnataka University, Dharwad, Karnataka, India.

VSNA Convention 2013

Heroes in our World and the Difference They Made: Shreya Dhananjaya What defines a hero? Is it someone who flies in a cape and saves lives? Being a hero means doing what is right almost all the time. Heroes help others in the world every day. Although a hero might not be someone who flies in a cape or is a superhero, they display dedication, leadership, and courage in the face of adversity. Nelson Mandela is a hero because he not only fought South African apartheid but he also became a global emblem of unity and humanity. Nelson Mandela is brave and dedicated. He is brave because he stood up for what he believed in and stood up for the people. He went to great lengths to help and lead South Africans to freedom of equality. Mandela led many campaigns and movements. He led the Defiance Campaign against Unjust Laws. This was presented by the African National Congress at a conference in December 1951, which Mandela was the leader of. Another trait of Mandela was dedication. Even though he went to prison for 27 years, he never lost his determination and remained dedicated. “His release marked the beginning of the end of apartheid,” many people said. I personally think that Mandela’s release spread a little hope in the South Africans’ hearts. At the age of 94 years old, Nelson Mandela is still able to unite the people of South Africa. This shows how dedicated he is to his country. From his actions I have learnt that he was a leader not a follower and he was neither shy nor afraid to spread peace around the country and gain freedom of equality for his people. Nelson Mandela reminds me of myself because I am a leader and I want to make a difference in others’ lives. Mohandas Gandhi also known as Mahatma Gandhi was a hero because he was an ordinary man who came forward as a leader to fight for what he believed in. He fought in a non-violent manner, which helped him lead India to freedom from the British. Gandhi was determined and effective. He was determined because even though the British were much more powerful than India, Gandhi never gave up. He led non-violent protests, marches and strikes such as the Dandi Salt March in 1930. This was a 240 mile march to produce salt without paying the tax. Even though he was imprisoned many times, he never lost hope and remained persistent in getting freedom for India in a non-violent way. He was effective because he used the concept of truth and love as weapons and after all those years of non-violent protesting and striking, the British Empire had finally left India! This shows how nonviolence is more effective than violence and how important it is to have world peace. I think world peace is important to all of us because without it we would risk wrecking the world as we know it. Mahatma Gandhi’s nature was very calm and kind. He was neither greedy nor cruel. He was a simple man who achieved great things. One of his many famous quotes were, “We must be the change we want to see in the world.” I am really inspired by this quote because it shows me that anything is possible and once you put your to mind to achieve something great, you can reach your goals. Even after Gandhi was assassinated, his legacy still lives on, showing the world that one can be a hero and accomplish great things without guns, swords or hatred. Martin Luther King Junior was a hero because he was one of the great leaders of the civil rights movement in the United States of America. The civil rights movement in my opinion is one of the 78

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defining events in American history, providing an example of Americans fighting for the ideals of justice and equality. King was ambitious and confident. He was ambitious because he led the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the March on Washington where he made a speech called, “I Have a Dream.” I feel that this speech changed many peoples’ thoughts about discrimination. The Montgomery Bus Boycott was a political and social protest against racial segregation on the public transportation and the March on Washington was a rally for human rights such as jobs and freedom. He was relentless and he never stopped working to get freedom. Martin Luther King Junior was confident because even though he came across a lot of resistance by whites and the United States government, nothing stopped him. He never gave up hope and would always help others. Even as an African American, he fought bravely in a non-violent way just like Gandhi and Nelson Mandela. This helped him achieve his goal of eliminating racial discrimination. I look up to him because of what he has achieved for the United States. On the website, it stated, “Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. has inspired people around the world with his message of peaceful resistance and racial equality.” I feel that he has done more than that. He has made many people realize that all men are equal no matter the color of their skin. He was neither opinionated nor selfish and fought the United States government nonviolently for freedom for his people. I am really inspired by Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Junior because of how they took leadership and stood up for their rights and the beliefs to make them into reality. I look up to all three of these amazing heroes. They have taught me to stand up for myself in a non-violent way and to be a leader so I can help make a difference in peoples’ lives.

ದ ೇವಲ್ ೊೇಕ ಮತಯಯಲ್ ೊೇಕವ ಂಬುದು ಬ ೇರಿಲೆ ಕಾಣಿರಣಣ. ಸತಯವ ನುಡಿವುದ ೇ ದ ೇವಲ್ ೊೇಕ! ಮಿಥ್ಯವ ನುಡಿವುದ ೇ ಮತಯಯಲ್ ೊೇಕ! ಆಚಾರವ ೇ ಸವಗಯ! ಅನಾಚಾರವ ೇ ನರಕ! ನೇವ ೇ ಪರಮಾಣ ಕೊಡಲಸಂಗಮದ ೇವ.

VSNA Convention 2013

ಪ್ಾೆರಿಡ ಚಾಪಟರಿನ 2013 ರ VSNA ಸಮೆಮಳನದ ಬಗ ೆ – ಪ್ರರ. ಬಿ. ಸ ೊೇಮಶ ೇಖರ್ ಅಮೀರಿಕ್ಕೆಕ ಬಂದು ಅಮೀರಿಕ್ನ್ ಅಂತಾಗುವುದು, ತನನ ನೆಲ, ಜಲ, ಭಾಷೆ, ಸಂಸೃತಿಯನುನ ಮರೆಯುವುದು ಬಲಲವರ ಮತವಲಲ. ಹಾಗಾಗಿ ಕ್ನಾಥಟಕ್ದವರು ಎಲೆಲೀ ಹೊೀಗಲಿ ಆ ನೆಲದ ಧಮಥಕೆಕ ಹೊಂದಿಕೊಳುುವುದರ ಜೊತೆಗೆ ತಮಮತನವನುನ ಉಳಿಸ್ತ್ಕೊಳುುವುದನುನ ಕಾಣುತೆತೀವೆ. ಕ್ನಾಥಟಕ್ದವರು ಕ್ನನಡಕ್ೂಟಗಳನುನ ಕ್ಟ್ಟಟಕೊಂಡು ಕ್ನನಡ ಸಂಸೃತಿಯನುನ ಇತರರಿಗೆ ಪರಿಚಯ ಮಾದಿಕೊಡುತಾತರೆ. ವಿೀರಶೆೈವರು VSNA ಕ್ಟ್ಟಟಕೊಂಡು ಶ್ರಣ ಧಮಥವನುನ ಬತತರಿಸುತಾತರೆ. ಮೂಲಭೂತವಾದ, ಸಂಪರದಾಯವಾದ, ಮೂಢ ನಂಬಕೆ, ಅಜಾನನವೆೀ ತುಂಬ ತುಳುಕ್ುತಿದದ ಭಾರತದಲಿಲ ಅತಾಯಧುನಿಕ್ವೆಂಬಂರ್ ರಕ್ತರಹಿತ ವಿಚಾರಕಾರಂತಿಯಂದು ನಡೆದದುದ ಒಂದು ವಿಸಮಯವೆೀ ಸರಿ. ಇದನುನ ಮನಗಂಡ ವಿೀರಶೆೈವರು ಇಂತಹ ಒಂದು ಅಭೂತಪೂವಥ ಧಮಥವನುನ ಜಗತಿತನ ಜನಕೆಕ ಪರಿಚಯಿಸಲು ಕ್ಟ್ಟಬದದರಾಗಿ ತಾವು ಎಲೆಲೀ ಹೊೀಗಲಿ ಅಲಿಲ ಒಂದು ವಿೀರಶೆೈವ ಸಂಘವನುನ ಕ್ಟ್ಟಟಕೊಂಡು ಶ್ರಮಿಸುತಿತರುವುದು ಶಾಲಘಹನಿೀಯ ಮತುತ ಹೆಮಮ ಪಡುವಂತ ವಿಚಾರ. ಈ ಬಾರಿ ಜುಲೆೈ 5, 6 ರ ಶ್ುಕ್ರವಾರ, ಶ್ನಿವಾರ 2013ನೆ ಸಮೇಳನವು ಪ್ಾಲರಿಡಾ ರಾಜಯದ ಟಾಂಪ ನಗರದಲಿಲ ನೆಡೆದು ಭಾಗವಹಿಸ್ತ್ದವರ ಹೃನಮನಗಳಲಿಲ ಸುಖಾನುಭವವನುನಂಟು ಮಾಡ್ವತು. ವಿಶೆೀಷ್ ಅತಿಥಿಯಾಗಿ ಭಾಗವಹಿಸ್ತ್ದ ನನಗೆ ಅದೊಂದು ಅವಿಸಮರಣೀಯ ಅನುಭವವಾಯಿತು. ಶ್ರೀಮತಿ ಸಂಗಿೀತ ಕ್ಟ್ಟಟ ಕ್ುಲಕ್ಣಥ ಅವರ ವಚನಗಾಯನಕೆಕ ಹಾಮೊೀಥನಿಯಂ ನುದಿಸುವುದರ ಜೊತೆಗೆ ಅನುಭವ ಗೊೀಷ್ಟಟಯ ಚಾಲಕ್ನಾಗಿ ಮತುತ ಮಕ್ಕಳ ವಚನ ಗಾಯನ ಸಪದೆಥಯಲಿಲ ತಿೀಪುಥಗಾರನಾಗಿದುದ ಸಂತೊೀಷ್ ಮತುತ ತುರಪ್ತತಯನುನ ತಂದಿತು. ಎರಡು ದಿನದ ಬಡುವಿಲಲದ ಕಾಯಥಕ್ರಮದಲಿಲ ಬೆಳಿಗೆೆ 7:30ರಿಂದ ರಾತಿರ 10 ಘಂಟೆವರೆಗೆ ಚಟುವಟ್ಟಕೆಗಳು ನಡೆದು ಎಲಲರೂ ಭಾಗವಹಿಸ್ತ್ದುದ ಮಚುುವಂತಿತುತ. ಅಮರಿಕ್ ಮತುತ ಭಾರತದ ರಾಷ್ರ ಗಿೀತೆಗಳೆ ಂದಿಗೆ ಪ್ಾರರಂಭವಾದ ಕಾಯಥಕ್ರಮಗಳೆಲಲ ಅಚುುಕ್ಟಾಟಗಿ, ಎಲೂಲ ಗೊಂದಲಕೆಕಡೆಗೊಡದೆ ಸಾಂಗವಾಗಿ ನಡೆದವು. ಎಲೂಲ ಭಾಷ್ಣಗಳ ಕೊರೆತ ಇಲಲದೆ ಸಂಕ್ಷಿಪತ, ಅರ್ಥಪೂಣಥ ಮಾತುಗಳು ನಡೆದು ಸಂಭಾಷ್ಣಾ ರೂಪದಲಿಲ ವಿಚಾರ ವಿನಿಮಯವಾಗಿದುದ ಅಪೂವಥವಾಗಿತುತ. ಸ್ತ್ರಿಗೆರೆಯ ತರಳಬಾಳು ಜಗದುೆರು ಶ್ರೀ ಶ್ವಮೂತಿಥ ಶ್ವಾಚಾಯಥ ಮಹಾಸಾವಮಿಗಳು ಮತುತ ಹುಬಬಳಿುಯ ಅಕ್ಕಕಹೊಂಡ ಹೊಸಮಠದ ಜಗದುೆರು ಶ್ರೀ ಚಂದರಶೆೀಖರ ಶ್ವಯೀಗಿ ರಾಜೆೀಂದರ ಮಹಾಸಾವಮಿೀಜಿ ದವಯರು ಸಾಮಾನಯರಂತೆ ಎಲಲರೊಡನೆ ಬೆರೆತದುದ ವಿಶೆೀಷ್ವಾಗಿತುತ. ಮಕ್ಕಳು ನೆಡೆಸ್ತ್ಕೊಟಟ ಸಾಂಸಕರತಿಕ್ ಕಾಯಥಕ್ರಮಗಳು ಅದುುತವೆನುನವಂತೆ ಮೂಡ್ವಬಂದವು. ಅದರಲೂಲ ಶ್ರೀಮತಿ ಮಂಜುಳ ಮಹೆೀಶ್ ನಿದೆೀಥಶ್ಸ್ತ್ ಪರಸುತತಪಡ್ವಸ್ತ್ದ ಒನಕೆ ಓಬವವ ಕ್ಕರುಪರಹಸನ, ಸ್ತ್ರೀಮತಿ ಮಾಲಾ ವಿವಿೀಕ್ ರೂಪ್ತಸ್ತ್ದ 80

VSNA Convention 2013

ವಚನ ನೃತಯ ರೂಪಕ್ ಮತುತ ಕ್ುಮಾರಿ ವಿದಾಯ ರುದೆರಶ್ ನೃತಯ ಪರದಶ್ಥನ ಪ್ೆರೀಕ್ಷಕ್ರ ಮನಸೂರೆಗೊಂಡವು. ಅಮರಿಕ್ ನೆಲದಲಿಲ ಭಾರತದ ಪರತಿಭೆ ಅರಳಿ ಪರಕ್ಟಗೊಂಡದುದ ಮಚುುವಂತಿತುತ. ಒಟಾಟರೆ ಸಾಂಸೃತಿಕ್ ಕಾಯಥಕ್ರಮದಲಿಲ ಭಾಗವಹಿಸ್ತ್ದ ಮಕ್ಕಳ ಶ್ರದೆದ ಮತುತ ಪರಿಶ್ರಮ ಎದುದ ಕಾಣುತಿತುತ. ಸಾಮೂಹಿಕ್ ಲಿಂಗ ಪೂಜೆ ಇಡ್ವೀ ಕಾಯಥಕ್ರಮಕೆಕ ಮರುಗು ನಿೀಡ್ವತುತ. ಊಟ ವಸತಿ ವಯವಸೆತ ಅತುಯತತಮವಾಗಿದುದ ಎಲಲರಿಗೂ ತೃಪ್ತತ ತಂದಿತುತ. ಅಷೆಟಲಾಲ ಅಚುುಕ್ಟಾಟಗಿ ನಡೆದ ಸಮೇಳನದಲಿಲ ಹೆಚುು ಜನ ಭಾಗವಹಿಸದೆ ಇದದದುದ ಒಂದು ಕೊರತೆ ಎನುನವಂತೆ ಎಲಲರೂ ಅಭಿಪ್ಾರಯ ಪಟಟದುದ ಗಮನಿಸಬೆಕಾದ ಅಂಶ್ವಾಗಿತುತ. ಹಿಂದಿನ ಸಮೇಳನಗಳಲಿಲ ಭಾಗವಹಿಸುತಿತದದ ಜನ ಬಾಹುಳಯ ಈಗ ಕ್ಡ್ವಮಯಾಗುತಿತರುವುದಕೆಕ ಒಬೊಬಬಬರು ಒಂದೊಂದು ಕಾರಣವನುನ ಹುಡುಕ್ುಕತಾತ ಸಮಾದಾನ ತಂದುಕೊಳುುತಿತದುದದು ಸಾಮಾನಯವಾಗಿತುತ. ಇತಿತೀಚೆಗೆ ಜನ ಹಣ ಅಧಿಕಾರದ ವಾಯಮೊೀಹದಲಿಲ ಧಮಥ, ಸಾಹಿತಯ, ಕ್ಲೆಗಳ ಬಗೆೆ ಆಸಕ್ಕತಯನುನ ಕ್ಳೆದುಕೊಳುುತಿತರುವುದು, ಎಲಲರ ಚಚೆಥಗೆ ಗಾರಸವಾಯಿತು. ಯುವಪ್ತೀಳಿಗೆಯನುನ VSNA ಚಟುವಟ್ಟಕೆಗೆ ತೊಡಗಿಸುವ ಬಗೆೆ ವಾಯಪಕ್ ಚಚೆಥ ನಡೆದು, ಹಿರಿಯರು ಯುವಕ್ರಿಗೆ ಜವಾಬಾದರಿಯನುನ ಕೊಟುಟ ಒಂದು ಕಾಯಥಕ್ರಮವನುನ ಅವರೆೀ ನೆಡೆಸುವಂತೆ ಮಾಡಬೆೀಕೆಂದು ಅಭಿಪ್ಾರಯಪಡಲಾಯಿತು. ಒಂದು ಸಮೇಳನವನುನ ಮಾಡುವುದು ಅಷ್ುಟ ಸುಲಭದ ಮಾತಲಲ. ಒಬಬರಿಂದಲೂ ಅದು ಸಾದಯವಿಲಲ. ಸಮಾನ ಮನಸಕರು ಕೆಲವು ಜನ ಸೆೀರಿಕೊಂಡು ಮಾದುವ ಕೆಲಸವದು. ಹಲವರು ಸೆೀರಿದರೂ ಅದು ಹಾಳಾಗುವ ಸಾಧಯತೆಯಿದೆ. ಆದದರಿಂದ ಟಾಂಪ ಸಮೇಳನದ ಯಶ್ಸ್ತ್ಸಗೆ ಕಾರಣರಾದ ಕೆಲವರನುನ ಅಭಿನಂದಿಸಲೆೀ ಬೆೀಕ್ು. ತಂಡದ ಮುಂಚೂಣಯಲಿಲ ನಿಂತು ಚಟುವಟ್ಟಕೆಯಿಂದ ಓಡಾಡುತತ ಸಮೇಳನದ ಯಶ್ಸ್ತ್ಸಗೆ ಕಾರಣರಾದ ಶ್ರೀಮತಿ ನಯನ ತಾರಾ ಅವರಿಗೆ ಎಲಲರ ಪರವಾಗಿ ಅಭಿನಂದನೆಗಳು. ಕಾಯಥಕ್ರಮಗಳು ಕ್ುಲಪತಕಾಲಕೆಕ ಪ್ಾರರಂಭವಾಗಿ ಮುಗಿಯಬೆೀಕೆಂದು ತುಡ್ವಯುತಿತದದ ಶ್ರೀ ಗಿರೆೀಶ್ ಬೂದಿಬೆಟಟ ಅವರನುನ, ಸಾಂಸೃತಿಕ್ ಕಾಯಥಕ್ರಮಗಳಿಗೆ ಆಗಬೆೀಕಾದ ಎಲಲ ವಯವಸೆಿಗಳನುನ ಮಾಡುತಾತ, ತಬಲಾ ನುದಿಸುತಾತ, ಉತಾಸಹದಿಂದ ಕೆಲಸ ಮಾಡುತಾತ, ಪರಚಾರದಿಂದ ದೂರವಿರುತಿತದದ ಸ್ತ್ರೀ ವಿವೆೀಕ್ ಅವರನುನ ಅಭಿನಂದಿಸಲೆೀ ಬೆೀಕ್ು. ಒಂದು ಕಾಯಥಕ್ರಮದ ಹಿಂದೆ ಬಹಳ ಕೆೈಗಳು, ಮನಸುಸಗಳು, ಬುದಿದಗಳು ಕೆಲಸ ಮಾಡುತತವೆ. ಅಂತಹ ಮಹನಿೀಯರಲಿಲ ಶ್ರೀಮತಿ ಗಿೀತ ಮತುತ ಡಾ. ಸೊೀಮಶೆೀಖರ ಪ್ಾಳೆಗಾರ್, ಕ್ಲಪನ, ಆಕಾಶ್, ನಿತಾಯನಂದ ಕೊೀರ, ಅನು ಕೊೀರ, ಪರಕಾಶ್ ದೊದದಮನೆ, ವಿಜಯ ಪರಕಾಶ್, ಬಸವರಾಜ್ ದೆೀವರಶೆಟ್ಟಟ ಮುಂತಾದವರ ಶ್ರಮವನುನ ಗುರುತಿಸ್ತ್ ಅಭಿನಂದಿಸದಿದದದರೆ ಕ್ತಥವಯಲೊೀಪವಾಗುತದೆದ.

VSNA Convention 2013

Relevance of Kayakave Kailasa in Modern Society: Prateek Paul Many phrases from Basavanna’s vachanas are said to hold applicable even today, but none more so than the phrase “Kayakave Kailasa”. Kayakave Kailasa means that the only way in which you can reach your goals is by working hard. This phrase has been so everlasting because everyone’s ultimate goals or “kailasa” may be different: for a business man it may be to make profits, for a scientist it may be to win a Nobel prize, for a politician it may be to get re-elected, for a lawyer it may mean to open up a successful firm and for an ordinary man it may mean to provide a comfortable life for himself and his family. There are numerous examples of successful individuals who have worked hard in order to reach a goal in recent times and I have also experienced this principle in play in my own life. A prime example of a successful individual looking to seek “kailasa” through hard work is Bill Gates. We all know him as one of the richest men in the world and as the founder of Microsoft. However, while he is already an accomplished man, his “kailasa” is not monetary but is to provide valuable humanitarian resources. He has already donated an estimated 24 million dollars to his “Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation,” whose goal is to enhance healthcare and reduce extreme poverty, but he continues to work tirelessly to raise more money. Bill Gates exemplifies that highly successful individuals continue to work hard in order to reach their ultimate “kailasa.” The “kailasa” of many members of the Veerashaiva Samaja of North America is to instill valuable Veerashaiva values into youth. Swamijis from many Mathas in Karnataka come to spread Veerashaivism among fellow Americans. At our chapter level, the leaders organize lingu puja and lead discussions at every meeting. All of the tireless work or “kayaka” that these leaders put into organizing such activities is by no means easy for them, but in order for them to reach their goal of informing the youth of Veerashaiva values, this work is required. They have been largely successful in reaching their goal, as several youth including myself now participate in these events and can do lingu puja on our own. Another example of “kayakave kailasa” at work in my local community that relates to the spread of ideas is the opening of JSS Spiritual Mission in Gaithersburg, MD. There are many adult leaders at this mission that organize Kannada and yoga classes in order to instill strong Veerashaiva and healthy values in youth. His Holiness Jagadguru Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Mahaswamiji, like many other swamijis visits us in Maryland to speak with children to inspire them to continue to learn about Basavanna’s philosophies. Swamiji and other adult volunteers at JSS Spirtual Mission in Gaithersburg reach their “kailasa” by working hard on organizing activities with the purpose of assisting the youth. 82

VSNA Convention 2013

In my daily life, “Kayakave Kailasa” is also always in play. For example, I have recently founded the Strength for Soldiers club at my school. The purpose of the club is to raise money for and assist veterans. I have put an immense amount of work in planning and organizing a fundraiser through which we raised $200. However, I have not reached yet my “kailasa.” Next year, along with raising funds, I hope to give the injured veterans at Walter Reed Hospital small gifts packages to bring smiles on their faces. Basavanna’s saying has taught me that the only way in which I can reach this goal is by performing “kayaka.” The phrase Kayakave Kailasa is pertinent to world and national leaders, non-profit organizations, and also individual members of society. This wide-branching influence and applicability of the saying allows for it to be alive, from Basavanna to our modern day internet era.

ನುಡಿದರ ಮುತಿುನ ಹಾರದಂತಿರಬ ೇಕು! ನುಡಿದರ ಮಾಣಿಕಯದ ದಿೇಪ್ತುಯಂತಿರಬ ೇಕು! ನುಡಿದರ ಸಫಟ್ಟಕದ ಶಲ್ಾಕ ಯಂತಿರಬ ೇಕು! ನುಡಿದರ ಲಂಗ ಮೆಚ್ಚಚ ಅಹುದ ನಬ ೇಕು! ನುಡಿಯೊಳಗಾಗಿ ನಡ ಯದಿದದರ ಕೊಡಲಸಂಗಮದ ೇವನ ಂತ ೊಲವನಯಯ? If you should speak, Your words should be like pearls strung on a thread! If you should speak, Your words should be like the luster shed by a ruby! If you should speak, Your words should be like a crystal's flash that cleaves the blue! If you should speak, The Lord must say "yes, yes, that is true"! But, if your deeds do not reflect your words, How can Lord Kudala Sangama accept you? 83

VSNA Convention 2013

Seeker and the God: Guruswamy Ayya Kurivindu kabbina uliva thotava hokku Theranariyade, thenirasada Horagana eleyane meledavu! Nimmanariva madakariyallade Kuri ballude Koodalasangama Deva – Basavanna Flock of sheep that enters a sugar cane grove Nibbles only the leaves around Hence, they miss taste of sweet juice of cane It is only the elephant in rut that knows thee How can these sheep know thee? O, Koodalasangama Deva? The flock of sheep that enters a sugar cane grove, eats only the leaves around the cane, not tasting the sweet part, because they do not know the sweet essence of the plant. An elephant, on the other hand, knows how to enjoy the sweetness. As seekers of spiritual experience, we should avoid distractions and maintain our focus on the essence. We aspire to develop a loving and protective relationship with God. We believe that God is everywhere, but to reach him is a mystery. In the hope of getting closer to God, we create situations, such as, attending places of worship and listening to religious lectures. Even then, unless we know the essence of spirituality, our efforts will not be fruitful. When we go to the temple, we are satisfied to see rituals performed by others to propitiate God. Sometimes, we may not even see the idol, because of the restrictions placed by the temple management. But, knowing and seeing spiritual activities is not the same as experiencing spirituality. We can experience the divinity of God only through our own spiritual conduct. It is our spiritual conduct which enhances our conscience to connect divinity in us to divinity in others. Thus, in touching the total divinity, we touch God. The again, we are eager to listen to good speeches on religion. We are particular that the speaker, at a spiritual talk, must be a well-known scholar. However, we will miss the essence of a good speech unless we know the subject matter. Thus, certain preparation is necessary, by both the speaker and the listener, in order to make the speech effective. An effective speech will motivate the listener to undertake appropriate action resulting in self-development. Feel good speeches will only result in momentary entertainment. Let us be mindful that we do not end up, like the sheep, eating only leaves and missing the sweetness in sugar cane. Source: Book titled “Vachanas for Modern Man”, 2009, by Guruswamy Ayya 84

VSNA Convention 2013

Veerashaivism: Soumya Vhasure Veerashaivism is unique in many ways, but what makes it so beautiful is that it is timeless. Philosophies that were written down centuries ago by the Sharanas are still relevant today. One of these is “Kayakave Kailasa” (work is worship). Analyzing this quote teaches us that we should view all work as equal and that we should learn how to complete our work by examining the different aspects of worship. Even in today’s modernized, secular world, it is possible to sincerely practice “Kayakave Kailasa.” Kayakave Kailasa can be interpreted in the most literal way – we can think of all work as a form of worship. We can do the work to the best of our abilities with a smile on our faces and offer the fruits of our labor at The feet of the Lord. However, we can extract so much more depth and meaning from the relationship between work and worship. All worship is the same in God’s eyes. He loves all of his devotees equally, no matter what background they come from. Therefore, all worship, done with love and devotion, has the same value. Likewise, all work also inherently has the same value. Work is work. It is we, as a society, who have put labels and price tags on different jobs. We have decided that a social worker’s job is nobler than a musician’s. We have decided that a doctor is worth more money than a mechanic. The only reason we view one profession as superior or inferior to another is because of the extrinsic value that we have attached to that work. Intrinsically, all work has the same potential to be Kailasa, or worship. In this case, Kailasa does not literally refer to Lord Shiva’s abode in heaven. Kailasa is referring to true happiness or peace of mind. This bliss can be attained with any job. However, in order to achieve this blissful state of mind, we must approach work in the same way that we approach worship. We can consider both the physical (ritualistic) aspect of worship, which is puja, and the mental aspect of worship, which is the mindset with which we worship. When doing puja, we always give the Lord the best of everything: the cleanest water, the freshest flowers, and the sweetest smelling incense. We would not even consider using something that is dirty or contaminated, such as muddy water or spoiled prasad. In the same way, we should do our work with the purest intentions and thoughts of helping others. We should not taint it with things like lying, cheating, arrogance, and corruption. We can also model the way we view work based on the mental aspect of worship. Worship should be done with dedication, concentration, emotional involvement, selflessness, and without ego or expectations. Work should also be done in the same manner. Dedication and concentration will ensure success in your endeavors. You will be able to face any difficulties and persevere because of your emotional involvement (your passion). Just as you should worship for the sake of the Lord, doing puja to Him and singing His praises, in the same way, you should work for the sake of helping others, not for money or power. Furthermore, not expecting anything in return for the work or worship that you do will ensure that your mind is free of worry and anxiety. This is the way you will reach happiness. This is the way you will reach Kailasa.

VSNA Convention 2013

ಛಲ ಬ ೇಕು ಶರಣಂಗ ಪರಧನವನ ೊಲ್ ೆನ ಂಬ -

ಶ್ರೇಮತಿ ಲೇಲ್ಾ ಗರಡಿ, ಬ ಂಗಳೂರು

ಛಲ ಬ ೇಕು ಶರಣಂಗ ಪರಧನವನ ೊಲ್ ೆನ ಂಬ ಛಲ ಬ ೇಕು ಶರಣಂಗ ಪರಸತಿಯನ ೊಲ್ ೆನ ಂಬ ಛಲ ಬ ೇಕು ಶರಣಂಗ ಪರದ ೈವವನ ೊಲ್ ೆನ ಂಬ

ಛಲ ಬ ೇಕು ಶರಣಂಗ ಲಂಗ ಜಂಗಮ ಒಂದ ೇ ಎಂಬ ಛಲ ಬ ೇಕು ಶರಣಂಗ ಪರಸಾದ ದಿಟವ ಂಬ ಛಲವಿಲೆದವರ ಮೆಚ್ಚ ನಮಮ ಕೊಡಲ ಸಂಗಮ ದ ೇವ ಇಲೆ

ಬಸವಣಣನವರು

ಶರಣನಿಗ

ಛಲ

ಅಥವಾ

ಹಠವಿರಬ ೇಕು

ಎಂದು

ಹ ೇಳುತ್ಾಾರ .

ಆದರ

ಅದು

ಯಾವ

ವಿಷಯದಲೆರಬ ೇಕ ನುುವುದು ಮುಖ್ಯ. ಶರಣನಿಗ ನಿೇತಿಯು ಬಲು ಮುಖ್ಯವಾದದುು. ನ ೈತಿಕತ್ ಯು ಅಂತರಂಗ ಶುದಿಿಯ ಮಹತವದ ಅಂಗ. ನ ೈತಿಕತ್ ಯಂದ ಮನಸ್ಸಿಗ ನ ಮಮದಿ, ಆತಮ ವಿಶ್ಾವಸ, ಏಕಾಗರತ್ ಗಳು ಉಂಟಾಗುತಾವ . ಇವುಗಳಂದ ಆತ್ ೊೋನುತಿಯಲೆ ಸಹಾಯವಾಗುತಾದ . ಆದುರಂದ ಈ ನಿಟ್ಟಿನಲೆ ಮೊದಲ ಎರಡು ನಿಯಮಗಳ ಂದರ ಪರಧನ ಮತುಾ ಪರಸತಿಯನುು ಬಯಸದ ಇರುವುದು. ಪರಧನ, ಪರಸತಿಯನುು ಬಯಸುವುದು ಎಂದರ ಆಸ ಗ ತುತ್ಾಾಗುವುದು. ಆಸ ಮನುಷಯನನುು ಅತಯಂತ ಕೇಳಾಗಿಸುತಾದ . ಆಸ ಕ ೈಗೊಡಿದಾಗ ಸಂತ್ ೊೇಷದ ಶ್ಖ್ರಕ ೆ ಏರುವುದು, ಕ ೈಗೊಡದ ಇದಾುಗ ನಿರಾಸ ಯ ಪಾತ್ಾಳದ ಆಳಕ ೆ ಬೇಳುವುದು ಸವ ೇೇ ಸಾಮಾನಯ. ಈ ರೇತಿಯಾಗಿ ಘಾಸ್ಸಗ ೊಂಡು ಹ ೊಯಾುಡುವ ಮನಸುಿ ಎನನೊು ಸಾಧಿಸಲ್ಾರದು. ಆದುರಂದ ಪರಧನ ಪರಸತಿಯ ಆಸ ಗ ಪಕಾೆಗುವುದು ಸಲೆದು. ಇಲೆ ಬಸವಣಣನವರು ಪರಸತಿಯಂಬ ಪದವನುು ಉಪಯೇಗಿಸ್ಸದರೊ ಸಹ ಇದು ಹ ಣುಣ ಗಂಡು ಇಬಬರಗೊ ಅನವಯಸ್ಸ ಪರ ಪುರುಷ ಮತುಾ ಪರಸ್ಸರೇ ಎಂಬ ಅಥೇವನುು ಸೊಚಿಸುತಾದ . ಪರಸ್ಸರೇ ಅಥವಾ ಪರ ಪುರುಷನೊ ಪರ ಧನವ ೇ. ಯಾವುದು ತನುದಲೆವೇ ಅದಕಾೆಗಿ ಆಸ ಪಡುವುದು ಮೊಖ್ೇತನ ಮತುಾ ಅಪರಾಧ. ಆದುರಂದ ಅದು ನಿಷ ೇಧವಾದದುು ಎಂದು ಹ ೇಳುತ್ಾಾರ . ಆದುರಂದ ಅದನುು ತ್ಾನು ಬಯಸುವುದಿಲೆವ ಂಬ ಛಲ ಶರಣನಿಗ ಅತಯಂತ ಮುಖ್ಯವಾದದುು. ಮುಂದ ಪರದ ೈವದ ಬಗ ೆ ಹ ೇಳುತ್ಾಾರ . ಶರಣನಿಗ ದ ೇವರನುು ಕಾಣುವ ಜಿಜ್ಞಾಸ ಯರುತಾದ . ಈ ಜಿಜ್ಞಾಸ ಯಲೆ ಮುಂದುವರದಂತ್ ಆತನಿಗ

ದ ೇವನು ಒಬಬನ ೇ ಎನುುವುದು

ಸಪಷಿವಾಗುತಾದ . ಆ ಲಂಗವಂದ ೇ ದ ೇವರು ಎನುುವ ಭಾವ ಗಟ್ಟಿಗ ೊಳುುತಾದ . ಆದರ ಆಗಾಗ ಅಜ್ಞಾನದ ಕತಾಲ್ ಆವರಸ್ಸ ಇತರ ದ ೈವಗಳನುು ನಂಬುವಂತ್ ಮಾಡಬಹುದು. ಆ ದ ೈವಗಳು ಅರಗು ತಿಂದು ಕರಗುವವಾಗಿರಬಹುದು, ಅಥವಾ ಮಣುಣ ಇಲೆವ ಸಗಣಿಯಂದ ಮಾಡಿದವುಗಳಾಗಿರಬಹುದು ಅಥವಾ ಇನಾುವುದ ೊೇ ರೊಪದಲೆರಬಹುದು. ಒಂದು ಕ್ಷಣದ ಅಜ್ಞಾನ ಇವುಗಳನ ುಲೆ ದ ೇವರು ಎಂದು ನಂಬುವಂತ್ ಮಾಡುತಾದ . ಆದುರಂದ ಆ ಅಜ್ಞಾನಕ ೆ ಒಳಗಾಗದ ಇತರ ದ ೇವರುಗಳನುು ನಂಬದ ಇರುವಂತಹ ಛಲಬ ೇಕು ಶರಣನಿಗ ಎನುುತ್ಾಾರ . ಈ ಛಲ ಆತನನುು ಏಕಾಗರತ್ ಯಂದ ತನು ದಾರಯಲೆ ಮುಂದುವರಯುವಂತ್ ಮಾಡುತಾದ .

VSNA Convention 2013 ಆಮೆೇಲ್ , ಶರಣನಿಗ ಲಂಗ ಜಂಗಮ ಒಂದ ೇ ಎನುುವ ಅರವು ಇರಬ ೇಕು ಎನುುತ್ಾಾರ . ಲಂಗ ಎಂದರ ದ ೇವರು. ಜಂಗಮ ಎಂದರ ಆ ಲಂಗವನುು ಅರತು ಅನುಭವಿಸ್ಸದವನು. ಮತುಾ ಆ ಅರವನುು ಪಡ ಯಲು ಯೇಗಯರಾದವರ ಹತಿಾರ ತ್ಾನ ೇ ನಡ ತಂದು ಆ ಅರವನ ಡ ಗ ಹ ೊೇಗಲು ಸಹಾಯ ಮಾಡುವ ವಯಕಾ. ಒಟ್ಟಿನಲೆ ಜಂಗಮ ಲಂಗಸವರೊಪಿ. ಲಂಗ ಮಾತರ ದ ೇವರು ಎಂದುಕ ೊಂಡು ನಿಜಿೇೇವವಾದ ಲಂಗವನುು ಮಾತರ ಪೂಜಿಸುತಾ ಇರುವುದು ತಪುಪ ಮತುಾ ಅಜ್ಞಾನ. ಲಂಗಸವರೊಪಿಯಾದ ಜಂಗಮನೊ ಲಂಗವ ೇ. ಇಬಬರೊ ಒಂದ ೇ ಎನುುವ ತಿಳುವಳಕ

ಇರಬ ೇಕು. ಬಸವಣಣನವರಂತೊ ಜಂಗಮರನೊು ಕೊಡಲಸಂಗನ ರೊಪವ ಂದ ೇ

ಪರಗಣಿಸುತಿಾದುರು. ಸಮಾಜದಲೆಯ ಮಾನವರಗ ಗೌರವವನುು ಕ ೊಡದ ಕ ೇವಲ ಲಂಗಪೂಜ ಮಾಡಿದರ ಅದಕ ೆ ಯಾವ ಅಥೇವೂ ಇರುವುದಿಲೆ. ಪರತಿಜಿೇವಿಯೊ ದ ೇವರ ಅಂಶವ ೇ ಅದುರಂದ ಅದು ಲಂಗವ ೇ ಎನುುವ ಅರವು ಗಟ್ಟಿಗ ೊಳುಬ ೇಕು. ಅದಲೆದ ಭಾವ ಮನದಲೆ ಬರಗ ೊಡದ ಛಲ ಬ ೇಕು ಶರಣನಿಗ . ಕ ೊನ ಯದಾಗಿ ಪರಸಾದದ ವಿಷಯ. ಸಾಮಾನಯವಾಗಿ ನಾವು ದ ೇವರಗ ಎಡ ಮಾಡಿದದು ಪರಸಾದ ಎಂಬುದು ಎಲೆರಗೊ ತಿಳದದುು. ಅಂದರ ಪರಕೃತಿಯಲೆರುವುದನುು ನಾವು ಆರಸ್ಸ ತಂದು ಅದನುು ದ ೇವರಗ ಅಪಿೇಸುತ್ ಾೇವ . ಆನಂತರ ಅದು ದ ೇವರಂದ ನಮಗ ಪರಸಾದವಾಗಿ ಬರುತಾದ . ಇದನುು ಪರಸಾದವ ಂದು ಎಲೆರೊ ಒಪಿಪಕ ೊಳುುತ್ಾಾರ . ಆದರ ಇಲೆ ಬಸವಣಣನವರು ಹ ೇಳುತಿಾರುವುದು ಭಿನುವಾಗಿದ ಎನಿುಸುತಾದ . ಪರಕೃತಿಯಲೆರುವುದ ಲೆವೂ ಪರಸಾದವ ೇ. ಏಕ ಂದರ ಎಲೆವೂ ದ ೇವರ ಸೃಷ್ಟಿಯೇ, ದ ೇವರ ಕ ೊಡುಗ ಯೇ. ಅಲೆ ನನುದು ಎನುುವುದು ಏನೊ ಇಲೆ. ಅಲೆ ನಾನು ಮಾಡಿದುದು ಏನೊ ಇಲೆ. ಆದುರಂದ ಎಲೆವೂ ದ ೇವರ ಪರಸಾದವ ೇ ಸತಯ ಎಂಬ ಭಾವವಿರಬ ೇಕು, ಎನುುತ್ಾಾರ ಬಸವಣಣನವರು. ನ ೈತಿಕತ್ ಯನುು ಕಾಪಾಡಿಕ ೊಳುುವ ಛಲದಿಂದ ಪಾರರಂಭವಾಗಿ ಶರಣನು ಅಧ್ಾಯತಮದ ದಾರಯಲೆ ಮುಂದುವರದು ದ ೇವನು ಒಬಬನ ೇ, ಲಂಗ ಜಂಗಮ ಒಂದ ೇ ಮತುಾ ಎಲೆವೂ ದ ೇವರ ಪರಸಾದವ ೇ ಎನುುವ ಮಟಿಕ ೆ ಏರಬಹುದು. ಸಕಾರಾತಮಕವಾದ ಛಲ ಆತನನುು ಈ ಔನುತಯಕ ೆೇರಸುತಾದ .

ಪರಸಾದ ದಿಟವ ಂಬ ಮಾತು ಹ ೇಳರುವದ ೇಕ ?

ಸೃಷ್ಟಿಯಲೆರುವುದ ಲೆವೂ ದ ೇವರ ಸೃಷ್ಟಿ. ಅಲೆ ನನುದು ಎಂಬುದು

ಯಾವುದೊ ಇಲೆ, ಎಂಬುದು ನಾವು ಕ ೇವಲ ಬೌದಿಿಕವಾಗಿ ಅರತಿದ ುೇವ . ಅದು ಆಳವಾಗಿ ನಮಮ ಮನದಲೆ ಬ ೇರೊರಲೆ. ಆದುರಂದಲ್ ೇ

ಹ ಜ ೆ ಹ ಜ ೆಗೊ “ನಾನು ಮಾಡಿದುು, ನಾನು ಹ ೇಳದುು, ನಾನು ತಂದದುು, ನಾನು ಕ ೊಟಿದುು ” ಎಂದು

ಪರತಿಯಂದನುು ನಾನು ನಾನು ಎಂದು ಹ ೇಳಕ ೊಳುುತ್ ಾೇವ . ಆ ಎಲೆವನೊು ಮಾಡಿದುು ನಾನಲೆ ಅದ ಲೆ ಆತನ ಪ ರೇರಣ ಯಂದ ಮಾತರ ಸಾಧಯವಾಯತು ಎನುುವ ಬೌದಿಿಕವಾದ ತಿಳುವಳಕ ಮನದಲೆ ಗಟ್ಟಿಗ ೊಳುಲು ಕ್ಷಣ ಕ್ಷಣಕೊೆ “ಎಲೆವೂ ದ ೇವರ ಪರಸಾದವ ೇ ದಿಟ”ವ ಂಬುದನುು ನಮಮ ಮನಸ್ಸಿಗ ನಾವು ನ ನಪಿಸುತಿಾರಬ ೇಕು. ಹೇಗ ಮಾಡದಿದುರ ಬಹು ಬ ೇಗ ನಾವು ಅಹಂಕಾರಕ ೆ ತುತ್ಾಾಗಿ ಅಜ್ಞಾನದ ಕತಾಲ್ ಯಲೆ ಮುಳುಗಿ ಹ ೊೇಗುತ್ ಾೇವ . ಇಲೆ ಅನ ೇಕ ಸಾಮಾನಯ ಪರಶ್ ುಗಳು ಹಟಿಬಹುದು. ಉದಾಹರಣ ಗ -ನನು ಮನಸುಿ ನಾನಾ ಪರಶ್ ುಗಳನುು ಕ ೇಳುತಾದ ನಾನು ಮಾಡಿದುದನುು ನಾನು ಮಾಡಿಲೆವ ಂದು ಹ ೇಗ ಹ ೇಳಕ ೊಳುುವುದು ನಾನಲೆವ ಈ ರುಚಿಕಟಾಿದ ಅಡುಗ ಮಾಡಿರುವುದು? ನಾನಲೆವ ಈ ಪುಸಾಕ ಬರ ದದುು? ನಾನಲೆವ ಈ ಉಪಾಯವನುು ಕಂಡು ಹಡಿದದುು? ನಾನಲೆವ ಈ 87

VSNA Convention 2013

ಅದುುತವಾದ ಯೇಜನ ಯನುು ಮಾಡಿದುು? ಇಂತು ನಾನಾ ಅಥೇಪೂಣೇವಾದ ಪರಶ್ ುಗಳನುು ಮನಸುಿ ಕ ೇಳುತಾದ . ಆದರ ಇದನುು ಆಳವಾಗಿ ಗಮನಿಸಬ ೇಕು. ಈ ಎಲೆ ಕ ಲಸಗಳನುು ಕ ಲವರು ಮಾಡುತ್ಾಾರ ಮತುಾ ಕ ಲವರು ಮಾಡುವುದಿಲೆ. ಏಕ ? ಕಲವರಗ ಆಯಾ ಕ ಲಸಗಳನುು ಮಾಡುವ ಕೌಶಲಯ ಲಭಯವಾಗಿರುತಾದ ಕ ಲವರಗ ಇಲೆ. ಒಬಬನು ತಿಳುವಳಕಸಥರ ಮಧ್ ಯ ಬ ಳ ದು

ತಿಳುವಳಕಸಥನಾಗುತ್ಾಾನ , ಇನ ೊುಬಬ ಬುದಿಿ ಇಲೆದವರ ಮಧ್ ಯ ಬ ಳ ದು

ಅಜ್ಞಾನಿಯಾಗುತ್ಾಾನ . ಈ ಲ್ೌಕಕವಾದ ಜ್ಞಾನ ಬಾಹಯವಾದದುು ಅದು ನಮಗ ಇನ ೊುಬಬರಂದ ಸ್ಸಕೆದುದು. ಅದರಲೆ ನಮಮದ ನುುವು ಯಾವುದು ಇಲೆ. ಮೆೇಲ್ ಹ ೇಳದ ಅಡುಗ ಯಾಗಲ ಅಥವಾ ಇನಾುವುದ ೇ ಕ ಲಸವಾಗಲ “ನಾನು” ಮಾಡಲು ಸಾಧಯವ ೇ ಇಲೆ. ಅಡುಗ ಯನುು ಉದಾಹರಣ ಗ ತ್ ಗ ದಕ ೊಂಡರ , ಅಡುಗ ಆದದುು ಅನ ೇಕ ವಸುಾಗಳಂದ. ಅವುಗಳಲೆದಿದುರ ಅಡುಗ ಸಾಧಯವ ೇ ಇಲೆ. ಅವುಗಳನ ುಲೆ ಮಾಡಿರುವುದಾರು? ಪಾತ್ ರ ಪಡಗಗಳು, ಅಕೆ ಬ ೇಳ ಗಳು, ತರಕಾರ ಸ ೊಪುಪಗಳು, ಮಸಾಲ್ ಸಾಮಾನುಗಳು, ಕ ೊನಗ ಅವುಗಳನ ುಲೆ ಬ ೇಯಸುವ ವಿಧ್ಾನ ಯವುದೊ ನನ ೊುಬಬನದಲೆ. ಆ ಎಲೆದರಲೆ ನೊರಾರು ಜನರ, ನೊರಾರು ವಷೇಗಳ ಶರಮ, ಜ್ಞಾನ, ಪರಯತು ಅಡಗಿದ . ಮತುಾ ಎಲೆಕಂತ ಮುಖ್ಯವಾಗಿ ಪಾರಕೃತಿಕ ತತವಗಳು ಅಡಗಿವ . ಅವನುು ಖ್ಂಡಿತವಾಗಿಯೊ ನಾನು ಅಥವಾ ಒಬಬ ಮನುಷಯ ಮಾಡಿಲೆ. ಅದ ಲೆವೂ ಸಮಷ್ಟಿಯ ಶರಮ. ಮತುಾ ಆ ಸಮಷ್ಟಿಯ ಶರಮ ಪರಕೃತಿಯ ಸಹಕಾರವಿಲೆದ ಅಥೇಪೂಣೇವಾಗಲು ಸಾಧಯವ ೇ ಇಲೆ. ಅಂದಮೆೇಲ್ ಆಯಾ ಕ ಲಸಗಳು”ನಾನು” ಮಾಡಿದ ಎನುುವುದರಲೆ ಯಾವ ಅಥೇವಿದ ? ಈ ಮಾತು ನಾವು ಮಾಡವ ಪರತಿಯಂದು ಕ ಲಿಕೊೆ ಅನವಯಸುತಾದ .ಈ ಸತಯವನುು ಆಳವಾಗಿ ಪರತಿ ಕ್ಷಣ ಅರವಿಗ ತಂದುಕ ೊಳುುವುದು ಮುಖ್ಯ. ಆ ಭಾವವ ೇ ಪರಸಾದ ಭಾವ.

ಲ್ ೊೇಕದ ಡ ೊಂಕ ನೇವ ೇಕ ತಿದುದವಿರಿ ನಮಮ ತನುವ ಸಂತ ೈಸಿಕ ೊಳ್ಳಿ ನಮಮ ಮನವ ಸಂತ ೈಸಿಕ ೊಳ್ಳಿ ನ ರ ಮನ ಯ ದುುಃಖಕ ೆ ಅಳುವರ ಮೆಚ್ಚ ನಮಮ ಕೊಡಲಸಂಗಮದ ೇವ.

VSNA Convention 2013

VSNA Remembers with Respect

VSNA Convention 2013

VSNA Awards 2013 VSNA Professional Award - Dr. Eswarappa Channabasappa Resident of South California Chapter, Lives with Mrs. Shaila Eswarappa, Son Harsha and Daughter Meghana, Native of Hassan Chief Scientist, Alico Systems, Torrance, CA True Follower of Basava Vachana, Do your duty and do not expect anything Whole family did Thanu-mana-dhana seva during Boston 2011 Convention

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Invented and developed Radio Frequency/Microwave antennas and components for Military, Space and Commercial Applications. Innovations made possible low-cost advanced radios, automotive radars (for auto-collision avoidance, auto cruising and parking aids/lane-changing aids), wideband space-based radars, range enhancement of GSM and 3G Wireless base stations (to communicate with mobile phones/smartphones). Currently working on broadband Satellite communications on-the-move receiver terminals that have applications such as in-flight entertainment on commercial aircrafts, military and civilian communications.

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Made original contributions to Electromagnetic (EM) Simulations and Modeling. The EM simulations help immensely in the development of RF and Microwave components widely used in Wireless Communications systems, EMI/EMC Problems, Radar Cross-Sections (RCS) & Scattering Problems, High Speed Digital Circuits, Estimation of adverse effect of cell phones on human body, etc.

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Innovative Researcher and Critical Thinker who discovers novel solutions for RF Engineering problems, holder of 20 issued Patents, author/co-author of over 80 Publications in standard refereed journals and international conferences. Awarded Sir Alan Cobham Gold Award, Tyco Electronics Key Innovator Award, and other awards.

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VSNA Woman Award - Mrs. Bollamma Nuchina 

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Resident of Connecticut, New England Chapter, Lives with Husband Dr. Nagaraja Nuchina, Son Nandeesh and Daughter Sunitha Even though she was born as non-veerashaiva, adopted a selfless way of life and practices it in every day & devotee of Basavanna’s Vachanas. Instrumental in starting New England Chapter Chair of Food and Finance committee for 34th Convention

VSNA Youth Service Award - Ms. Jasmina Prabhakara    

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Resident of Sharon Massachusetts, New England Chapter, Lives with parents Dr. Mamatha & Prabhakara Chappidi, Sister Deepti Student at North Eastern University Youth Speaker and committee chair VSNA 2011 Convention Co-founder of HerStory: Works to promote gender equality through a collective initiative among male and female students by fundraising for various causes related to women empowerment and volunteering at local organizations. Co-President of International Genetically Engineered Molecules (iGEM): Volunteers at Perkins School for the Blind

Basavaraj Mudenur – Service Award, FIGURE 1BASAVARAJ Chair 2011 Convention

Dr. Somashekar Pallegar – Service Award, Ex-President, VSNA

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Journey to Convention Practice makes perfect

VSNA Song and Bhajan Practice in Tampa - April 2013

Attendees at December 15th meeting in Orlando

At Jacksonville meeting in February 2013

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Practice via Skype

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36th VSNA Convention Committees Responsibility Area Chair Person

Name Girish Budibetta

Co-chairs

Basavaraj Devershetty Aarathi Mahadeviah

Treasurer Joint Treasurer

Kiran Babaladi Gangadhar

Religious Group IshtaLinga Puje/ Bhajan

Nayantara Swamy Dr. Latha Shivashankar, Dr. Shivashankar Nanjappa Nalini Mruthyunjaya Geetha Pallegar Jyothi Murthy Nayantara Swamy

Yoga Anubhav Ghoshti Cultural Programs Ashirvachana (Swamiji) International Artists Coordination Local (US) Program Coordination Competition Coordination Children's Activities

Kalpana Malligere Dr. Somashekar Pallegar Nayantara Swamy Kalpana Malligere Kalpana Malligere Shobha Thondagere Chaitra Doddamane

Singles Meet Youth Trip

Geetha Pallegar Geetha Pallegar, Rajashekar Jambagi & Basavaraj Devershetty

Hospitality & Transportation (Accommodation & shuttles)

Prakash Doddamane Vijaya Prakash

Website/Registration

Vivek Somashekar Basavaraj Devershetty Aakash Rudraprasad

Golf Outing

Dr. Maillikarjun Swamy Dr. B. Mruthyunjaya Ramesh Sannegowda Manjunath Bhadrashetty

Business Forum

Manjunath Charmani Anu Kora Dr. Maillikarjuna Swamy

VSNA Convention 2013 Souvenir

Rajashekar Jambagi Anupama Swamy Girish Budibetta Kalpana Malligere Nayantara Swamy Vidya Rao

Reception

Nalini Mruthyunjaya Anu Kora Dr. Veena Patil Udaya Jagadish Dr. Jagadish Dr. Roopa Gangadhar Vidya Lingappa

Food

Nityanandaswamy Kora Gangadhar Geetha Pallegar Chaitra Doddamane Shobha Basavaraj Priya Bangarashettara

Stage/ Event Management

Vidya Rao, Kalpana Malligere Chandrakanth Rao Anupama Swamy

Hall/ Stage Decoration

Shobha Thondagere Nalini Mruthyunjaya Geetha Pallegar

Shyla Prakash Chaitra Doddamane Ravi Marulendra Suresh Belthur Kiran Babaladi Deepa Jambagi, Latha Budibetta Fund Raising

Dr. Somashekar Pallegar Dr. Harish Patil Geetha Pallegar Dr. Mallikarjuna Swamy

Photography & Video Recording

Basavaraj Devershetty, Smt Nayantara Swamy (Editing)

Banners

Suman Lingappa Manjula Babaladi Vidya Rao

Evites and graphics

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Convention Pictures

Inauguration

VSNA Anthem

National Anthem

VSNA Convention 2013

Welcome

Yoga session conducted by Smt. Jyothi Murthy

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Inaugural Procession with Chants

Shivaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s devotees dance with Vigor

Ready for Procession

Swamiji addressing the Convention

Saamuhika Ishta Lingapooje

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Smiles... as bright as the Florida Sunshine

Annual General Body Meeting

Business Summit

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Some of our Distinguished Guests

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All dressed up and ready to go

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Marissa Rajashekar – Bettadha Melondu

Scene from “Onake Obavva”

Sharanarthi’s performing Vachanas, FL Team

Vachana Nritya, Chicago Team

Neha Patil singing Lord Shiva’s Bhajan

Rachna Sannegowda - Essay Reading

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Sirigere Swamiji with Children

Performed “Om Namah Shivaya” dance

Winners Elated

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Reception Desk

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Our Florida Family

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Vote of Thanks - Florida Chapter Members

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Guests Speak - Convention Feedback Our family truly enjoyed the convention...it actually harkened me back to the days of the original founding of the organization. For me, intensity and passion of the VSNA's purpose has been missing in the past years and I thought it was somewhat re-captured at this convention. I believe that the ICC venue that was chosen was perfect for the occasion. I want to suggest some concepts that I have taken from this venue for the new temple and cultural center that we are in the midst of designing now for JSS Spiritual Mission. Further, I must tell you that the service and care that the Florida chapter took towards all the attendees was unparalleled among conventions I have attended. Congratulations on a successful convention! Regards, Kumar Rajashekara (Maryland Chapter) Dear VSNA-Florida Chapter Convention Team, It was a memorable Convention and we enjoyed all the programs. In fact, it was one of the best convention that we ever attended. The venue chosen was excellent because of the calm and relaxed environment as oppose to uptight hotel environment. The food was great and the cultural programs were superb. We also liked how all the cultural programs were focused on theme of Veerashivism. We hope the next conventions will follow your steps. Finally, I congratulate you for organizing this excellent convention. -Uma Sajjan Hello Florida chapter members, The convention is one of the best I ever attended. Entertainment and Food takes the cake - very relevant entertainment program and excellent food together with friendly atmosphere made this an event I am glad that I attended. Congratulations again and thanks! -S Murthy Dear 2013 Florida Convention Team, Congratulations, Florida Chapter, on a job very well done! Thank you so much for your hospitality and kindness. I truly appreciate all your hard work and efforts in making this convention a superb success! 107

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Here are some of the highlights I personally and thoroughly enjoyed.  The Procession (never seen anything like this at any conventions) was very well choreographed  We were privileged to have bel patri for the linga puje! The little bag was cute too and contained neat packets of other puje items. I admire how you paid attention to every small details  Jolada rotti, chutney pudis, brought back memories of India. Karihindi was tastier than grey poupon Dijon mustard. Delightful food and snacks across the board  Absolutely great guests -- Sangeeta Katti and Mysore Nagaraj mesmerized us with their outstanding performances!!!  Vachana Anthakshari was a huge hit!!  As always, enlightening speeches by Swamijis  Thank you for the photographs, they make nice gifts  Best of all, I made new friends! I initiated the youths to speak at the last minute, thank you for being so flexible and providing them the stage. I could go on, for those who never attended they missed a great two-day event. In Gratitude, Laxmi Hiremath Chairman of the Board of Regents 2013 VSNA convention was a success and all programs were performed very well. We enjoyed the convention. Thanks to Florida chapter members for the job well done. Kananur Ravi Dear VSNA families of Florida, My spouse Mamatha and I had a memorable time at the VSNA convention hosted by you all in Tampa. It was our first VSNA convention and we were amazed at the details of the whole event. Impeccable hospitality, attention to detail, great quality programs and speakers, wonderful entertainment program, amazing food, smiling faces and graciousness through and through. The picture booth, linga puje bags, books that were given, decoration and placement of Shiva Lingu's were all excellent. All the Florida folks worked so hard to make this a success and it was apparent in all aspects. We have made many friends at the convention and look forward to catch up with everyone at the next convention. Living in different cities in Florida you all have achieved a great mission and conducted a smooth event. More people should have partaken of your hospitality nevertheless it was an event to remember. Please consider visiting us in Georgia for our Basava Jayanthi program and any other

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time you visit/drive through Atlanta. Our Veerashaiva families here would love to host you all as would my wife and I. Congratulation on a job well done!! We look forward to the souvenir :) Thanks for your hospitality, Dilip Sivanna Dear Florida Friends, I wanted to start saying "Florida Convention Team" but your hospitality and attention to details made me to say Florida Friends, that's how I feel of VSNA 36th Annual Convention. Congratulations entire Florida Chapter Team for conducting very successful convention!! Thank you very much for your hospitality and dedication in carrying VSNA Baton. Convention team put lot of efforts in making it Authentic with Hasiru Thorana (Mango Leaves), Banana Tree, Bilva Patre, Linga Puje was very well planned. Great welcome smile and friendship handshake of all volunteers. Swamiji speech, Q&A session, Cultural programs, procession before the State of Samaja, Vachana Antakshari, Sangeetha Katti Vachana Gayana and Mysore Nagaraj's unique Vachana Dance performance was feast to the eyes. Coming to Food, one of the best where from Idli-vada to Jolada Rotti, Chatni pudi and Kari Hindi which I never tasted in USA but you had all of it. You even had photography taken by professional and printed on the spot for no cost. To sum it one of the best convention and content filled, attention to minute details to make visiting Veershaiva's feel at home. Thank you so much. Thanks Basavaraj Mudenur – Secretary VSNA We certainly enjoyed the convention. The convention hall, dining arrangement, hotel accommodation, etc. were convenient and well thought off. The food was awesome. We certainly enjoyed the religious discourse and the vachana anthaksari…… Everybody from Florida chapter has spent lot of time, may over a year, to arrange this convention and make it successful. Unfortunately, every year the convention attendance is dwindling. We need to do something on this. In order to keep up with the program schedule, needed a person to keep tab. Congratulations to all of you for the job well done! - Rudresh Bihalli (Atlanta Chapter)

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Dear Florida Convention Team, The Florida VSNA convention reminds me of my first traffic violation ticket I got about 15 years ago in Michigan. My reaction to the police officer was "I never had a ticket so far". The reply I got from the officer was "Always there is a first time for everything". With this introduction we like to mention few things, that the Florida chapter is the first one to introduce many items to the convention: You are the first ones to introduce golf tournament, which I enjoyed and it was a blast. You are the first ones to introduce Vachana Anthakshari, which was a super idea. Vibhuti stencil was very innovative. You are the first ones to serve Jawar roti of all the VSNA conventions we have attended. It was a great idea about portraits with family and friends, that they could take it home as a long lasting convention memory. Hope to see more of new ideas in the future VSNA conventions. Thank you, Kotresh & Sheela Neral West Bloomfield, Michigan

ಬಡತನಕ ಉಂಬುವ ಚ್ಚಂತ ಉಣಲ್ಾದರ ಉಡುವ ಚ್ಚಂತ ಉಡಲ್ಾದರ ಇಡುವ ಚ್ಚಂತ ಇಡಲ್ಾದರ ಹ ಂಡಿರ ಚ್ಚಂತ ಹ ಂಡಿರಾದರ ಮಕೆಳ ಚ್ಚಂತ ಮಕೆಳಾದರ ಬದುಕಿನ ಚ್ಚಂತ ಬದುಕಾದರ ಕ ೇಡಿನ ಚ್ಚಂತ ಕ ೇಡಾದರ ಮರಣದ ಚ್ಚಂತ ಇಂತಿೇ ಹಲವು ಚ್ಚಂತ ಯಲೆಪಪವರ ಕಂಡ ನು ಶ್ವನ ಚ್ಚಂತ ಯಲೆದದವರ ೊಬಬರನೊ ಕಾಣ ನ ಂದಾತ ನಮಮ ಅಂಬಿಗರ ಚೌಡಯಯ ನಜ ಶರಣನು.

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Post-Convention Celebration with Rudrabhisheka

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Post-Convention Celebration with Rudrabhisheka

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Vote of Thanks: Sri Girish Budibetta Hope you all enjoyed the convention. We hope that you will be taking a lot of good memories back home. To put a convention of this magnitude, it takes a lot of peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s effort and commitment. I would like to take a few minutes to thank them. We have a lot of people to thank, but very little time. Hence, I would like to call the committees one by one. Before that, let me thank all you first for attending the convention. You have traveled from far and wide to be here, including several guests from India. Thank you all. I would like to thank His Holiness Dr. Shivamurthy Shivacharya Mahaswamiji of Sri Taralabalu Brihanmath, Sirigere. Inspite of his busy schedule, he accepted our invitation and not only came here, but also got a big group of people from India here to attend portion of this convention. Thank you, Swamiji. I would also thank, Dr. Siddaiah for coordinating swamijiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s visit. I also like to thank His Holiness Sri Chandrashekara Shivayogi Rajendra Mahaswamiji of Akkihonda, Hubli for attending our convention and hosting the group LingaPuje session. Thank you, Swamiji. I would like to thank Central VSNA for not only allowing us to host the convention here, but also providing the seed money to get started. Thanks to the VSNA Secretary, Sri Basavaraj Mudenur for assisting us with various things and taking our calls any time. Our Registration team was led by Sri Akash Rudraprasad, Sri Basavaraj Devershetty and Sri Vivek Somashekar with significant contributions from Sri Rajashekar Jambagi and Sri Kiran Babaladi. Thank you all. Religious program was led by Smt. Nayantara Swamy with assistance from Dr. Latha Shivashankar and Smt. Nalini Mruthyunjaya. The beautiful LingaPuje bags were hand made by Smt. Udaya Jagadish. Significant contributions were provided by Sri Vijaya Prakash, Dr. Shivashankar and Smt. Geetha Pallegar. Thank You. Transportation and Hotel Accommodations were taken care of by Sri Prakash Doddamane and Sri Vijaya Prakash. Booking of the facilities including this hall were also handled by this team. Thank you both. Our web site was setup by Sri Basavaraj Devershetty and maintained by Sri Vivek Somashekar. Thank you both. Photography and Video Recording were coordinated by Sri Basavaraj Devershetty. Thank You. Golf outing was put together by Dr Mallikarjun Swamy and Dr. Mruthyunjaya assisted by Sri Ramesh Sannegowda. Hope you all had a good game yesterday. Thank You.

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The Business Summit was setup by Sri Manjunath Charmani. Other members of that team were Smt. Anu Kora, Sri Mahesh Shivamallappa and Dr. Mallikarjun Swamy. Thank You. Reception team was led by Smt. Nalini Mruthyunjaya and Smt. Anu Kora. Other members that contributed include Dr. Veena Patil, Dr. Roopa Gangadhar, Dr. Jagadish, Smt. Udaya Jagadish, Sri Suman Lingappa, Smt. Vidya Lingappa, Nimisha Lingappa and Anupama Swamy. Thank you all. Our Cultural program committee was led by Smt. Kalpana Malligere. She coordinated all the local programs and many other activities. Coordination of international artists was handled by Smt. Nayantara Swamy. Smt. Chaitra Doddamane and Smt. Shobha Thondagere handled the childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s competitions. Essay competition was coordinated by Smt. Nalini Mruthyunjaya and essays were graded by Anupama Swamy. We also thank all the judges of our competitions. Once again, thanks to Kalpana for handling this responsibility. This beautiful hall and stage decoration was coordinated by Smt. Shobha Thondagere. Significant contributors include Smt. Nalini Mruthyunjaya, Smt. Nayantara Swamy, Smt. Geetha Pallegar, Smt. Shyla Prakash, Dr. Roopa Gangadhar, Sri Suresh Belthur, Sri Ravi Marulendra, Sri Vijaya Prakash, Dr. Somashekar Pallegar, Smt. Deepa Jambagi, Smt. Vidya Rao, Smt. Latha Budibetta, Sri Kiran Babaladi and Sri Rajashekar Jambagi. Thank you all. Thanks to Smt. Geetha Pallegar for coordinating the Youth trip and the Singles Meet. Several of the dances were choreographed by Smt. Mala Naik and Smt. Vidya Rao. Both of them are expecting mothers and we wish them well. Thank you. Our convention secretary was Smt. Vidya Rao. All the colorful invitations and graphics were created by her including the logo printed on the banners. She did a wonderful job. Thanks a lot, Vidya. I presume you all liked the food that was served yesterday and today. The Food committee lead was Sri Nithyanandaswamy Kora. Other members of the food committee include Sri Gangadhar, Smt. Chaitra Doddamane, Smt. Shobha Thondagere, Smt. Priya Veerendra, and Smt. Geetha Pallegar. Other volunteers include Suresh Belthur and Sri Ravi Marulendra. Please give them a big hand. Thank you all. As other committees are finishing up their work, the Souvenir committee is just getting started. Sri Rajashekar Jambagi is leading that team. Members include Smt. Nayantara Swamy, Smt. Kalpana Malligere, Anupama Swamy and Sri Kiran Babaladi. Thanks to Sri Kiran Babaladi, our convention treasurer for keeping the accounts. Thanks to Sri Basavaraj Devershetty and Smt. Arathi Mahadevaiah, co-chairs for this convention for handling various responsibilities and coordination tasks. Thank you both. 114

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We had a lot of volunteers that helped out in many places. I am mentioning a few people here – Smt. Vidya and Sri Suman Lingappa for banners, Sri Veeresh Jigajinni, Dr. Veena and Dr. Harish Patil, Smt. Nagarathna, Smt. Deepa Jambagi, Smt. Manjula Babaladi for printing. Sorry, for not mentioning everyone involved. Thanks to all of our donors for their generous funding. Without your help, it would not have been the same. Without Dr. Somashekar Pallegar pushing us last year to host the convention, this event would not have been possible. His and Geetha’s help and guidance have been there throughout this period. Thank you both. We are very lucky to have an experienced person like Smt. Nayantara Swamy as our chapter president. Since most of our committee members have not attended many conventions, it fell on Smt. Nayantara Swamy to provide the guidance and hand holding needed to get the convention to this shape. She introduced many new activities and programs in this convention that have made this convention unique. Thanks, Nayana. Last but not the least, I would like to thank all the family members and the children including my family and children. They have tolerated us for the past few months with no complaint. Without their involvement, help and patience we would not have made it. Thanks to all of you. It has been a great convention for all of us. Hope you all feel the same way. We would like to do a survey to see how we did and where we can improve. Please provide your feedback. Thanks for coming. There will be shuttles outside to take you back to the hotels. Good Night and have a safe trip back home. Jai Hind!

Special Acknowledgement and Thanks! Basava Samithi, Aravind Jatti and Justice V.S Malimath – for donating ‘Women Saints of Karnataka in search of Truth’ by Ujjwala Hiremath Pujya Shri Sutturmath Swamiji, JSS Mission in Maryland, Kumar Rajashekar – for hosting Hosmath Swamiji. www.jssmission.org Shivu Hiremath, Swaraanjali, for help in coordinating Sangeeta Katti’s concert. www.swaranjalicolumbus.com Deepak Kenkeremath- For copyright permission to print ‘Lingapuja Illustrated’ by Vimala Channabasappa. Mallikarjuna Swamy Sarangamath – donation of the books –‘Lingapuja Illustrated’ for gift bags VSNA Washington Chapter – Copyright permission of ‘Veerashiava Activity Book.’ Udaya Jagadish – Making and donating the Linga applique bags for Linga puje

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VSNA Scholarship

2013 VSNA Scholarship Award VSNA is proud to announce and remind all members of the High School Junior & College Scholarship Award. The Award will be presented to qualified individuals at the VSNA convention in Florida. Please forward this information to all VSNA members. Award(s)   

$300 (First place) and $200 (Second place): High School Category. $300 (First place) and $200 (Second place): College (undergrad and grad level will include Masters/Phd/MBA/Med School) – anyone in college up to 30 years old. Recognition at the National VSNA convention, in VSNA publications and certificates

Eligibility:  High School Junior or Senior student in good standing  Completed application form showcasing academic and cultural achievements and contributions/participation in the community (and VSNA)  Parents must be members of VSNA  Completed application is submitted by the deadline (June 15, 2013)  Prior winners may not compete in the same category Submission Process:  All material must be submitted electronically to the Award Coordinator by June 15, 2013  It is the responsibility of the applicant to confirm that the material has been received. Decision Process:  Decision will be made by a panel of judges chosen by the VSNA Award organizers  A phone interview may be conducted if needed  Decisions by the VSNA Award organizers will be final VSNA Scholarship Award Coordinator:  Mr. Dada Patil, Member of the Board of Regents of the VSNA  Email: dadapatil@hotmail.com  Phone: 714-614-1653  Address: 570 S. Whispering Ridge Lane , Anaheim, ca 92808 Please distribute/forward this information to all of your friends. If you have any questions, please contact the Award Coordinator, Dada Patil @ 714-614-1653

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VSNA Scholarship Form 2014

Application Deadline June 15, 2014 I _______________________, a Veerashaiva High School Junior/Senior or College student am residing in North America am applying for the VSNA Scholarship program to recognize the outstanding Youth of VSNA. I enclose the following documents, which I understand must be submitted for eligibility. 1. Personal Information: a. Name: b. Address: c. Email Id: d. Phone #: e. High School/College: f. Year in High School (Junior/Senior) or College: 2. Affidavit of Membership: My parents, _______________________________, belong to the _____________________________ chapter of the VSNA and have been member since_______________. 3. 1 page Biography of yourself demonstrating your service to the community, VSNA related activities, conferences you participated in, chapter level activities, etc. as well as your academic, community service, volunteerism, and other extra-curricular accomplishments. 4. 1 page Essay on the topic: “What does Kayakave Kailasa (Work is Worship) mean in today’s world”. 5. Optional: a. Letter of reference from the VSNA Chapter president or other officer. b. Letter of reference from School, Coach or other person. Parental Endorsement: I, _______________________________, am a member (annual member or Life Member) of the VSNA for the current year. Note: The applicant has to submit all of the above items to qualify for the scholarship. The decision of the scholarship committee will be final in awarding the scholarship. Please send application materials, electronically, before the June 15, 2013 to: Mr. Dada Patil e-mail: dadapatil@hotmail.com 117

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VSNA 37th Annual Convention 2014

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With Compliments from Smt. Jyothi and Sri BSB Murthy

ದಯವಿಲೆದ ಧಮಯವದ ೇವುದಯಯ ದಯವ ೇ ಬ ೇಕು ಸವಯಪ್ಾರಣಿಗಳ ಲೆರಲೆ ದಯವ ೇ ಧಮಯದ ಮೊಲವಯಯ ಕೊಡಲಸಂಗಯಯನಂತಲೆದ ೊಲೆ ಕಂಡಯಯ 119

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From the Editor’s desk…. Dear Veerashaivas, I thank you everyone, near and far, attending this convention and making this a success in many ways. Thanks to all delegates who enlightened and entertained us with your amazing talents and skills, visiting us from different parts of the globe. It is inevitable that there are always a few that cannot attend for various reasons. I feel it’s about time to be creative in addressing these growing challenges. We should integrate social events like this, with live internet streaming, extending the convention to audiences anywhere they are! Though the attendance was not at its full capacity, I am sure all those attended agree that this convention stood high in program quality and its hospitality. Outstanding interpretation of vachanas in Kathak dance form by Vidwan Sri Mysore Nagaraj and far-reaching vocal range by Sangeetha Katti was melodious, showcasing a great performance. Performance by each chapter including grown-ups and kids were entertaining, educational, informative and at its finest. Many of the programs were aligned with our convention theme. The excitement shown by all the participants was very contagious. I encourage everyone to read the essays/articles written by kids and others, which shows their involvement, dedication and their broader perspective shaping their imagination of “Chala Beku Sharanange”. I would like to thank Sri Girish Budibetta, the convention chair, Smt Nayantara Swamy, Florida chapter president, for their strong leadership in turning their inspiring vision to a great reality. All Florida chapter members came together from beginning to end making this convention a success. We will remember this wonderful journey for years to come. I am honored to be the Souvenir chair and am very grateful for the Souvenir team comprising of Girish Budibetta, Kalpana Malligere and Nayantara Swamy for their great help in every step of the way. Many thanks to Vidya Rao who created the lovely cover page. I also thank Ramesh Sannegowda, Latha Budibetta, Deepa Jambagi and Anupama Swamy for their assistance. Like it is said, the soil says, “Don’t bring me your need. Bring me your seed”. This convention reemphasized empowering youth to take leadership role in VSNA. We are all very happy to see youth accepting the challenge with pride. We are sure they are ready to germinate and bring vibrant colors taking future conventions to new heights! Disclaimer: Editorial committee has edited the contents of some speeches and articles for readability. The views expressed in this publication are entirely those of respective authors and are not necessarily those of the editorial board or VSNA. Best Wishes, Rajashekar Jambagi VSNA 2013 Convention - Souvenir Chair 120

Best Wishes from Dr. Veena Patil and Family

407-250-6770 6001 Vineland Road, Suite 111 Orlando, FL 32819

Veena Patil, MD

From: Veerashaiva Samaja of North America Florida Chapter 480 Buckhorn Drive Winter Springs, FL 32708

To:

36th Annual VSNA Convention July 5 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 6, 2013 Florida Chapter

Green Print: This Souvenir is printed on re-cycled paper with Eco-friendly recycled ink.