Invigorating "Acharave Swarga" the treasure of Sharana philosophy
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Convention Venue Westin Chicago
Northwest Itasca, Illinois 60143
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Anubhava Goshti
The Anubhava Mantapa,
established by Basavanna in the 12th century, is considered to be
glorious religious institution of spiritual experiences and became a cradle for
Lingayatism, where they discussed all aspects of Veerashaivism or Lingayatism.
Soon it turned into a source of Veerashaiva literature and Vachanas.
Their meaning and values never diminshed in any century as they
effectively answer the social, philosophical, religious and economical issues.
The Veerashaiva religion is a universal religion that
upholds human values and dignity. Veerashaivism
means the spiritual attainment depends on the panchachara (five codes of
conduct) and astavarana (eight shields) to protect the body as abode of Lord.
The five codes are Lingachara (daily worship of Ishtalinga or Shivalinga),
Sadachara (attention to vocation and duty), Shivachara (acknowledging Shiva as
one God and equality among humans), Bhirtychara (humility towards all creatures)
and Ganachara (protection of community and its tenets).
The eight shields are Guru, Linga, Jangama, Paduka (water from bathing
Linga or Guru’s feet), Prasada (sacred offering), Vibhuti (holy ash),
rudraksha (holy beads) and Mantra (Om Namah Shivaya).
The Lingayatism places great emphasis of life, on equality among all the
humans (regardless of caste, social status, education, gender etc.) on intense
social involvement and service to the community. Their faith stresses free will and affirms a purposeful world
and avows a pure monotheism. All
the Sharanas and Shivasharaneyaru (men and women of Anubhava Mantapa) have
practiced a unique meditative yogic path called “Shatasthala”, it is six
step meditation process by which one can feel and realize the divine presence
with in themselves and become one with the God. The members are adherents to Ahimsa.
They vehemently condemn cruelty to animals and animal-sacrifice. 'Daya'
or kindness is the true hallmark of religion. The position held by a woman is
undoubtedly unique. They have as many rights and claims in religious, social and
educational spheres on par with the men. As a result of woman empowerment in the
fields of education, religious freedom the era has seen many Shivasharaneyaru as
poetesses and saints such as Akka-Mahadevi, Muktayakka, Nagambika, Nilambika,
Gangambika, etc. Great and invaluable was the service rendered by these women
saints to the spread of religion. The dignity of manual labor was upheld; the
importance of monotheism (the worship of one God in the form of Ishtalinga) was
incalculable. The caste system of the Smrties was denied. Equality among the
members was established. Native language (Kannada) was encouraged and used in
all walks of life. As a result, the Vachana literature, a unique form of its
kind, came into existence. Many a saint has sung vachanas, which are noted for
their exceptional charm, simplicity, and elegance of diction and depth of
thought. All these reforms in the community were mainly due to the efforts of
Basava. In the upcoming VNSA Convention we will be conducting
an Anubhava Gosti to discuss the convention theme “Acharave Swarga.” What
does it mean to us? How is this concept still relevant in today’s society? How
does this age-old concept still apply to our current life in the new millennium?
How can we improve ourselves by following this philosophy? Are these concepts or
Sharana philosophies still uphold universal human values? Do they have any
relevance in our day-to-day life? |
VSNA GAME SHOWFor the fist time veerashaiva children will indulge in fun filled education events including Jeopardy and quizzes.
________________________ Youth RetreatHave you ever wondered what it would be like to compete in the TV show The Amazing Race? Or have you dreamed of becoming a secret agent in this lifetime? Stop wondering and make it a reality at this year’s VSNA 2009 Youth Retreat: “cHI-Life”.
________________________ Business ForumA unique opportunity to meet and interact with business leaders from US and India.
________________________ CME for physiciansVSNA convention in conjunction with
The Chicago Medical Society is offering
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