Why I am proud as a Vīraśaiva

Why I am proud as a Vīraśaiva
By
Guru S. Bale
Jan 16, 2010

Among all the religions of the world, only Vīraśaiva religion is the most broad-minded religion. Mahatma Gandhi addressing the 39th Congress in 1924 said ‘ 800 years ago, the philosophy taught by Basavēśvara cannot be practiced by me. Basava not only preached but also practiced what he preached. Basava eradicated untouchability. He established a caste less society of śaraṇas. This is very important. If he lived today, he would be the Man for the world. The followers, by practicing and preaching the philosophy, definitely will improve not just India but the world’. Do we need any other testimonial about the religious principles of Vīraśaiva?

According to Akkamahadevi Vīraśaivas have 52 qualities*. I am proud to say that śaraṇas are the first to free the people in the lower class from the clutches of Vaidica persons. Sharnas are the first to liberate women by giving equality. This prompted women to participate equally with men in discussions of religious and social matters. Women wrote many vaĉanas. Today their writings excel and some have become literary marvels. Śaraṇas put an end to superstitions. They created a society of śaraṇas without regard to birth caste. They married a Brahmin girl to a Śūdra boy.

Śaraṇas of the 12th century achieved many great things. They worked unselfishly to improve the quality of life to one and all. Many people including the king of Kashmir joined śaraṇa movement. Śaraṇas earned their livelihood through kayaka (work) and spent their earning in dasōha (charity). Their goal was to lead a simple life, acquire knowledge to learn oneself and to unite with the almighty. They never accepted things without discussing in the great hall of Anubhava Manṭapa.

It is my experience that dasōha performed at some of the temples in Karnataka are not really dasōha. The temple discriminates in serving prasada to the devotees. This type of discrimination is not seen or heard by me in any of the Veerasaiva temples or in Vīraśaiva Maṭas. Without Vīraśaiva Maṭas many of us including many non-Vīraśaivas would not have obtained basic and advanced education. From education we are enjoying the life of today.

There is lot more to write and talk about Vīraśaiva religion. I am proud to be born in this religion. I am proud to practice and to follow the religious principle. I am happy to share my life experience as a Vīraśaiva with others.

* Qualities of Vīraśaiva, Guru S. Bale, Sid-Asha publishing Company, Edison, NJ 08817