Sunil Lohan
H
averi (Savanur):Knowledge and meditation are both essential in life as they bring equanimity,ensuring that sorrow never enters their lives.
Discussions on this should take place within the Sharana culture,opined former Chief Minister and Member of Parliament Basavaraj Bommai.
He was speaking at the 48th Memorial Sharana Culture Event and Kalpavriksha Shri Award Ceremony in memory of Lingayat Guru Rachoteshwara Mahaswamiji in Savanur town, Haveri district on Tuesday.
He said the event symbolized “old roots and new shoots,”emphasizing that organizing the Sharana festival in honor of senior Jagadgurus is highly commendable. Such gatherings unite spiritual leaders, achievers,and public representatives.
There is a need for intellectual growth as true happiness is found in sharing joy with others rather than seeking more for oneself.Taking a brief pause in life to reflect allows us to experience its beautiful moments.
“We do not choose the society or family we are born into.Birth and death are beyond our control,but life is in our hands.Becoming a true human being is difficult.
Those bound by lust,anger, arrogance, and jealousy remain mere humans,while those who transcend these chains become enlightened beings. Swami Vivekananda had said that true achievers live on even after death,” the MP added.
The former CM underscored the importance of having a guru and a goal in life.We all have dreams, but we must reflect on which ones are just and rightful.
Saint Kanakadasa fought alongside his kin twice and suffered severe injuries.This led to his spiritual awakening,after which he renounced worldly life and became a saint.Reflecting on his journey, he once said, ‘In one defeat, I found many victories—I conquered myself.’”
He also quoted Basavanna’s vachana (saying), which is simple yet profound: Do not steal, do not kill, do not speak falsely.
“Compassion is the foundation of dharma, and our words should be as precious as a string of pearls. Every vachana provides guidance, but implementing them is difficult. Spirituality aids in putting them into practice”.
Bommai said both knowledge and meditation are essential in life.They bring equanimity, ensuring a life free from sorrow.
Discussions on this should take place in Sharana culture.The relationship between a guru and a disciple is one of devotion—true devotion is pure love, and it means dissolving oneself in the guru.
The event was graced by the presence of Dr. Mallikarjuna Mahaswamiji of Murugha Math,Dharwad, Sri Channabasava Mahaswamiji of Doddahunase Kalmath,Savanur,along with Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker Rudrappa Lamani, MLAs Yaseer Khan Pathan, Border Area Authority Chairman Somanna Bevinamarad, Sanjeevkumar Neeralagi,several other spiritual leaders, and dignitaries.
