THE MISUNDERSTOOD GOD; GURU

 

The ancient scripts of India the Veda, Aagama, Upanishads and other scripts are the great source of the knowledge for Indians, perhaps to the world. Hindu culture has highest regard for GURU or Teacher. A person is inducted to the spirituality and knowledge by a guru but no one. The rituals of the induction are sacred and important in one's life in Hindu religion, it is called Deeksha. Since ancient times the Guru and Shishya (Teacher and Disciple) relation is sacred and well bonded as Guru guides disciple to acquire knowledge and achieve enlightenment. Though Guru is a highly learned soul however, guru is also a human being. The disciples acknowledge guru with highest regard and show utmost respect. However, some even consider guru as god because of the respect and regards they have for their guru. Guru is the source and guide to achieve enlightenment and realisation of god.

Love – Devotion -Worship: The highest form of love is devotion and peak of the devotion is worship. It can happen with anybody and with anything. The Sanatan dharma teaches us to worship entire nature as the nature is the source of life. We see god in plants, air, earth, water and fire. But it is not compulsive in sanatan tradition of our religion. The love for plants and trees turns into worship when realise the source of “Prana Vayu” is plants and trees. If one doesn't want to recognise this and doesn't follow then it is individual choice. As we see god in the form of nature and everything related to nature, it is obvious that we love, adore, respect and worship the teacher or Guru also as the Guru is the source of knowledge. Indians have highest regards and respect for Guru, even we refer the largest planet of our galaxy, Jupiter as GURU in Sanskrit shows the highest stature given to Guru in our tradition. Even our religion teaches us to respect the Woman as mother, first teacher or Guru, the love and respect for mother is unmatchable in Hindu tradition and the same culminates into worshiping Mother as god and we refer planet Earth as “Tayi” “Amma”, mother. It may not be the same with other religions in the world. The love and respect is an individual choice of gratitude, hence we respect guru and worship guru as god, neither it is expected nor portrayed  by guru.

Gratitude and human evolution: Worshiping Guru is highest form of gratitude Hindus develop and it is deep rooted in Hindu culture. If we closely look in to the human evolution we realise the reason behind it. Human beings are most sensible living beings in the universe, humans are evolved with empathy, love, care and humanity because of the ability to think and analyse unlike other animals in the universe. Humans are more attached to the things which are loved by them. Love can turn anything into precious. Hindus are close to the nature with tradition and rituals. Understanding the vulnerability of the nature and our dependency on it, Hindu religion cultivated a practice of loving nature and loving all valuable gifts to humanity. In order to achieve the basic, minimum and prosperous life Hindus developed the culture, rituals, behaviors, gratitude, etc., being very close to nature and love everything which was precious for human life. That’s is how the nature, earth, water, etc., are preserved and protected for centuries. We are witnessing the disaster and abuse on nature and mother earth is the result of absence of the above doctrine in the modern world. In the absence of the gratitude and love, humans destroying  the nature in such a way that no human can survive in the future if the same is continued. Hinduism and the Hindu doctrines are so in-depth, beyond just a religious practice. The Hindu dharma is just not a religion, it’s part of life. It is blend of knowledge, philosophy, agriculture, science, medicine, etc. All these things are well nurtured and part of common daily living practices which help humans heal physically and emotionally. Hinduism is a way of life towards harmony, love, health, spirituality and enlightenment. For all these knowledge one should be dependent on Guru, the knowledge is a free flowing energy only when it is given with complete will. Willingness to share the knowledge needs a bonding, a relation, love, gratitude and devotion.

Yes, it is possible only when a disciple is devoted to Guru, respects him, adores him and has gratitude. When such relation gets stronger it turns into worship, a disciple feels and worships a Guru like god. It is a disciple who chooses to worship a Guru because he sees such value in a person, otherwise Guru is just a teacher for others. The others also should look at him like a normal human being. Just because a person calls the guru or teacher god or worships him, one should not see him as god and compare with mythological godly characters depicted in the legends and stories and find faults in him.  It is not the fault of the guru, it is fault of the people if they compare him with god and try to find godly powers and attitude. It is wrong to compare a teacher or Guru to god and expect him to be as ideal as god. The problem is with people not with Gurus.

The Godman analogy: Now-a-days the terminology “Godman” is used abundantly in the media for all wrong reasons. The term is coined by the modern media and by so called intellectuals. A guru is a person who guides towards knowledge and enlightenment. For a disciple who sees value in the person accepts him as Guru and may worship him out of his respect, it is a private relation between two people. It is not a binding for others to follow the same. Calling a person Godman, then expect him to behave like god just to find faults and thrash him for not having godly gestures. This is wrong! Leave the Guru or the teacher to their disciples, do not interfere in their private affair.

Guru may be god for disciples, for others just a teacher. Other should just see the person as teacher not beyond that. Wrong thoughts, wrong expectations and wrong judgement leads to hatred. Conspiracy of bashing the Hindu Gurus just because large people see value in them is basically a insecurity of maligned mind.

Let Gurus do their job: Let the gurus do their work, do not make them god for your benefit and thrash them. Making them god against their will, aspiration and knowledge just to compare them to the unrealistic and unmatchable behaviors, powers and attitude of god. This act will make the Gurus or the teachers vulnerable for the misconception and misrepresentation in-front of the society without their knowledge. So please god sake no one has asked you to see the Gurus like gods, and expect the godly nature in them. See them as teacher and guide then there will be no unrealistic expectations. Leave them alone and do their job.

                                                                                By VijayG

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GAANAYOGI SHIVAYOGI DR.PANDIT PUTTARAJA GAVAI

Puttaraja Gavai  (3 March 1914 – 17 September 2010) an Indian Classical maestro known for his multi talents and divinity. Gavai was blind from his child hood and was a favourite disciple of Gaanayogi Pandit Panchaxara Gavai. By his spiritual gestures and his selfless contributions to the society, he is referred as walking god (£ÀqÉzÁqÀĪÀ zÉêÀgÀÄ). His multi talents were the matter of discussion among the common people and always amazed by the fact; that for a common man gaining mastery in one instrument takes a life time, but for him it was a divine gift that he was master in many instruments like Saarangi, Violin, Veena, Sitar, Tabla etc., he used to play these instruments with ease. He has mesmerized the world by writing more than 80 books in Kannada, Hindi and Sanskrit. His works were recognised by the central and state governments and awarded.

Veereshwara Punyashrama:

By the guidance of His holiness Sri Haanagalla Guru Kumara Shivayogi, Pandit Panchaxara Gavai established a music school called “ Veereshwara Punyashrama” at Gadag in 1942 to carry the social work of empowering the blind, handicapped and orphan children through music, drama, arts and literature.  There were many disciples who got trained in Indian Classical Vocal and recognised across the world.  Few to name are Pt Puttaraja Gavai, Basavaraj Rajguru, Arjun-Sa-Nakod, Sri Siddaram Jambaladinni etc. However Puttaraja Gavai was his master’s favourite disciple. Puttaraja Gavai was chosen to head the institute after the demise of Gaanayogi Panchakhsara Gavai. The rich legacy of this special school was not only well retained but flourished in his tenure. He has trained thousands of Blind, Handicapped and orphan children to become vocalists, dramatists, writers and composers. His master’s legacy is still continued by his senior most disciples like Pt. Rajguru Guruswami Kalikeri, Pt Venkatesh Kumar, Sri Somanath Maradur, Sri Kumar Das, etc. Dadasaheb Phalke Awardee Dr. Rajkumar was a devotee and admirer of guruji.

Contributions to the Society:

Being himself blind, he has never idle thinking helpless, he has not only achieved the impossible but show the path to thousands of others like him. The institute was the only one of its kind in the world. In 1940’s itself the institution has dreamt and it realised the same of empowering the blind, handicapped and orphan children instead of just giving them the shelter. This was noble and was pure kind of service to the society. However, the world or the Indian government failed to give well deserved recognition. However, noble thoughts of the institute are still continued by his disciples.  

Other Services to the Society:

Shree Veershwara Punyashrama is running various Institutions, further continuing his master’s social service. Some of the institutions are,

• P.P.G. Pre-Primary School (Bal Vihar) (Anganawadi School), Gadag
• P.P.G. Residential Music School for Blind, Gadag
• P.P.G. Residential Braille School, Gadag
• Puttaraj Gavigalavar Sanskrit Pathashala, Gadag
• Shri Kumareshwar Krupaposhit Sangeeta Pathashala, Gadag
• Music School, Shri Veereshwar Punyashrama, Gadag ; Branch
• P.P.G. Primary School, Gadag
• P.P.G. High School, Gadag
• P.P.G. Arts College, Gadag
• P.P.G. Music College, Gadag
• P.P.G. B.Ed. College, Gadag
• P.P.G. D.Ed. College, Gadag

Pt Puttaraja Gavai’s Literary works

Some of his important works are.. 

Books on music

• Sangeet Shastra Jnana
• Tabla Shikshaka
• GuruSudha Part 1 & 2
• Taala Panchakshara

Books in Kannada

• Akkamahadevi Purana
• Haveri Shivabasava Purana
• Ankalagi Adavi Siddeswara Purana
• Huchala Guru Siddeshwara Purana
• Purathanara Purana
• Veerabhadreshwara Purana
• Kalikeri Guru Mahima Purana
• Sharana Basaveshwara Purana
• Sri Ankalagi Adiveshwara Puraana
• Sri Haveri Shivabasava Swami Puraana
• Guleda Gadilingeshwara Puraana
• Sri Veerabhadreshwara Puraana
• Shivasharane Hemareddi Mallamma Puraana
• Chikkenakoppada Sri Channaveera Sharanara Puraana
• Sri Naalatwaada Veereshwara Puraana
• Sri Annadaaneshwara Puraana
• Guddaapura Daanamma Devi Puraana
• Sri Chikkeshwara Puraana
• Sri Kalakeri Gurumahimaa Puraana

Books in Sanskrit

• Shrimat Kumara Geetha
• Kumareshwara Kavya
• Shri Linga Sooktha
• Tatparya Sahit Sri Rudra
• Panchakshara Suprabhata

Books in Hindi

• Basava Purana (Winner of President Award)
• Siddha Linga Vijaya
• Sidhantha Shikamani etc.

Theatre and drama in Kannada

• Sri Kotturu Basaveshwara
• Nelloora Numbiyaaka
• Shivasharana Chennayya
• Bhagavaan Basaveshwara
• Sri Gurudarhsana
• Hanagalla Kumareshwara Mahatme
• Sri Shivayogi Siddharaameshwara
• Shivayogi Moligi Maarayya
• Shirahatti Sri Phakeereshwara Mahatme
• Shivasharane Uditadi Akkamahadevi
• Sati Sukanya
• Daanaveera Shirasangi Lingarajaru
• Maharati Bheeshma
• Magana Prema
• Devara Duddu
• Books in Braille
• Bhagavad Geeta
• Upanishad
• Sri Rudra and Music

Awards and Recognitions

Dr. Puttaraja Gavai was bestowed with many awards for his contributions to music, literature and social service.

1961 - President award for "Basava Purana" in Hindi

1962 - Kannada Kavi Kulottama by Kannada Sahitya Parishat, Bangalore

1970 - Karnataka Rajyotsava Prashasti

1975 - Honorary doctorate by Karnatak University

1998 - Nadoja Prashasti

1998 - Kanaka Purandara Prashasti

1998 - Jnaanayogi by Kannada Sahitya Parishat, Gadag.

1998 - Kendra Sangeet Natak Akademi Award

1999 - Rajya Sangeeta Vidwan by Government of Karnataka

2000 - National Award (for the betterment of disabilities) by Govt of India

2001 - "Nadoja Award" from Kannada University

2002 - Basavashree award

2007 - Kalidas Samman by Government of Madhya Pradesh

2007 - "Siddhashri Award" by Mugalkhod Jidaga Math

2009 - N Vajrakumar Abhinandana Puraskar Samiti Award

2009 - Tirumakudalu Chowdiah award by Government of Karnataka

2010 - Padma Bhushan

CONGRESS BLUNDERS IN KARNATAKA-Current political analysis

The current scenario in Karnataka political environment is completely focused on 2018 assembly elections. Major parties competing head-on are Congress and BJP. Janata Dal may be a spoiler for Congress if perform well, which is slightly expected because of the caste game played by Congress right-now in Karnataka. If the caste game back fires Congress then its easy win for BJP.

Congress Strategies:

Congress has few notable achievements in Karnataka and those are over shadowed by the controversies like  D K Ravi  death, Police officer Bande and Ganapathi death, D K Shivakumar IT raid, etc. And also the too much Muslim appeasement politics. Congress is forgetting one thing that Muslim votes are no longer exclusively for Congress. BJP has already penetrated in the vote bank by Triple Talak discussion.  The question is still on people’s mind, why Congress is hell-bent of Muslim appeasement politics, despite knowing that the strategy is costing them Hindu votes.  After analyzing this Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has decided to change his strategy for the sake of elections.

The Congress blunders in the election time:

1. Hindi Name Board in Metro Stations, however people given a least attention to it.

2. New Kannada Flag: When every one already accepted the Yellow –Red flag, people started discussing why the change?

3. Division in Veershaiva Lingayat religion eyeing on the part of the vote bank which is decisive in Karnataka. They did it in 2014-15 by creating “Panchamasali Peetha” and won the part of the votes of Panchamasali caste. Of course Yeddyurappa’s absence costed BJP heavily.  Now Lingayat s a separate religion moving out from what believed to be part of Veershaiva. This also back fired and people are rejecting the idea of dividing society on caste basis.

Its advantage BJP in Karnataka:

Amith Shah strategy may work in Karnataka under the current circumstances. BJP again shown that it is right wing party in Karnataka and firmly stood with the Hindu ideology. Fielding Yeddyurappa an only mass leader in BJP and from a strong Veershaiva-Lingayat community. Here BJP again stood with the idea of all are one and opposed further divide in the society.

BJP tactfully handled the Kannada sentiments and Kannada flag. Here the BJP though seemed like sulking with these two major issues. But, handled it very well.

BJP is tactfully playing it on the corruption, political killings, death of Government officials, denotifications by government, Siddaramaiah Watch issue, etc.

In my view BJP has upper hand in Karnataka. Congress has to be more tact-full and win the hearts of majority community in Karnataka. The decades old tactics won’t work now as the society is more literate, educated and have access to the global knowledge. Congress needs to change its strategy to be relevant in India.

SIDDARAMAIAH’S BHAAGYA (LUCK OR KISMAT)

Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah has been introducing many schemes for people of Karnataka awkwardly in the name of BHAGYA.  When I tried to find the meaning of Bhagya in dictionary the meaning is simple and straight, in English “Luck” in Hind “Kismat”. I feel these kinds of scheme name are nothing but arrogance in democracy. By the people, for the people and of the people concept is ignored and the government expects people to rely on this kind of schemes (Luck) where it is not even equally granted to all the people, it is limited to only one sect or caste.

Generally what we believe that LUCK is one's pure belief and many believe that it is showered upon human being by god or destiny. Now my question is if government thinks it is god and selectively grants luck for chosen group of people collecting our own money in the form of tax. Is it not the mockery of Democracy?

Do the law makers expect people to worship the government and beg for Bhagya or luck?  Another arrogance and senseless act is the Bhaagya scheme is even extended mercilessly to small children i.e., 5 Eggs for SC/ST and 3 Eggs for General category in a week. Government first of all calling these schemes Bhagya is wrong and discrimination among people is the act of insensitivity.  

Even if we think for a minute and forget discrimination among people in BHGYAs the government granted, even for the poor people how can a government say it’s LUCK (Bhagya)? It is the right of every citizen of this country to have all the facilities provided by the government and government is not God’s resting place (HEAVEN) and CM is no god. As per the constitution, every elected person is the servant of the people and serves the country. Then why this fake, temporary and 5 years Godly act. Providing facilities and schemes for the betterment of the people and spending people’s own money needs no tag line, “LUCK”. Governments should be sensitive towards people and feelings. Yes, you have won elections to serve the people for a limited period of time; this should not turn the law maker arrogant enough to call the government facilities “BHAGYA” or “Luck” and act like god.

Who are we human beings to grant LUCK to fellow human beings? I request these kinds of law makers to be sensitive towards people & poor and refrain from using such name for public welfare schemes. India has changed, its not 1960’s India, where people used to think Indira Gandhi was Goddess. People are more educated and literate now than the 1960's time. Please don’t give such names like BHAGYA to the schemes. You are using people’s money for these schemes, give names which are not arrogant in nature or portray government or CM as GOD.

Anomalous India 2014

2014 has been year of many changes and revelations. Under the UPA government, India has been very dramatic and witnessed many changes in the political history. One of the fastest growing countries has been the worst performing country because of the corruption and governance. Since a decade country suffered with policy paralysis, scams, job loss and inflation. Common man has suffered the most. Instead of reviving economy and controlling inflation Congress party of India put all the efforts to make Mr Rahul Gandhi , Prime Minister of India. 

 Election 2014 has been the most ill-mouthed India has ever witnessed. Parties have indulged themselves in mudslinging rather than developmental issues. This election has been the most polarized on caste and religion. However, Mr. Modi was the only person was chanting development mantra throughout the campaign. For the first time a prime Ministerial candidate has been on the target of every other political party including the smallest of small parties like Asaduddin Owaisi’a IMIM. People of India have shown that they are above all the castes and creed and no more religion and caste can influence any against development. The country’s policies, facilities and the security have been being derived on the basis of caste and the religion.India has seen 2G,CWG,Coal and Corruption. We have lot of hope on Mr. Modi.

 I will have to mention Aaam Aadmi Party and Mr. Arvind Kejriwal here. The party has filled a new hope of clean politics in people and Mr. AK as the most prominent leader this country has ever seen. But Mr. A K’s wrong decisions and lack of clear goal has downgraded AAP's credibility. Instead of organizing the party efficiently, AAP has jumped in to LS elections before proving something in Delhi. Now AAP is the most unorganized and irrelevant party in the country. 

Without mentioning Mr RAGA this blog is incomplete. As a lay man I always wondered that why Congress party is behind Mr RAGA to make him PM, where his capabilities don’t match the post. Probably this also one of the reasons that Congress party has been vanished. Congress has many leaders like Pranab Mukherji, Kamal Nath, A K Antony and many more not obviously Diggy Raja ( Apne main mast hai ;-)), lets see if Congress has learnt a lesson or it start singing RAGA again. Thank you.