Veera Shaivism and the Holy Rudraksha Part I of II

October 9, 2005

Dear Friends

Havent written about this subject for awhile and although it is in our files

I thought it might be a good time to introduce this subject to any new members

who havent seen this information yet

It is good to take a look at a group of people today who are a modern example

of Ancient Shaivism and how the Holy Rudraksha is treated in their Spritual

Teachings

Although Veera Shaivism is one of the older sects of this belief system along

with Shaiva Siddhaanta, Shivaadvaita and Kashmir Shaivism it is one of the

most dynamic of modern day Shaivite Schools

The Religious Homeland for Veera Shaivism is in Karnataka South Central

India. About 40 million people live in this state and about one fourth or 10

million people are practicing this method of Worship there. There is hardly a

village in the state without a Jangama ( wandering monk ) or Matha ( monestary )

The earliest reference to Veera Shaivism is found in the ShivaAgamas and the

adherents of this faith trace thieri beginnings back to the rishis of ancient

times. It was made popular in recent history by the remarkable South Indian

Brahmin Shri Basavanna ( 1105 to 1167 )

Veera or " Heroic " Shaivaites are also known as Lingayats or " the bearers

of the Linga " and also as Sivaharanas. All members are to constantly wear a

Linga encased in a pendant around the neck. Veera Shaivite belief is that

wearing the linga on the body unites the soul with the Omnipresence

The Veera Shaivites goal in life is accomplished when soul and God are fused

in a final state of perpetual Shiva Consciousness by way of Shatsthala that is

a progressive 6 stage path of Devotion and Surrender

Bhakta sthala ( devotion )

Mahesha sthala ( selfless service )

Prasaadhi sthala ( earnestly seeking Shivas Grace )

Praana Linga sthala ( experience all as Shiva )

Sharana sthala ( egoless refuge in Shiva )

Aikya sthala ( oneness in Shiva )

Attainment of these goals depends on the successful practices of Panchachara

( The Five Codes of Conduct that will be listed in message Part II

Aum NamaSivaya Sivaya Nama Aum

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