Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)
Udupi, Oct 18: "Among Lingayats, there are followers of two traditions. Although these traditions may have differences of opinion between them, they are not different religions. It would be to the advantage of Lingayats if the two factions unite," felt Paryaya Sri Vishweshateertha Swamiji of Pejawar Math here. He was speaking at a press conference held here on Tuesday October 17.
"Once you have adopted Hindu gods and are worshipping them, there is no reason not to be known as Hindus. It would not be prudent to blame current day Brahmins who are in minority, for the ills which happened during the period of Basavanna. Brahmins have done nothing wrong. There are basic philosophical differences between those who follow Dwaita and Adwaita schools of thought. It cannot be denied that both of them are parts of Vedic religion. Likewise, both Veerashaiva and Lingayat schools have accepted Lord Shiva as the supreme. Therefore these two cannot be separate religions," he explained.
The Swamiji, at the same time, added hat he does not want to interfere with the internal issues of these two groups. "I personally feel that it would be in the interests of Veerashaiva Lingayats if they are considered as a single religion or different belief system within a single religion," he added. He said it is for the society to take a stand on this issue. He also said that he is yet to get an answer to his question as to how Lingayats and Veerashaivas, who perform puja of Lingas and believe that Lord Shiva is the Supreme Being, be different religion away from Hinduism.
"If Lingayats do not accept caste system prevalent in Hindus, are Ramakrishna Ashram, Arya Samaj etc which denounce caste system, different? Are several Vaishnav and Shaiva sects that do not abide by caste system different religions? Let not Lingayats and Veerashaivas go away from Hinduism. I want them to be with Hinduism," he said..
"Many have questioned my right, being a Vaishnavite, in questioning the stands taken by others. This is like two brothers staying together in a house. If one of them wants to leave his home, is it a crime if the other brother advises him to stay back? Let us stay together, give impetus to good-heartedness and brotherhood and unitedly try to save our religion and culture," he pleaded.
The Swamiji said that the people are free to follow their own systems of faith and thoughts and that one class cannot harm the other. He said he wants all the Hindus to stay together as a close-knit family, and also reiterated the need for Hindus and Muslims to share the same bonhomie.