August 2024

Suttur, August 20, 2024: “Control over anger, greed, and desires is the key to achieving true happiness in life,” stated Shri H.B. Devanna during his discourse on the 17th day of the Shravana Maasa program at Suttur Srikshetra on August 20, 2024.

In his insightful discourse, Shri H.B. Devanna emphasized that desires, anger, and greed are fundamental characteristics of human beings, yet they are also major enemies that can hinder one’s path to fulfillment. “If a person can control these traits, their existence will be truly fulfilled, enabling them to achieve their dreams. The Bhagavad Gita teaches us that desires, greed, and anger lead us to hell. A person’s soul attains knowledge only when they overcome these traits,” he remarked.

He further illustrated his point by referencing the story of Ravana, whose desire for a woman led to his downfall. “Similarly, a person’s desire for drugs can destroy their life. When such desires are left unchecked, they often manifest as anger, turning life into a living hell,” he observed.

Shri H.B. Devanna advised that important decisions in life should only be made when the mind is calm and stable. “To achieve such a mindset, love and devotion are essential. Devotion is a path in human life that encompasses behavior, morals, and spirituality. Our saints and sharanas practiced mental and spiritual disciplines to overcome negative thoughts like anger, desire, greed, and ego. This approach is crucial in controlling these destructive tendencies,” he explained.

The program began with a prayer, and a large number of devotees and spiritual aspirants attended the event. Shri D.M. Siddalingaswamy recited a poem, while Shri S.B. Manjesh, Smt. G. Lalitha, Shri S.C. Channabasappa, Smt. Maramma, and their sons performed the sevartha.

Suttur, August 21, 2024: The Suttur Sri Veerasimhasana Samsthana Math will be conducting a free mass marriage program on September 5, 2024, Thursday, with the divine blessings of Paramapujya Jagadguru Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Mahaswamiji.

Since February 2009, the Samsthana Math has been conducting monthly free mass marriage programs, apart from the mass marriage program held during the Adijagadguru’s Jatra Mahotsav at Suttur Srikshetra.

This program aims to help couples who are economically challenged and cannot afford the expenses of a traditional wedding ceremony. Sri Haraguru Charamurthy will participate in the mass marriages held at Suttur Srikshetra and bless the couples.

The program is open to couples where the groom is above 21 years of age and the bride is above 18 years of age. Interested individuals can send applications along with photographs of the bride and groom, caste certificates, and certificate or school marks card copy as proof of age. Child marriages are strictly prohibited.

Those interested in participating in the free mass marriage program can register by contacting the Administrative Officer, JSS Educational Institution, Suttur, eight days prior to the event either directly by visiting the office or by calling on the following phone numbers: 0821-232217, 232033, 9741342222.

Suttur, August 19, 2024: “A person must bear the results of their karma,” stated Shri H.B. Devanna during his discourse on the 16th day of the Shravana Maasa discourse program at Sri Suttur Kshetra on August 19, 2024. His words highlighted the inescapable nature of karma and the importance of righteous actions.

“Whatever experiences we face in life are the direct results of our karma,” Shri Devanna explained. “No one else can take responsibility for the consequences of our actions, nor can our virtues be transferred to another. Every deed, whether good or bad, carries its result, which is the rule of Dharma. Even the divine cannot alter the outcomes of our karma. The consequences of our actions may not always be immediate, but eventually, everyone must face the results of their deeds.”

To illustrate his point, Shri Devanna shared a story about a king who gave three sacks to three individuals, instructing them to fill the sacks in the forest and return. The first person, with good intentions, filled his sack with fruits; the second, with mixed thoughts, filled his sack with a mixture of wood, fruits, and greens, while the third person, thinking the king would not check, filled his sack with stones, soil, and debris. Upon their return, the king imprisoned all three for a month. The first person who had gathered fruits lived comfortably by eating them. The second person, who collected a mix of items, fell ill from consuming half-raw fruits. The third person, who had filled his sack with worthless items, starved to death. The story underscores that good deeds yield positive results, while evil deeds lead to suffering.

The event also featured a poem recitation by Shri D.M. Siddalingaswamy. Smt. S.G. Nagaveni and retired typist Shri H.S. Krishnamurthy performed the sevartha in memory of Shri S. Gopalrao. The program began with a mass prayer and saw numerous devotees and spiritual aspirants participate.

Suttur, August 18, 2024: “A person who intends to do a noble deed should not delay,” stated Shri H.B. Devanna during his discourse on the 15th day of the Shravana Maasa discourse program at Sri Suttur Kshetra on August 18, 2024. His words emphasized the importance of timely action in the pursuit of philanthropy and selfless service.

“Philanthropy is not merely about offering money,” Shri Devanna explained. “Often, dedicating our time, sympathy, and assistance in other forms also constitutes true philanthropy. Providing education, for instance, is a profound act of charity. Such genuine acts of service not only strengthen society but also contribute to its prosperity. True philanthropy is selfless; it is not driven by expectations. When help is given with ulterior motives, it loses its essence and cannot be considered true philanthropy.”

Shri Devanna quoted the renowned poet Sarvagna, saying, “Whatever you give to others will remain with you, but whatever you save or conceal will eventually belong to others. Don’t lament over what you have given away; help others when you are able.”

He further illustrated his point with a story from the Mahabharata, where Bheemasena advises his elder brother, Dharamaraya, not to delay in helping a Brahman who sought assistance. Bheemasena questions the certainty of life, stressing the importance of immediate action in noble deeds, as tomorrow is never guaranteed.

The event also included a recitation of a poem by Shri D.M. Siddalingaswamy. Shri N. Kumaraswamy, Computer Operator at JSS Krishi Vignana Kendra, Suttur, performed the sevartha. The program, which began with an invocation, was attended by numerous devotees and spiritual aspirants.

Suttur, August 17, 2024: “Self-dependency is a vital aspect of a fulfilling life,” stated Prof. H.B. Devanna during his discourse on the 14th day of the Shravana Maasa discourse program at Sri Suttur Kshetra. Addressing a gathering on August 17, 2024, Prof. Devanna emphasized the significance of cultivating independence and self-reliance, drawing parallels from nature to underscore his message.

“Work should be our closest ally,” Prof. Devanna remarked. “A self-dependent life not only brings respect but also fosters self-confidence. Dependency on others can lead to laziness, which is detrimental to personal growth. Even in the animal kingdom, we observe that young birds and animals are taught to fend for themselves from an early age. For instance, mother birds encourage their young to fly once their wings are strong enough, and similarly, calves are weaned off milk as they begin to graze on their own. However, humans, despite being the most intelligent beings, often choose to remain dependent, placing undue burden on their parents and well-wishers.”

Prof. Devanna urged the youth to recognize their inherent strengths and capabilities, advising them to utilize these assets to build a self-reliant life. “One doesn’t need to have many children to bring honor to a family,” he continued. “Like the sun that illuminates the sky, a single child—be it a son or daughter—can bring light and respect to the entire family. By leading a life based on one’s own earnings, individuals not only set an example for society but also prove that with honest effort, anything is possible.”

He concluded by quoting Basavanna, the revered philosopher and statesman: “Work is Worship.” Prof. Devanna encouraged everyone to immerse themselves fully in their work, setting a standard of excellence and self-dependency for others to follow.

The event also featured a recitation of the Vachana by Shri D.M. Siddalingaswamy and concluded with seva by Ma. Gu. Basavanna, Headmaster of JSS High School, Suttur. The program, which began with an invocation, saw the participation of numerous devotees and spiritual aspirants.