Speaking of Siva

After reading, Speaking of Siva (translated by A K Ramanujan with introduction) Penguin Classics, I wished to share the below two legends that appeared in it. The stories are interesting, the takeaways is left for individuals.

About the book, it is collection of free verse lyrics by four Siva devotees (Basavanna, Devara Dasimayya , Mahadeviyaakka and Allama Prabhu).

After reading the book, I wish to visit Kalyana (renamed as Basavakalyana – Bidar District – Karnataka).

Below is an extract (as is basis).

From Page 11

One amusing legend speaks of a Saiva saint who lived in the world, devoting his energies to converting worldlings to the Saiva faith – by any means whatever; bribes favours, love, and if needed physical force, coercing or persuading them to wear the Saiva emblem of holy ash on the forehead. One day, Siva himself came down in disguise to see him. But he did not recognize Siva and proceeded to convert him, offering him holy ash, trying to force it on him when he seemed reluctant. When his zeal became too oppressive, Siva tried in vain to tell him who he was, but was forced down on his  knees for the baptism of ash – even Siva had to become a Saiva.

From Page 128

Goraksa, the leader of the Siddhas had a magical body, invulnerable as diamond. Allama mocked at his body, his vanity. Legend says that he gave Allama a sword and invited him to try cutting his body in two. Allama swung the sword at him, but the sword clanged on the solid diamond-body of Goraksa; not a hair as severed Goraksa laughed in pride. Allamaprabhu laughed at this show-off and returned the sword, saying, ‘try it on me now.’ Goraksa came at Allama with his sword with all his strength. The sword swished through Allama’s body as if it were mere space. Such were Allama’s powers of self-emptying, his ‘achievement of nothingness’. Goraksa was stunned- he felt acutely the contrast between his own powers and Allama’s true realization, between his own diamond-body in which the carnal body had become confirmed and Allama’s body which was no body but all spirit. His revelation was the beginning of his enlightenment, Allama said to him.

Interpretations - I believe let us not interpret in way’s which confirms the below quotes.

“Interpretation is the revenge of the intellectual upon art.”
― Susan Sontag

“All worthy work is open to interpretations the author did not intend. Art isn't your pet it's your kid. It grows up and talks back to you.”
― Joss Whedon

“If there really is such a thing as turning in one's grave, Shakespeare must get a lot of exercise.”
― George Orwell, All Art is Propaganda: Critical Essays

“The text has disappeared under the interpretation.”
― Friedrich Nietzsche, Beyond Good and Evil

Source: http://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/interpretation