The Bhakti movement refers to the theistic devotional trend that emerged in medieval Hinduism and later acted as the de facto catalyst to the formation of Sikhism. It originated in eighth-century south India (now Tamil Nadu and Kerala), and spread northwards.

Silsila (Arabic: سِلْسِلَة‎) is an Arabic word meaning chain, link, connection often used in various senses of lineage. In particular, it may be translated as “(religious) order” or “spiritual genealogy” where one Sufi Master transfers his khilfat to his spiritual descendant. In Urdu, Silsila means saga.

Tawajjuh is an Islamic term that means concentration, attentiveness or “to turn the face towards something.” Tawajjuh can refer to spiritual concentration and focus, especially when one has achieved a state of Connection.

Basavanna was an Indian 12th-century statesman, philosopher, poet, Lingayat saint in the Shiva-focussed Bhakti movement, and Hindu Shaivite social reformer during the reign of the Kalyani Chalukya/Kalachuri dynasty.

Basavanna, a poet-saint from 12th-century Karnataka, captured our conflicted feelings towards snakes thus: When they see a serpent carved in stone, they pour milk on it, if a real serpent comes, they say, ‘Kill, kill’. King cobras are unmistakable, as no other Indian species looks or acts like them.

Madiraja

Basavana Bagewadi, India

Basaveshwara fought against the injustice and inequality in society, especially against the inhuman caste system, he said. He spread social awareness and preached equality of all human beings and championed the eradication of untouchability.

1105

Kudala Sangama, India