Summary In this vachana, Basavanna exposes devotion that appears proper from outside. The conduct looks trustworthy, and the speech is full of courtesy. Yet when one extra word comes, the…

Summary In this vachana, Basavanna exposes pride hidden beneath outward reverence. He bows at the feet of others, but inwardly the sense of superiority rises. The contradiction is severe. The…

Summary In this vachana, Basavanna turns toward the faults in his own speech. He names the sin of the vachana and the defects of the vachana as forces that burn…

Summary In this vachana, Basavanna asks why one should become angry at another. What is gained by oneself, and what is lost by the other? He then shows that anger…

Summary In this vachana, Basavanna says that Devaloka and Martyaloka are not separate places to be seen elsewhere. They are known through speech and conduct. Speaking truth is Devaloka. Speaking…

Summary In this vachana, Basavanna asks what the path is for the relation between Lord and servant. The answer is direct: speak what is true, and walk according to what…

Summary In this vachana, Basavanna gives a direct rule of pure living. Do not steal. Do not kill. Do not speak falsehood. Do not become angry. Do not make others…

Summary In this vachana, Basavanna asks whether a wild animal can give flesh to a lion and become a bhakta. The image shows that raw instinct cannot become devotion merely…

Summary In this vachana, Basavanna warns against those who do not know Kālāgni Rudra’s consuming force. Not seeing the fire that surrounds life, they remain occupied with ordinary nourishment and…

Summary In this vachana, Basavanna exposes religious activity that remains outward. The devotee says, “I have done much,” and builds lofty shrines, yet his own house is like a cook’s…