Summary In this vachana, Basavanna exposes those who are crooked within and gentle outside. They are called devotees, but their inner condition does not match their outward appearance. The Linga…

Summary In this vachana, Basavanna gives the image of iron touched by alchemy. Even if it appears golden, what value is there if it does not leave its former nature?…

Summary In this vachana, Basavanna places one pot of milk beneath a toddy palm. One person calls it milk; another calls it liquor. The object has not changed. The difference…

Summary In this vachana, Basavanna confesses the difference between carrying the Linga and becoming inwardly transformed by it. The Linga is borne in its vessel upon the body, yet he…

Summary Basavanna calls the children to gather karike grass, oleander leaves, and sand from the stream bank for Gauri’s vow. They assemble with one innocent longing: that Kudalasangama Deva, the…

Summary In this vachana, Basavanna rejects vows made by watching others and copying them. Such vows may have outward form, but they do not stand. He then rejects vows performed…

Summary In this vachana, Basavanna questions Kudalasangama Deva through examples of unexpected acceptance. One is received, Kama is burned, and the hunter who killed living beings day and night is…

Summary In this vachana, Basavanna speaks as one born and placed in the world, yet afraid of standing there without true covering. If he remains inwardly unformed, he becomes a…

Summary In this vachana, Basavanna asks Kudalasangama Deva to stop his wandering. He asks to be made unable to move here and there. He then asks to be made blind…

Summary In this vachana, Basavanna asks Kudalasangama Deva to make him a wild parrot within the dense inner forest and protect him. He does not ask for the wildness to…