Summary Basavanna asks the mind why it should take pride in crores upon crores of japa. One small song, when it arises rightly, is greater than countless repetitions. The mind…

Summary In this vachana, Basavanna addresses the mind directly: when it stands before the Lord, it must not behave like a thief. The mind carries the burden of becoming. Therefore…

Summary In this vachana, Basavanna asks to become an ox, a bonded one, and a servant. He seeks no independent standing. His desired place is the house of Kudalasangama Deva’s…

Summary In this vachana, Basavanna confesses that his mind is dim and that he cannot see the way. He does not claim knowledge of the path by his own strength.…

Summary In this vachana, Basavanna prays not to look elsewhere, not to listen elsewhere, and not to be drawn toward any other object. The center of the prayer is the…

Summary In this vachana, Basavanna asks Kudalasangama Deva to remove the dark impurity of his mind. He does not ask to be left as he is, but to be refined.…

Summary In this vachana, Basavanna says that when one speaks of the unseen state, the seeker must listen and inwardly receive it. What has not yet been seen by oneself…

Summary In this vachana, Basavanna asks what is lost if a person lacks artha, prana, or abhimana — worldly means, life-strength, or honour. These are not the true measures by…

Summary In this vachana, Basavanna asks why one should be born in samsara only to desire something else again. Human birth is not to be spent in further wanting, pride,…

Summary In this vachana, Basavanna gives a simple test of spiritual conduct. When someone comes, if one says “Come,” does wealth disappear? If one says “Sit,” does the earth break?…