Summary In this vachana, Basavanna presents truth as the substance that fills the vessel. A life filled with truth does not remain empty, divided, or available to falsehood. The mind…

Summary In this vachana, Basavanna says that Linga cannot bear fruit in a divided life. If conduct goes wrong, speech goes wrong, and the seeker turns against or belittles another,…

Summary In this vachana, Basavanna examines the subtle ego that arises after action. Even a sacred act becomes burdened if the mind says, “I did.” He therefore warns the seeker…

Summary In this vachana, Basavanna defines Nema as disciplined integrity in ordinary life. Nema is to receive what comes rightly. It is to keep what is present without deceit. It…

Summary In this vachana, Basavanna corrects devotion that becomes noise, vow-seeking, or public display. Calling “Hara” for the sake of a vow or desired result becomes the ruin of the…

Summary In this vachana, Basavanna tests the worth of giving by its inner orientation. He names the sacrificial ground, Karna’s armour, Kacha’s bone or body, and Shibi’s flesh, and says…

Summary In this vachana, Basavanna exposes love that remains only in expression and does not become action. A hungry one comes, but food is not given. Instead, the person says,…

Summary In this vachana, Basavanna distinguishes between practice, speech, and actual realization. One may hold the staff, practise discipline, and appear prepared, but that does not mean one knows the…

Summary In this vachana, Basavanna asks whether bhakti is merely speech upon speech. A person may speak of devotion, name devotion, and use devotional language, but that does not make…

Summary In this vachana, Basavanna says that truth is not found merely in the Veda, nor merely in the Shastra, nor merely in the spoken word of the Gita. Sacred…