Summary In this vachana, Basavanna questions the greatness of accepted scriptural authorities. What shall he call great in the Shastra, if it remains tied to karma? What shall he call…

Summary In this vachana, Basavanna questions devotion that remains outward. A person may wear many rosaries, apply Vibhuti in many ways, move among the religious gathering, eat, take betel, and…

Summary In this vachana, Basavanna says that the statement “the Self is in all beings” must not remain only as speech. The utterance may be true, but truth spoken by…

Summary In this vachana, Basavanna warns against the hidden danger within the claim of offering. Body, mind, and wealth are called three blades placed upon the nose. They are close,…

Summary In this vachana, Basavanna corrects the assumption that life will continue as though no end is near. A person speaks, plans, and holds to what seems meaningful while the…

Summary In this vachana, Basavanna uses the language of store, toll, and coin to test the truth of bhakti. A store may be filled, but its movement is not complete…

Summary In this vachana, Basavanna exposes a reversal in worship. People pour milk for a stone serpent, but strike a living serpent. They prepare food for the Linga that does…

Summary Basavanna says that a Bhakta must worship Linga and Jangama. This is the proper direction of devotion. He then asks what it means for a Bhakta to worship himself.…

Summary Basavanna asks whether hunger, eating, and conjugal union can be treated as if someone else performs them for the person. These are not distant acts. They involve the person…

Summary Basavanna says: do not wander in search. Do not try to buy and bring what cannot be obtained as an object. With love, say even once, “Shiva Sharane.” He…