Summary In this vachana, Basavanna speaks of holding a substance in the hand and facing the act of giving it to Kudalasangama Deva. The act appears simple, yet inwardly a…

Summary In this vachana, Basavanna takes an uncompromising vow before Kudalasangama Deva. He says that unless something is Linga-arpita, meaning first dedicated, consecrated, or offered to the Linga before being…

Summary In this vachana, Basavanna shows how doubt changes the way experience is received. A rope lying near an anthill or serpent-hole may be touched, yet one who is filled…

Summary Basavanna begins with the image of a pearl born in water. Though water is its source, once the pearl has formed, it cannot become water again. He applies this…

Summary In this vachana, Basavanna separates devotion and Kayaka from transaction. He says that he is not one who asks for wages or treasure like a servant seeking payment. Sacred…

Summary In this vachana, Basavanna says that when he sees the Bhakta who does and gives, it is like finding a hidden treasure. Action and giving are not treated as…

Summary In this vachana, Basavanna presents Kudalasangayya’s Bhakti as a mighty elephant. This Bhakti-elephant overturns even sacred structures: Panchabrahma, the fivefold manifestation of Shiva traditionally understood as Sadyojata, Vamadeva, Aghora,…

Summary In this vachana, Basavanna brings three forms of knowing before Kudalasangama Deva: philosophical proof, scriptural declaration, and direct seeing. The Mīmāṃsaka asks, “Īśvara-sadbhāve kiṃ pramāṇam?”—“What is the proof, or…

Summary In this vachana, Basavanna first expands the measure of Kudalasangama Deva beyond all ordinary scale. The worlds, the skies, and what exceeds the skies belong to Him. His sacred…

Summary In this vachana, Basavanna questions the venerable munis who stand continually guarding the Lord’s door. They are near the sacred threshold, yet still remain at the door. He then…