Summary Basavanna presents a paradox of knowing. What has been known does not allow itself to be known again as an object that the mind can grasp. What has been…

Summary Basavanna examines the materials ordinarily used in worship. Milk has already been touched by the calf, water by the fish, and the flower by the bee. None can be…

Summary Basavanna refuses to identify himself as the one who can declare, “I have become pure,” or “I have attained.” Purity and attainment may be present, but he does not…

Summary Basavanna examines Karma-kanda, Bhakti-kanda, and Jnana-kanda and refuses to accept any of them when held as an isolated spiritual identity. Formal action governed only by prescribed consequence is not…

Summary Basavanna says that he becomes a Bhakta slowly, slowly. He becomes Yukta—gathered and rightly joined—slowly, slowly. He becomes a true Sharana slowly, slowly. As he proceeds, he crosses the…

Summary When Basavanna is asked whether there are Bhaktas in the mortal world, he answers three times that there is no other Bhakta. He places himself alone in the position…

Summary Basavanna addresses the Supreme Lord and recalls that, even when the Lord was displeased and left him within the mortal world, he endured that condition. Having passed through it,…

Summary Basavanna questions those who perform the eightfold worship and the sixteen forms of sacred service but do not know how to reach or touch Kudalasangama Deva. Ritual completeness alone…

Summary Basavanna places several recognised spiritual conditions before the unborn: those who are fearful in this world, those regarded as heroes in another world, and those who have attained Salokya,…

Summary Basavanna repeatedly beholds the conduct of a Sharana who is not governed by contact and restraint and who does not know the fluctuation of coming and going. What he…