Summary In this vachana, Basavanna rejects caste and lineage as the true measure of a person. He asks, “What does caste matter?” He then gives the answer: the one who…

Summary In this vachana, Basavanna warns against rejecting the devotee through outer labels. He names harsh designations: thief, jailer, snake-charmer, degraded person, or one who carries another’s message. Such names…

Summary In this vachana, Basavanna exposes the contradiction between outer religious sign and lived conduct. He gives a harsh image: a knife in the left hand, flesh in the right…

Summary In this vachana, Basavanna distinguishes three movements that test purity: body, mind, and wealth. He says that the body comes and moves about. The body may draw attention, disturbance,…

Summary In this vachana, Basavanna defines the mark of the Sharana through inward steadiness and living response to the Jangama. He begins with samacitta, the even or balanced mind. This…

Summary In this vachana, Basavanna refuses needless speech and fear before what comes near. He asks why one should speak in excess, and why one should be afraid of what…

Summary In this vachana, Basavanna shows fearlessness arising from right placement of mind, wealth, and body. He first says that in the mind given by Kudalasangama Deva, he does not…

Summary In this vachana, Basavanna exposes contradiction within one’s chosen role. He asks: when one has seen the battlefield, why still desire the weapon? When one has become a servant,…

Summary In this vachana, Basavanna tests whether what is received has become inwardly true. He begins with the image of teeth and tongue. What enters the mouth must be truly…

Summary In this vachana, Basavanna asks what lineage can mean without Kudalasangama Deva’s presence and acceptance. He asks what the lineage is of one who has entered and been accepted…