Summary Basavanna describes the discipline of constant return. If the left side falters, he holds to the right; if the right side falters, he holds to the left. The point…

Summary Basavanna turns the question of enemy and friend inward. He says that he himself is his own enemy, and he himself is his own friend. The source of destruction…

Summary Basavanna confesses the limit of his own strength. He cannot dispel the darkness of the body, cannot secure the true state of life, and cannot remove the impurity hidden…

Summary Basavanna offers gratitude for the transforming grace of Madivala Machideva. The whole person is touched by that grace: the body is purified, the mind is made stainless, the inner…

Summary Basavanna surrenders the entire field of ownership to Kudalasangama Deva. The body is Yours, the mind is Yours, and wealth too is Yours. Once these are known to belong…

Summary Basavanna describes the sacred reciprocity of Sharana fellowship. To the one who offers him the body, he offers his body in return. To the one who offers him the…

Summary Basavanna confesses that his own speech has become the cause of his suffering. His words have turned into poison, and his tongue has become the blade that struck him…

Summary Basavanna gives testimony to grace received through the living fellowship of the Sharanas. Madivala Ayya cherished his vachanas, cleansed the impurities of his mind at every step, and protected…

Summary Basavanna gives the image of one herd governed by five shepherds. The herd is one, yet those who direct it are many. Each follows its own desire, pulls in…

Summary Basavanna examines the final trace of possessiveness. Ornaments, treasure, wealth, and stored possessions may be accumulated, lent for profit, guarded in the house, and called “mine.” But such possession…