Poetic Rendering
“Come near, come closer,”
the true sharanas call.
Some step forward shyly,
a hand over the mouth
not from pride,
but from the softness of little learning,
simple lives, simple words.
Yet their faint whispers
shine with uncut sincerity.
In the circle of Your true ones,
where hearts flow clear,
even a timid voice
is lifted high
by You, O Koodalasangamadeva.
Basavanna describes how true devotees warmly invite all into their fellowship. Many sharanas who joined him were uneducated, shy, or unable to express themselves fully. Yet their simple words rooted in honest living and genuine spiritual experience were deeply valued. In the company of true seekers, sincerity outweighs learning or eloquence. Basavanna affirms that even the humblest, least articulate devotee is honored and uplifted by Koodalasangamadeva.
Spiritual Context
Core Spiritual Principle: The value of a spiritual offering is measured by the authenticity of the heart from which it springs, not by the sophistication of its expression. Sincerity is the true currency of devotion, and a humble, genuine seeker is more precious than a learned but arrogant scholar.
Cosmic Reality Perspective: The Divine (Linga) is the knower of the heart (Sarvajna, Hridayavasi). It perceives the subtle vibration of intention behind every word and action. A whisper born of genuine love and humility resonates more powerfully in the cosmic reality than a thunderous recitation performed for show.
Historical Reality (Anubhava Mantapa Context): This Vachana is a foundational document of the Lingayat revolution. It explicitly opens the spiritual path to the masses the uneducated, the poor, the socially humble who were excluded by Brahmanical traditions that prized scriptural knowledge and ritual eloquence. Basavanna creates a spiritual democracy where a farmer’s sincere sigh is valued as highly as a pandit’s discourse, embodying the radical egalitarianism of the Anubhava Mantapa.
Interpretation
1. “Come near, come closer,’ the true sharanas call.” The Vachana begins with an image of radical inclusivity. The enlightened community (Sangha) does not erect barriers but actively invites and embraces all.
2. “Some step forward shyly, a hand over the mouth not from pride, but from the softness of little learning, simple lives, simple words.” Basavanna provides a compassionate psychological portrait of the common seeker. Their shyness is reframed not as a deficit but as a “softness” a quality of humility and receptivity. The “hand over the mouth” symbolizes both their self perceived inadequacy in speech and their inherent reverence.
3. “Yet their faint whispers shine with uncut sincerity.” This is the core revelation. The external form “faint whispers” is contrasted with the internal substance “uncut sincerity.” The divine gaze penetrates the surface to the raw, unpolished gem of the heart. This sincerity is its own brilliance.
4. “In the circle of Your true ones, where hearts flow clear, even a timid voice is lifted high by You…” The conclusion describes the transformative power of the sacred community (Satsang). The non judgmental, loving environment allows the “timid voice” to find its courage. The ultimate validation comes from the Divine itself, which “lifts high” the humble offering, completing the circuit of grace.
Practical Implications: The seeker is guided to: Value sincerity over eloquence in their own spiritual expressions. Cultivate a heart of humility and not be discouraged by a lack of formal education or poetic skill. Create and seek out communities that judge not by outward appearances but by the quality of one’s heart and intention.
The Cosmic Reality
Anga (Human Dimension): The Anga is the humble, perhaps unlearned, seeker. Their primary offering is not intellectual knowledge but the purity of their heart and the sincerity of their devotion. Their simplicity is their strength.
Linga (Divine Principle): The Linga is the ultimate witness (Sakshi) that perceives the unspoken longing and the genuine love in the “faint whisper.” It is the source of the grace that uplifts the humble.
Jangama (Dynamic Interaction): The Jangama is the welcoming call of the community and the environment of the Sangha itself. It is the dynamic, compassionate space that encourages the shy to step forward and provides the context where their sincere offering can be received and honored.
Shata Sthala
Primary Sthala: Bhakta Sthala. This Vachana defines the essential, entry level quality of a true devotee: heartfelt sincerity (arpana bhava) and humility. It assures every beginner that their genuine effort, regardless of its sophistication, is valid and cherished, providing the foundational confidence required to proceed on the path.
Supporting Sthala: The core principle of this Vachana that authenticity supersedes outward expression is a critical supporting force across the entire spiritual journey:
In Maheshwara Sthala (Renunciation), the intense inner purification (virakti) must be genuine. The burning away of desire is not a performance of austerity for others to see, but a sincere, internal fire of detachment. A truly sincere, small act of letting go is more powerful than a grand but hollow display of renunciation.
In Prasadi Sthala (Grace), the reception of divine grace is directly contingent upon the sincerity of one’s surrender. Grace flows into the vessel of a heart that is authentically open and yearning, not one that is merely going through the motions of devotion. The “faint whisper” of a sincere heart attracts grace more surely than a demanded invocation.
In Pranalingi Sthala (Inner Linga), the Linga is established within the core of one’s consciousness. This is an intimate, deeply personal reality that cannot be faked or performed. Its authenticity is its very proof, and it resonates with the sincere, unadorned truth of the seeker’s being.
In Sharana Sthala (Embodied Realization) and Aikya Sthala (Union), the seeker becomes the principle of authenticity. Their every action and word is a spontaneous, transparent expression of the divine truth they have realized. There is no longer any gap between inner reality and outer expression; the “timid voice” has been wholly transformed into the clear, unwavering voice of truth itself.
Practical Integration
Arivu (Awareness Practices): Heart Check Meditation: Before prayer or practice, quiet the mind and connect with the genuine feeling in your heart. Let that be the source of your offering, even if the words are simple or few.
Contemplation on Humility: Reflect on the beauty and power of sincerity. See it as a more direct path to the Divine than intellectual prowess.
Achara (Personal Discipline): Practice speaking and acting from a place of authenticity. Avoid spiritual pretension or using complex language to mask a lack of genuine experience.
Kayaka (Sacred Action): Offer your work as a simple, sincere gift. Do not concern yourself with how grand or small it appears; focus on the integrity and love with which it is performed.
Dasoha (Communal Offering): Help create an inclusive community where everyone feels safe to express their spiritual longing in their own way, without fear of judgment. Honor the quiet, sincere presence of others as much as the eloquent ones.
Modern Application
“Spiritual Performancism and Imposter Syndrome.” In the modern world, spirituality can become another domain for performance, where people feel pressured to use the right jargon, adopt certain aesthetics, or have profound experiences to be deemed “authentic.” This leads to spiritual imposter syndrome, where sincere seekers feel inadequate and hesitate to engage.
The Liberative Application: This Vachana is a profound relief. It liberates seekers from the pressure to perform or to be spiritually “interesting.” It validates the path of the quiet, sincere heart. It assures that God is not listening for perfect Sanskrit or deep insights, but for the authentic whisper of a longing soul. It empowers everyone to begin where they are, with what they have.
Essence
The call goes out: “Come, all who seek.”
Some approach with a scholar’s tongue,
others, with a heart too full for speech.
Do not mistake silence for emptiness.
The deepest wells hold the stillest water.
And in the economy of the soul,
a single, honest tear
is worth more than a thousand
perfectly recited prayers.
This Vachana establishes a metaphysics of value where the worth of a spiritual offering is determined by its ontological authenticity, not its phenomenological complexity. It maps a direct channel between the raw, unadorned human heart and the divine consciousness, a channel that can be obscured by the ego’s investment in sophistication. Its multidimensional impact is to democratize mysticism, making it accessible to every stratum of human experience and intelligence. It positions the Jangama Sangha as the sacred container where this divine principle is lived, ensuring that the path remains grounded in love, not elitism.
You do not need a special voice to speak to God. You only need a sincere heart. Your simple, honest longing is the most powerful prayer you can ever offer. Do not let anyone, including your own inner critic, convince you that you are not learned enough, eloquent enough, or holy enough to approach the Divine. It is listening for the truth of you, not the performance of you.
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