Summary
Basavanna tells the mind not to ask from gods and not to ask from people.
He warns it not to lose dhriti, its courage or steadiness, through repeated asking.
The final instruction is complete: apart from Kudalasangama Deva, ask no one.
Imagery & Symbolic Relevance
Gods and people form the first contrast. Basavanna names both divine and human sources to close the mind’s outward search.
Repeated asking is the central action. The mind weakens itself when it moves from one support to another.
Dhriti is the inner strength at risk. The issue is not need alone, but the loss of steadiness caused by scattered dependence.
Kudalasangama Deva is the only remaining refuge. The mind is not told to become proud or self-sufficient; it is told to ask only from the One.
Lingayoga
In Lingayoga, this vachana teaches single reliance. The mind must not scatter its strength by seeking from many directions.
The practice-point is direct: when need arises, do not run from source to source. Hold courage and turn to Kudalasangama Deva.
For Sharana Sthala, this is undivided asking.
Editorial Commentary
The word “begging” should be understood as repeated outward asking, not merely physical poverty. Basavanna’s concern is the mind losing steadiness through dependence on many supports. The Kannada closes the movement sharply: ask no one apart from Kudalasangama Deva.
Related Vachana
Supporting Vachana
Pranalingi Sthala Vachana 555 — The Treasure Within
Pranalingi Vachana 555 supports this teaching by warning against asking from people and gods while failing to trust Kudalasangama Deva. Vachana 278 gives the Sharana form of that correction: the mind must not lose courage by repeated asking, but turn only to Kudalasangama Deva.
Advancing Vachana
Aikya Sthala Vachana 504 — I Have No Other
Aikya Vachana 504 advances this teaching by declaring one Lord, fulfilled union, and no other apart from Kudalasangama Deva. Vachana 278 tells the mind not to ask elsewhere; Aikya Vachana 504 shows the completed state where no other refuge, claim, or seeking remains.
