Dilemma, Loneliness, Gossip - Basavanna’s Vachanas - Dasein Talks

Basavanna’s philosophy is more and more relevant today. Some works never loose their importance, rather with time, they only grow profounder. Among them, Basavanna’s teachings are also one.

Basavanna, a 12th-century Indian philosopher, poet, and statesman, is a revered figure in the history of Karnataka and Indian spiritual thought. Born in 1105 CE in Basavana Bagewadi, he is best known for founding the Lingayat sect, a reformist movement within Hinduism that challenged the rigid caste system and ritualistic practices prevalent at the time.

Basavanna's teachings emphasized the worship of one God, Shiva, in the form of a formless linga (symbolic of the universal soul), advocating for personal spiritual experience over ritualistic worship. His core philosophy was based on the principles of equality, social justice, and devotion (bhakti). He preached that one's work should be a form of worship, encapsulated in his famous saying, "Kayakave Kailasa" (Work is Worship).

As a poet, Basavanna composed vachanas—short, free-verse poems that conveyed profound spiritual truths in simple, accessible language. These vachanas are celebrated for their lyrical beauty and depth, offering insights into the divine and critiques of societal inequalities. His writings significantly contributed to Kannada literature and continue to inspire contemporary readers.

Basavanna's legacy endures through the Lingayat community, which honors his contributions to spirituality, literature, and social reform.