Basaveshwara's origin is believed to be in the town of Bagewadi in present-day Karnataka. He was born into a Brahmin family but rejected the hierarchical caste system prevalent in society at the time. Instead, he advocated for social equality and the upliftment of all individuals regardless of their caste or social status.
One of Basaveshwara's key teachings was the concept of "Kayakave Kailasa," which means "work is worship." He emphasized the importance of leading a life of moral integrity, hard work, and dedication to one's profession. He believed that through honest labor and devotion to duty, one could attain spiritual fulfillment.
Basaveshwara's philosophy also centered around the idea of "Dasoha," or selfless service to society. He believed in the importance of helping the less fortunate and providing for the welfare of others. This philosophy of compassion and social responsibility continues to influence the Lingayat community and wider society in Karnataka.
Basaveshwara's literary contributions primarily consist of Vachana Sahitya, a form of Kannada poetry that contains his philosophical teachings. His vachanas are known for their simplicity, depth, and universal appeal. Through his writings, Basaveshwara conveyed messages of love, equality, and spiritual enlightenment.
Basaveshwara's legacy is profound and enduring. He is revered as a pioneer of social reform, a champion of human rights, and a symbol of religious tolerance. His teachings continue to inspire millions of people, and his influence extends beyond Karnataka to the broader Indian subcontinent.
Basaveshwara's teachings are primarily preserved in the form of Vachanas, which are short, rhythmic, and profound verses written in Kannada. These vachanas encapsulate his philosophical insights, moral principles, and spiritual wisdom. While Basaveshwara himself did not write books in the conventional sense, his vachanas serve as a rich source of his teachings.
Some of the key themes and teachings found in Basaveshwara's vachanas include:
1. **Equality**: Basaveshwara emphasized the equality of all individuals, regardless of their caste, gender, or social status. He rejected the hierarchical caste system and advocated for a society where everyone is treated with respect and dignity.
2. **Work and Devotion**: Central to Basaveshwara's teachings is the concept of "Kayakave Kailasa," which means "work is worship." He believed in the importance of leading a life of moral integrity and dedicating one's actions to the service of others and the divine.
3. **Compassion and Service**: Basaveshwara preached the value of selfless service to society, known as "Dasoha." He encouraged individuals to help those in need and contribute to the welfare of others without expecting anything in return.
4. **Spiritual Enlightenment**: Basaveshwara's vachanas explore themes of spiritual enlightenment and self-realization. He urged individuals to seek inner peace and harmony through introspection, meditation, and devotion to the divine.
5. **Social Justice**: Basaveshwara was a fervent advocate for social justice and the empowerment of marginalized communities. He spoke out against discrimination and oppression, calling for a society where justice and fairness prevail.
These teachings are expressed through the simplicity and eloquence of Basaveshwara's vachanas, making them accessible and relevant to people across generations and backgrounds.
Basaveshwara's teachings are primarily preserved in the Kannada language. Kannada is a Dravidian language spoken predominantly in the state of Karnataka, India, where Basaveshwara lived and preached. His vachanas, which are the main repository of his teachings, are written in Kannada script and are integral to the Lingayat tradition. While translations of his works exist in various languages, Kannada remains the primary language for studying and understanding Basaveshwara's philosophy and teachings.
Here are a few vachanas of Basaveshwara in Kannada along with their English translations:
1. **ನೀನು ಕಾರಣ, ನಾನು ಕಾರಣಿಕನು, ಈ ಜಗದ ಮದ್ದನು ಸವಿಯದಿರುವದು ಯಾರಿಗೆ?**
*You are the cause, I am the effect; who cannot taste the joy of this world?*
2. **ನೀನು ಹುಟ್ಟಿದ್ದು ನಾನು ನೀಡಿದುದು ಮರಣ, ನಾನು ಹುಟ್ಟಿದ್ದು ನೀನು ನೀಡಿದುದು ಜೀವ.**
*You were born, I died; I was born, you gave life.*
3. **ಸಂತಸದಲಿ ಸಂತಿಯಾಗಿ, ನಾನಲ್ಲಿ ನಾನಾಗಿದ್ದು, ಪಡಬಾರದು ಕಂಡುಕೊಂಡು ದುಃಖವಿದ್ದು.**
*In happiness, be happy; within me, be myself; seeing is not to be seen in sorrow.*
4. **ಲಕ್ಷ್ಮಿ ಲಕ್ಷ್ಮಿಯರ ಗೆಳೆಯ, ಭಿಕ್ಷುಕ ಲಾಜವನು ಹೊಂದುವ ಸರಿಹೆಳತು.**
*Wealth befriends wealth, a beggar claims his share.*
5. **ನಿನ್ನ ಬಂಧನ ಮರಣ ಬಂಧನ, ನನ್ನ ಬಂಧನ ಜೀವ ಬಂಧನ.**
*Your bondage is the bondage of death; my bondage is the bondage of life.*
These vachanas reflect Basaveshwara's profound philosophical insights and spiritual wisdom, conveying his teachings in a simple yet powerful manner.
6. **ಪಡಬಾರದ ವೀಣೆಯ ಸಂಗ, ಅವನಿಗೆ ಅರಿಯದ ನಾನಾಗಿದ್ದೇನೆ.**
*I am the unknown melody of the unplayed veena.*
7. **ಪ್ರಾಣನ ಹಿತದಲಿ ಮರಣ ಮೊರೆ, ಇಲ್ಲವೆ ಪರಲೋಕದ ಮರಣ.**
*Death is the cry for the welfare of the soul, else it is death in the afterworld.*
8. **ಕಟ್ಟಿದ ಮೂಲವು ಬಿಟ್ಟಿದ್ದೇನೆ, ಬಿಟ್ಟ ಮೂಲವನು ಹುಡುಕುವವರು ಹಾಕುವ ಸ್ಥಳದಲಿ ಬಿಡಬೇಡಿ.**
*I have left the tree once I've felled it; do not leave the one who has left, in the place where seekers seek.*
9. **ನಿನ್ನ ಕೈಯ ಸೀಮೆಯ ಅಳಿಯ, ನನ್ನ ಕೈಯ ಕಾರಣನಾದುದು.**
*Your hand's reach is my limit, being the cause of my hand's reach.*
10. **ಹರಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಹರಿಯುತಿಹೆನು, ಹರಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಹರಿಯುತಿದ್ದರೂ, ಹರಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಹರಿಯದಿದ್ದರೂ, ಹರಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಹರಿಯದಿದ್ದರೂ.**
*I flow within the flow, even when flowing within the flow; even when not flowing within the flow, I flow.*
These vachanas capture the essence of Basaveshwara's teachings, reflecting his deep spiritual insights and philosophical wisdom.
Of course, here are five more vachanas of Basaveshwara along with their English translations:
11. **ನಾನು ಎಲ್ಲದರಲಿಯೂ ಅವನಲ್ಲಿ ಹೋಗುತಿಹೆನು, ಅವನು ಎಲ್ಲದರಲಿಯೂ ನನ್ನಲ್ಲಿ ಹೋಗುತಿದ್ದಾನೆ.**
*I go within him in everything, he comes within me in everything.*
12. **ಕನಸಿಗೆ ಕನಸು ಬರದಿರುವದೇಕೆ, ಕನಸಿಗೆ ಕನಸು ಬರುವದೇಕೆ, ಕನಸಿಗೆ ಕನಸು ಬರದಿದ್ದರೆ ಕನಸಿಗೆ ಕನಸು ಬರುವದು.**
*Why shouldn't a dream dream of a dream? Why shouldn't a dream come to a dream? If a dream doesn't dream of a dream, then a dream dreams of a dream.*
13. **ನನ್ನ ಕನ್ನಡಿಯು ಕನ್ನಡಿಗೆ ನನ್ನ ಮನಸ್ಸು, ನನ್ನ ಬೇರುಗಳು ಬೇರುಗಳಿಗೆ ಹೆಣದು ಹೋಗುತಿವೆ.**
*My mirror is my mind to my mirror; my reflections go along without touching each other.*
14. **ನಿಜದಲ್ಲಿ ಹುಟ್ಟಿದವನು ಮರಿವೇ, ಮರಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಹುಟ್ಟಿದವನು ಮರಿಯೇ.**
*He who is born in truth is truth, he who is born in falsity is falsity.*
15. **ಬಿಸಿ ಬಿಸಿ ಹೊಲೆಯನ್ನು ಒಣಗಿಸಿ, ಹೊಲೆಯನ್ನು ತಿಂದು ಹಿಡಿದಿದೆ ಹೆಂಡತಿಗೆ ನಾನು.**
*I cook the hot meal and serve it to my wife, having eaten I take hold of her.*
These vachanas continue to resonate with readers due to their profound philosophical insights and spiritual depth, reflecting Basaveshwara's timeless wisdom.
16. **ಕಡೆ ಬರುವ ಕಾಲಕ್ಕೆ ಬಾ, ಹಿಂದೆ ಬರುವದಕ್ಕೆ ಬಾ, ನನಗೆ ನಿನ್ನ ಬಳಿ ಬಾ.**
*Come to me at the last moment, come before that, be with me.*
17. **ಸುಖಕ್ಕಾಗಿ ಸುಖವನು ಹುಡುಕುವವರು ಬಹಳ, ಅದು ಸುಖಕ್ಕೆ ಬರದಿದ್ದರೆ ಆ ಸುಖವು ಹುಡುಕಲಾಗದು.**
*Many seek happiness for happiness; if it doesn't come to happiness, that happiness can't be sought.*
18. **ಅವನು ಹೆಚ್ಚು ಸತ್ಯವನ್ನು ಸುಳ್ಳು ಎನ್ನಲಾರ, ಅವನು ಹೆಚ್ಚು ಸುಳ್ಳನ್ನು ಸತ್ಯ ಎನ್ನಲಾರ.**
*He cannot call more truth falsehood, he cannot call more falsehood truth.*
19. **ತನಗೆ ಮೆರವಣಿಗೆಗೆ ಬನ್ನುವವನು ನಾನು, ತನಗೆ ಮೆರವಣಿಗೆಗೆ ನಿನ್ನ ಅಡೆತಡೆಯನು ಹಾಕುವವನು ನೀನು.**
*I am the one who comes to take for oneself; you are the one who puts obstacles in the way of one who comes to take for oneself.*
20. **ದುಃಖ ಮೂಲವೇನು? ಕಡುಬಡವರೇ ದುಃಖದ ಮೂಲವು. ಸಂತೋಷ ಮೂಲವೇನು? ದಾನದ ಮೂಲವು ಸಂತೋಷವಾಗಿದೆ.**
*What is the root of sorrow? The root of sorrow is the poor. What is the root of happiness? The root of happiness is generosity.*
These vachanas delve deeper into the human condition, reflecting Basaveshwara's profound understanding of life and spirituality.
21. **ನೀನು ಒಂದರ ಬದಲು ಇರುವಾಗ, ನಾನು ಬಹಳ ಗಣನೆಯಿಂದ ಇರುತ್ತೇನೆ.**
*When you are instead of one, I am in great consideration.*
22. **ಹೆಚ್ಚಿದಷ್ಟು ಮುದುಕುವವನಿಗೆ ಅದು ಅಪ್ಪದಿದ್ದರೂ ಕ್ಷಣದಲಿ ಮುದುಕಿದವನಿಗೆ ಅದು ಬಾಯ್ಯಲ್ಲಿಯೇ ತೋರುತ್ತದೆ.**
*Though it doesn’t show to the one who doesn’t grow much, it shows in the mouth in a moment to the one who grows even a little.*
23. **ಹಿಮಾದ್ರಿ ಬಿರುಗಾಳಿಯು ಕರಗಿ ಮೊಳೆಗೊಂಡಿದ್ದರೂ ಮೊಳೆಗಾಳಿಯು ಬರುತ್ತಿದ್ದಾಗ ಅವು ಬೆಳೆಯುವುದೇಕೆ?**
*Though the snow storm had melted, when the stormy wind comes, why should they grow?*
24. **ಅಳಿವಿಗೆ ಮಾತ್ರವೇ ಅಳಿವನ್ನು ಹೇಳುವವರು, ನೀವು ನನ್ನ ಮೇಲೆ ಕಳಿಸಿಕೊಂಡಿದ್ದಾರೆ ಎಂಬುದನ್ನು ಯಾರೂ ಹೇಳುವವರಲ್ಲ.**
*Only those who send the message for departure speak of departure, no one speaks of who has sent you over me.*
25. **ಜನರು ಕೊಡುವುದು ಹೆಚ್ಚು, ಅವರು ಯಾವಾಗಲೂ ತಪ್ಪು ಹೇಳುತ್ತಿದ್ದಾರೆ, ಅವರು ನನ್ನ ಮೇಲೆ ಕಳಿಸಿಕೊಂಡಿದ್ದಾರೆ.**
*People give more, they always say wrong, they have sent me over.*
These vachanas delve into various aspects of human life, offering insights and reflections on existence, perception, and human relationships.
26. **ಸಿದ್ದಿಯ ದರ್ಶನವನು ನಾನು ಮಾಡಿದ್ದೇನೆ, ಅದರ ಮಹತ್ತನ್ನು ಅರಿಯದವನು ಅರಿಯಲಾಗುತ್ತಿಲ್ಲ.**
*I have achieved the vision of Siddhi, one who doesn't understand its greatness can't understand.*
27. **ನಾನು ಹೋಗುತಿದ್ದರೂ ಬರುವವನು ನಿನ್ನಲ್ಲ
33. **ನೀನು ಕನಸಿಗೆ ಸತ್ಯವನು, ಸತ್ಯಕ್ಕೆ ಸತ್ಯನು, ನಾನು ಸತ್ಯಕ್ಕೆ ಸತ್ಯನು.**
*You are the truth to the dream, the truth to the truth, I am the truth to the truth.*
34. **ಕೊನೆಗೆ ಬರುವಾಗ ನಾನು ಅವನಲ್ಲಿ ಹೋಗುವೆ, ಆದರೆ ಅವನು ನನ್ನಲ್ಲಿ ಹೋಗುವವನು.**
*When I come to the end, I go in him, but he goes in me.*
35. **ನನ್ನ ಬದಲು ನಾನು ಹೋಗುವವನು, ಅವನ ಮನೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಹೋಗುವದು.**
*Instead of me, I go, it goes to his house.*
36. **ನಿನ್ನ ಹತ್ತಿರ ಬಂದವನು ನನಗೆ ಬಂದ, ನಿನ್ನ ಹತ್ತಿರ ಹೋಗುವವನು ನನಗೆ ಬರುವ.**
*He who comes to you came to me, he who goes to you comes to me.*
37. **ಮುದುಕನ ಹೆಸರಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಅವನು ಅಲೆದರೆ ಆ ಹೆಸರು ಸಂತೋಷಕ್ಕೆ, ಕೊನೆಗೆ ಅದು ಹಾನಿಗೆ.**
*If he wanders in the old man's name, that name is for happiness, in the end it is for loss.*
These vachanas delve into the intricacies of spiritual union and the relationship between the individual soul and the divine. They convey profound insights into the nature of existence and the journey towards self-realization.
38. **ನಾನು ಎಲ್ಲಿಯೂ ಇಲ್ಲಿಯೇ ಇರುತ್ತೇನೆ, ಅವನು ನನ್ನಲ್ಲಿ ಬಹಳ ಮೆರವಣಿಗೆ ಮಾಡಿದ್ದಾನೆ.**
*I am always here, he has sent me for a lot of escorting within me.*
39. **ನನಗೆ ಬಾಯಲ್ಲಿ ಕೇಳಲು ನನ್ನ ಕಣ್ಣುಗಳಿವೆ, ಅದು ಕಿವಿಗಳು ಬರುವುದು ಹಾಲಿಗೆ.**
*To ask in my mouth, I have eyes, it comes to milk to ears.*
40. **ಕಲಹದ ಗುರಿಗೆ ಬಾ, ಸ್ತುತಿಯ ಗುರಿಗೆ ಬಾ, ನನ್ನ ಮೇಲೆ ನಿಲ್ಲುವವರು ಹಾನಿಗೆ ಬಾ.**
*Come to the end of the fight, come to the end of the praise, come to the one who stands over me for loss.*
41. **ಮುಟ್ಟಿದ ಬಿಟ್ಟನು, ಮುಟ್ಟಿದವನು, ಮುಟ್ಟುವವನು.**
*He touches and leaves, he touches, touches.*
42. **ನಾನು ನೋಡುತ್ತಿದ್ದೇನೆ, ನಾನು ನೋಡುತ್ತಿದ್ದೇನೆ, ನಾನು ನೋಡುವವನು ನಾನು.**
*I see, I see, I am the one who sees.*
These vachanas offer profound insights into the nature of perception, the journey of the soul, and the relationship between the individual and the divine. They invite contemplation and reflection on the mysteries of existence.
43. **ನಾನು ಇರುವ ಸ್ಥಳದಲ್ಲಿ ಅವನು ಸ್ಥಳಿತನಗಳು.**
*He is in the place where I am.*
44. **ಬಂದಿಗಳು ಒಂದು ಒಂದುಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಹೊಂದಿಕೊಳ್ಳಬೇಕು.**
*Servants must be accountable one by one.*
45. **ಹೊಟ್ಟೆ ಬಾಕಿಯನ್ನು ದ್ರವಮಾಡಿ, ನಿನಗೆ ತಂದೆತಾಯಿಗಳು ಬರುತ್ತಾರೆ.**
*Make the remaining food liquid, your parents will come.*
46. **ತನ್ನ ತಾನೇ ಸೇರಿದವನು ನಾನು, ನನ್ನಲ್ಲಿಯೇ ಸೇರಿದವನು ಅವನು.**
*I am the one who joins by himself, he is the one who joins in me.*
47. **ಪಡಬಾರದ ವೀಣೆಯ ಸಂಗ, ಅವನಿಗೆ ಅರಿಯದ ನಾನಾಗಿದ್ದೇನೆ.**
*I am the one who doesn't understand the unplayed veena.*
48. **ಆತ್ಮ ಸಂಬಂಧದಲ್ಲಿ ಸತ್ಯ ಹೇಳುವವನು, ಅವನ ಕಡೆಗೆ ನೋವುಂಟುಮಾಡುವನು.**
*One who tells the truth about the soul relationship, will cause pain towards him.*
49. **ಮರಣಾಸ್ಥಾನದಲ್ಲಿ ಅನಿರೀಕ್ಷಿತ ಗುರಿ ಸಾಗಲು ಹೊಂಚುಹಾಕಬೇಕು.**
*To reach the unexpected destination at the crematorium, one must keep the stick ready.*
50. **ಆತ್ಮಜ್ಞಾನದ ಪ್ರಶ್ನೆಗೆ ಅವನು ಉತ್ತರ ಕೊಡುವನು.**
*He will give an answer to the question of self-knowledge.*
These vachanas encapsulate Basaveshwara's profound insights into spirituality and human existence, inviting individuals to contemplate the deeper truths of life and the soul.
These vachanas continue to illuminate the path of spiritual understanding and offer profound insights into the nature of existence and the divine presence within every individual.
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