Basavanna: Basavanna Tried to Democratise Faith  

By A DEVA RAJU  

Basavanna: Basavanna Tried to Democratise Faith  

Basaveswara was a 12th century spiritual master in Karnataka. Popularly known as Basavanna, he propagated moral, ethical and spiritual values for a peaceful and purposeful life.

Disillusioned by an indifferent and disparate society, Basavanna formed a new spiritual institution, Anubhava Mantapa . It was based on democratic principles to spread universal love and brotherhood. Anyone, irrespective of caste, could become a member of this institution as long as they were pious and of good character.

Basavanna's mission for the formation of a new society through Anubhava Mantapa was based on certain noble principles: There is only one God. He advocated complete surrender to Him in devotion. He said compassion is the root of all religions. Treat all living beings with kindness and live for the welfare of all; do not live for selfish and personal interest alone, he said.

Those who are acceptable in this world will be acceptable in the next world too. People should lead a good life as householders, only then they will be fit for spiritual life. But for this, one need not give up one's family and become a monk.

No man should boast: 'I give this' or 'I do that'. What a man does, it should be done out of sheer devotion. It should not be done for the sake of publicity, not even to please others. True devotion and virtuous conduct was to be given greater importance than outward religious formalities.

A pure mind is more important than scriptures and conventions. All people should have equal opportunities to lead a religious life. Birth, profession, position or gender should make no difference. Humility is God's love. Never try to show off your power and position, and do not be vain, he said.

Members of the Anubhava Mantapa - drawn from different professions and social background - practised these precepts in their daily life. Basavanna said, "Do not steal, kill, utter lies, lose your temper, detest others or glorify yourself. Do not blame others. This alone is purity within. This alone is purity without; And this alone is the way to please our Lord Kudalasangama".

These simple words contain the very essence of all the moral and ethical values that should be followed to attain peace and serenity in life.

Basavanna advised that each of us should continue with our professional work; at the same time, we should lead a virtuous and spiritual life. Any professional work done in this spirit, he said, was Kayaka (work is worship). In this manner Basavanna brought about a great reformation in all fields - religion, morality, social life, economics, language and literature.

"People who have money build temples. But what can I, a poor man, do? My legs are pillars. My body itself is the temple. My head is the golden tower. Please listen, O, Kudala-sangama. The static has an end, But the dynamic has none. A built-up temple is stationary. My body moves; it is with me wherever I go. That this body itself should be made a holy shrine is a message of immense value. We should be able to see God in this temple of our body".

Where is heaven? "Heaven and man's world are not elsewhere. Speaking truth is heaven, righteous conduct is heaven, unrighteous conduct is hell. Use sweet and soft words, heaven is there. If you speak vulgar and rough words, that is hell".

Basavanna was unafraid. "Let what is to come tomorrow, come today; Let what is to come today, come this very moment; Who is afraid of it? Who hesitates? Since he had completely surrendered to God and relied entirely on His grace, he could be so fearless. He had realised by experience that the same God who was present in all cosmos was also within him.

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See also: Basavanna, Spiritual Guidance, God and Religion, Peace on Earth, Peace of Mind, Love and Happiness, Life and Beyond, Body Mind and Soul)