| Sages,Rushis & Saints |
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| Biographies of Great Indians & Hindus |
BASAVESHWARA |
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| His
Philosophy Basavanna continued his mission for the formation of a new society, through Anubhava Mantapa. This work was based on certain noble principles. Some of them were as folIows: There is only one God. He has many names. Surrender yourself completely to Him in devotion. Compassion is the root of all religions. Treat all living beings with kindness. Live for the welfare of all. Do not live for selfish and personal interests. Those who are acceptable in this world will be acceptable in the next world too.People should lead a proper life as householders, only then they will be fit for spiritual life. One need not give up the family and become a monk. No man should be proud thinking 'I give this' or 'I do that'. What a man does he should do not of devotion in his heart. It should not be for the sake of show or publicity; nor even to win public praise. True devotion and virtuous conduct should be given greater importance than the outward religious formalities. One should lead a clean and good life both within and without. A pure mind is more important than scriptures and conventions. All people should have equal opportunities for religious life. Birth, profession, position or sex should make no difference. One should not eat or drink just to please the tongue. Food and water should be taken as 'Prasada' (the gracious gift) of Lord Shiva. Humility is God's love. Never try to show off your power and position; and do not be vain. Everyone should take up a fair and honest means of livelihood. No one should beg. Out of the daily earnings one should take only as much as is needed for the maintenance of the family. The rest should be offered, by way of service, to God for the benefit of others. Everyone should set right the crookedness of his mind. Everyone should try to rise to the level of Godliness through prayer and meditation. This is the goal of life. These teachings were not just words in speeches or books. They were practiced in daily life by all the members of the Anubhava Mantapa. There were men and women of different professions and social ranks among them. Basavanna was a minister; Prabhudeva, a shining spiritual leader; Siddharama a Karmayogi (dedicated to work and service); Chan n abasavan na, a scholar of spiritual eminence; Akkamahadevi, a fiery ascetic; Machayya, a washerman; Chandayya, a ropernaker; Ramanna, a cowherd; Muddayya, a farmer; Remmavve, aweaver; constable Ramideva, oil miller Kannayya, physician Sanganna, carpenter Basappa, tanner Kakkaiah, cobbler Haralayya all these were there in the Anubhava Mantapa as brothers and sisters. |
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