Basavanna’s spiritual revolution was also a comprehensive
reform that impacted every aspect of life including the social practices,
literature, tradition, customs, religion, and economy. He is considered to be
the greatest social revolutionary of all time who accorded social, religious,
and economical equality to people from all religion, gender, race and social
status.
Basavanna’s spiritual path introduced the practice of Shivayoga
and Linganga Yoga. His path also introduced a new form of meditation
known as Dristi Yoga.
The philosophy behind his path is based on the qualified
non-dualistic principle (Shakti Vishita Advaita). He was a strong proponent of monotheistic
concept of universal God and strongly condemned the blind beliefs prevalent in
the society.
Basavanna introduced an unique free-format style of writing
that consisted of short verses of prose/poetry known as Vachanas to propagate the message. Many of his
contemporary Sharanas joined hand and have contributed to this rich
mystic literature.
Some of the practices given by Basavanna are followed even to this day by the Lingayat community, primarily from Karnataka, India.
