"Basava , a Saivite saint of South India was a religious teacher, social reformer, and revolutionary who opposed image worship, rejected the Vedas, and the authority of the priests and instituted complete equality among his followers, even equality for women. He was the founder of the Lingayat sect."

“Basaveshwara taught that each person was in direct relationship with God or with destiny and needs no one’s mediation.”

“Never lose heart while pursuing the path of trust. Live a principled life.”

“Have faith in creator of this universe believe that he is omnipresent and Supreme power.”

“Consume according to your requirements and contribute the rest to the society through Dasoha.”

“Even at the height of his egalitarian innovation, Basava never called himself a 'non-Hindu' , and he remained faithful to Hindu religious practices, starting with the worship of Shiva. He did promote intermarriage for one or two generations, i.e. a caste equality which was more than merely spiritual. Very soon, his sect simply became one more high and proud Hindu caste, which it has remained till today. Its egalitarianism lasted but a brief moment. This may be sufficient to serve as a selling proposition in the modern religion market, at least among people who go by historical anecdote rather than living social practice. On the other hand, a non-cynical approach of this heritage would be, to say that the hour for the awakening of a long-dormant ideal of casteless Shaivism has struck.”

“Make your body the temple of God.”