THE ETHICS OF KAYAKA: A PHILOSOPHICAL STUDY OF BASAVESHWARA’S THOUGHT

सार

This paper examines the ethical foundations of Kayaka (work as worship) in the philosophy of Basaveshwara, the 12th-century saint, social reformer, and foundational figure of the Lingayat movement in Karnataka. Situating his thought within the socio-religious context of medieval India, the study argues that Kayaka represents a radical ethical reconstruction of labor grounded in metaphysical non-dualism and social egalitarianism. Against the background of caste hierarchy, ritual formalism, and exclusion from sacred knowledge, Basaveshwara redefined work as a morally and spiritually significant activity accessible to all individuals irrespective of birth or gender.

              Drawing upon the metaphysical framework of Shaktivishishtadvaita, the paper demonstrates how Basaveshwara’s ontology—conceiving reality as the dynamic unity of Shiva and Shakti—provides the philosophical basis for human equality and the dignity of labor. Kayaka is interpreted not merely as economic productivity but as disciplined, honest, and socially responsible action that integrates devotion with ethical self-formation. The complementary principle of Dasoha (selfless sharing) is analyzed as the moral completion of labor, ensuring distributive Justice and communal solidarity.

                Thus, Kayaka integrates metaphysics, virtue ethics, and social reform. Finally, it explores the contemporary relevance of Kayaka in debates on labor dignity, economic justice, gender equality, democratic participation, and spiritual humanism. The paper concludes that Basaveshwara’s ethical vision offers a coherent moral framework capable of harmonizing productivity, equality, and spiritual fulfillment in both historical and modern contexts.