KAYAKA – “Work is Worship”
Uplifting the downtrodden who were exploitated by the upper class,was the aim of the sharanas. They took the responsibility of enlightening them. Their basic necessity was food and mental peace. A man can think about knowledge,science, religion – spirtuality only when his stomach is full. The Sharnas were well aware that the economy plays a vital role in the overll development of the human beings.The concepts of Kayaka and Dasoha emerged after thoughtful deliberetions by the Sharanas.

on the line of their main aim of bringing together the whole human community under one roof through ishtalingadharane, they had the novel desire of using Kayaka-Dasoha concepts as the principles of social equality.

Kayaka means working working by physical labour. Though it had a meaning of work, the occupation is not only for hte sake of stomach. Everyone should undertake one occupation or the other. There is no superiorty of inferiority in the work. Whatever work he does, dhould do with truth and dedication. Taking food without work is unrighteous and it is a sin. By proclaiming that work with truth arid purity (Sathya Shuddha, Kriya) is as holy as worshipping the God. the Sharanas gave Godly value to the work. Then it was called “work is worship”. THus the worldly works with the touch of spirituality become holy.Apart from that it become a weapon of converting man to God.

On stamping of good character on the personalities of the man of work at the mint of the Creator,they could become the genuine coins which were accepted everywhere.

Another social value that is hidden in the principle of Kayaka of Sharana is that every one should invariably work, Guru, Linga, Jangama or Shivayogis are also not exceptions. No one’s body should deteriorate without working. It is a prasada Kaya.(holy body) it is an instrument to an achievement. Work is compulsory. This is an order which should not be violated. Only those who are incapable and handicapped are exempted.

At the time of going to Kyaka. Aydakki Marayya was engaged in spiritual discussions with sharans group. his wife Lakkamma reminded him saying,”My dear husband, you are getting late to the work. You have to do Dasoha by picking up coms of ric spread in the yards of Sharanas.”This principle of work,lead to an active society.Lazy people had no place. There were people working everywhere. This lead to higher production and thereby increased the wealth.

One should work and should get income equivalent to the work done:one should not get income without working;one should not be greedy or one must get his income through unlawful means. The saying of Basavanna – “Money of the sinner is only for repenting,but not for good causes” is worth mentioning here.

An incident can be quoted here:
One day Marayya whose work was to pick rice,brought home rice that was more than what was required.His wife said”Why did you bring so much rice for us?For this act GOd will not be happy”.

As the work got its right respect,discrimination was eredicated, popular occupations. professions and vocations developed. People who were engaged in objectionable occupationable gave them up and engaged themselves in nobler professions willingly.

Hendada Marayya – a liquor owner, inspired by the concept of Kayaka started distributing panaka (a herbal drink) and buttermilk to his customers. Women like Sule Sankavva gave up their illicit profession of prostitution and dedicated themselves to shiva and lived the life of Sharana Sathi – Linga pathi.

Hence the concept of Kayaka created a social reformation of sorts. bridging communal gaps through dignity of labour

Imagine the impact on the world today if all of us practiced Kayaka in our respective professions….