Today I read about Basavanna (12th century CE), who was the Chief Treasurer and Prime Minister of the Kalachuri Empire in Karnataka, and realized he was centuries ahead of our own time.

While holding the highest office in the empire, he tore off his sacred Brahmin thread and started the Sharana movement. Here are a few things which he said and did and I was shocked that it was all about 850+ years ago:

Zero Menstrual or Caste Taboos: He abolished the "Five Pollutions," declaring women are never impure during menstruation and untouchables and Brahmins must eat from the same kitchen.

Anti-Temple & Anti-Astrology: He refused to build stone temples saying the living human body is the only real temple and threw out horoscopes, Rahu Kaal, and priestly middlemen.

Heaven, Hell & Karma Are Scams: He taught that past-life karma was an excuse to keep lower castes submissive, and that Heaven and Hell are just how you treat people right here on Earth.

No Hoarding Wealth: Under his rule of work and sharing, everyone…