Kanaka Dasa - Kanakadasa's Famous Phrase

Kanakadasa's Famous Phrase

ನಾನು ಹೋದರೆ ಹೋದೇನು – I shall go (to heaven) if my-self (my selfishness) goes (away)

This was a famous phrase Kanakadaasa is quoted to have said in front of all vedantis, when asked who will attain Moksha. This question was asked by Vyasatirtha in a sabha, to actually bring light into Kanakadasara bhakti. Kanakadasa humbly but assertively tells that no one there will attain moksha. Only he can attain Moksha; on hearing this the pandits present there were taken aback and were very angry. Then Vyasatirtha asks Kanaka to explain what it means, then he goes ahead and explains the meaning, which actually means who has lost the Naanu ("self"/"I") i.e.; ego will attain Moksha.