Back to Contents PRONUNCIATION TABLE aa long A as in ant, bat, cat. c as in chalk, chat (without aspirate).

The sound of k has been avoided. d` Retroflex 'd' as in dog, donkey, door. ee long e, as in bake, care, dare, fare. ii long i, as in beat, cheat, deal, eel, feel, heal. l` heavy l. n` heavy n. oo Long o, as in goat, coat, note. s` as in sack, salary. t` retroflex t, as in tap, ten, tin, ton, tune. uu long u as in school, pool, tool. Every effort has been made to maintain the phonetic spelling.

Back to Contents" INTRODUCTORY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Who is Vemana? Vemana is one of the Greatest of the Telugu Poets. == Lived in 17th Century. (Born 1662 according to CP Brown). === Cuddapah District, A.P., India. ==== Wrote about 4000 verses of social value. ==== Simple, straight forward language. Telugu is a language spoken by 100 million people. in Andhra Pradesh, India.

Back to Contents CHARITY, GENEROSITY

Some duds tire out supplicants by deferring charity and ultimately give a pittance.

Such persons, they may be reborn as worms surviving on mud. Alaya ceesi malaci Ad`igamd`lu maligamd`lu Tiripem id`ed`u kat`iki Deebel ellan Elami mannu tined`un Erral auduru sumii Vis`vada abhi raama Vinura Veema!

Charity: Offering to a rich person is a waste. If we give food to a person who is not hungry, he throws it away. What use is there? Annam ad`ugani atanik Annambu pet`t`ina Paara veeyu daana phalitam eemi? Dhaniku nakun osamgu Daanambun at`u vale Vis`vada abhi raama Vinura Veema! Supplicants hope for help from wealthy persons. If help is given, it often becomes a waste. Wasted money reaches prodigal nonperformers. Artha vamtula sommun Aasimtur arthulu Arthik iiya sommu Vyartham aunu Vyartham aina sommu Vyarthulan ceeru raa Vis`vada abhi raama Vinura Veema!

Charity: Offered to a poor person is accepted happily. If we give food to a hungry person, he eats it with pleasure as if given to Lord S`iva. Aakal anna vaanik Annambu pet`t`ina Harunak arpitamu gan Aaaragimcu Dhara vihiinunakunu Daanamu at`u vale Vis`vada abhi raama vinura Veema! Charity: Rich, but not knowing charity, Rich, but not knowing to use, Get spoiled and will not see wealth anywhere!

Kaligi dharmam iiyan Kaanani vaaru nu Kaligi tinaka caala Kraagu vaaru Kalimin ecat`a cuud`an Kaanaka ced`uduru Vis`vada abhi raama Vinura Veema! Those who have, if they fail to give, in future they will not get even alms. The poet asks the deprived lot to see the proof in themselves. Kaligi pet`t`a leeni Karma jiivulak ella Tiripemunu dorakadu Diinulaara Teliya cuucukonud`u Drisht`aamtam idi miiku Vis`vada abhi raama Vinura Veema! Those fools who believe that whatever they earn is their own on this earth, must realise that they will get at the end, whatever they give as charity to others. (Wealth is ephemeral and lasts only upto the point of death.) Taamu gad`ana seeyu Dhanamu tamadi ani Nammi umd`u verri Narulu bhuvi ni Taamu okarik iccu Dhanam imtiyee kaaka Kad`amadi tana keela Kalugu Veema! See: People accumulate money without using for themselves and giving charity to others. Their idea is to bestow it to their sons. Often at the time of death, they forget to tell their children where the money was hidden. Such money will reach outsiders. Taanu tinaka at`ula Dharmamu seeyaka Kod`ukulak ani dhanam Kuud`a pet`t`I Teliya ceppa leeka Tiiri pooyina venka Sommu parula namdu Cuud`u Veema! Charity, adherence to ethics, compassion, truth, humility and obedience, courage, valour, generosity are all the characteristics of a king, which join in him as the king.

Daana dharmamulunu Daya yu satyamu niiti Vinaya dhairya s`aurya Vitaran`amulu Raaju paalit`iki ivi Raaja yogamulu

Vis`vada abhi raama Vinura Veema.

Charity failed: Without thinking of capacity and direction, a person made a promise of charity. After creating hopes, he made people to approach again and again. He used to fix dates and times. Ultimately, in a few minutes, he lost his life. (Moral: A stingy person can never give charity.) Valla vaipu leeka Vaagdattam at`u ceesi Adigo idigo anucun Aasa pet`t`I Gad`uvu pet`t`I reepu Gad`iya kaanimmani Gad`iya loona pad`iye Kadara Veema! .. COMPOSURE . A person can gauge the true philosophy and spirit of life if he can understand that cunning and knavity are the roots of all insults. A person who thus enlightens himself with this knowledge becomes a person of COMPOSURE. Kalusham ella teliya Tala vampu laku muulam Araya tatvam ellan Aatman put`t`u Telisin amduku mari Dhiirud`u kaa vale Vis`vada abhi raama Vinura Veema! CONVERSATION A drunken person must control himself, particularly in conversations. A person who does not know the context and timing is not a connoisseur. Kaipu miiru veel`a kad`aku ceeraga raadu anuvu tappi maat`al aad`a raadu samayam eruganatad`u sarasumd`u kaad`ayaa? Vis`wadaabhi raama vinura Veema. Choice and Discretion are important. How a male buffalo is inferior to a bullock? A person should study in depth before arriving at conclusions. How do people call an unskilled person a soldier or a hero? Eddu kanna dunna eelaagu takkuva? Vivaram erigi cood`u vrutti amdu neerpu leeni vaani nera yoodhud` amdur aa? Vis`wadaabhi raama vinura Veema. FISHY BEHAVIOUR AND FISHY SMELL Big fish devour small fish. The big fish have more obnoxious smell. Same way, people who harm others and enrich themselves, their lives become obnoxious. At the end, the fisherman kills all the fish big or small. okari noorukot`t`i okaru bhakshimcina vaani nooru mitti varusa kot`t`u ceepa pimd`u pedda ceepalu campunu ceepa lanni janud`u campu veema. Back to Contents INTELLIGENT, INTELLECTUAL, LEARNED

If a person understands the essence of life, his mind gets never disturbed. When a person understands God, his intellect brightens. When the sunlight arises, darkness cannot subsist!

jiiva bhaavam eruga ced`ad ennat`i ki madi daivamu nu eruga Tanaru buddhi teejam udaya m amda Timirambu niluvadu Vis`vada abhi raama Vinura Veema! Fragility of hearts and minds If a piece of iron is broken, the pieces can be fused by welding in a furnace. Broken hearts cannot be refixed. inumu virige neeni inu maaru mummaaru kaaci atuka neercu kammariid`u manasu virige neeni mari amt`a neercunaa? Vis`wadaabhi raama vinura Veema. inumu = iron; virige neeni = if broken; inu maaru = twice; mummaaru = trice; kaaci = by heating up; atuka neercu = will learn to weld; kammariid`u = blacksmith; manasu = mind, heart; amt`a = to fix; neercunaa = Will he learn? (Can he do?)

What is deliverance? The mind should be stable. like a lamp undisturbed by wind; == sea when tranquil without great waves. It is unaroused and unperturbed. Gaali leeni diipa Kal`ika camdambunan Alalu sul`l`u leeni Jaladhi riiti Nischala aatma unna Nirvikaarambuna Mukti amd`ru daani Mogini Veema! A person can attain deliverance if he can stay unmoved and unperturbed by the travails of this life. Similes used: 1. Beyond the atmosphere, the sky has vacuum where even air does not exist. 2. Deep seas will be calm. Kad`agi gaali leeni Gaganambu bhamgini Palu taragalu leeni Jaladhi maad`ki Nirvikaaramunanu Nis`chalatvamuna taan Umd`eneeni mukti yonaru Veema!

When a person becomes aware and intelligent, his mind and senses do not vascillate. His intellect links itself to compassion and God. When darkness sees the Sun, does it remain there?

Janud`u telivin omda Camcalimpadu madi Dayayu Daivam ogini Tagulu Buddhi Tivuru Bhaanu cuuci Timirambu Nilucunaa Vis`vada abhi raama Vinura Veema! Emancipated ascetic: Forgets day and night. Forgets emotions, ideas and understnding. Forgets the concept of I and you. Pagalu reeyi maraci Bhaavamb maraci yu Taanu neenu aniyed`u Talapu maraci Umd`u vaanin emcan Uttama yoogi raa Vis`vada abhi raama Vinura Veema!

Who becomes really emancipated? When abused by others, he does not bother or retort. He does not look around. He remains unconcerned as though he is not the person who was abused. tit`t`i kot`t`i reeni tirigi maat`aad`aka at`t`u it`t`u cuusi adiri pad`adu tannu kaadani et`u tattara pad`aka unna at`t`i vaad`u brahmam avunu Veema! Nature of deliverance, emancipation and liberation: Iron becomes gold when comes into contact with touch stone. Camphor naturally inflammable. Deliverance for man is like a flower getting sweet scent. Parusam inumu sooki Bamgaarm ainat`lu Kappurambu jyooti Kalasin at`lu Pushpam amdu taavi Posagin at`lagu mukti Vis`vada abhi raama Vinura Veema! Back to Contents GOD and TEMPLES

God: Blasphemy will have serious consequences.

Won't those who, holding firing in palms, curse the Supreme God get condemned? Won't they know the AGITATION and the TROUBLE suffered by Daksha while performing his sacrifice? agni ceeta pat`t`i aa paramees`uni nimda ceesi narulu niiru kaare? dakshu kratavu looni tallad`am erugaraa? Vis`wadaabhi raama vinura Veema. God is one: Nobody knows where he lives. He hides his attributes and qualities. In a number of water pots, we see a number of Suns. But he is one only.

Kuut`a vaasi agucu Gun`amula pacarimci Niit`a Niid`a valenu Nilici yumd`u Udaka ghat`amulmdun Ogi toocute kaani Suryud` okad`u kaade cuud`a Veema!

God's supremacy Even a leaf does not move without the command of God. Whether it is the soninlaw or somebody else, the truth must be told. Hence told.

allud`ad`aina neemi anyud`aina neemi ceppa valayu riiti ceppi naanu haruni aagna leeka aaku allallaad`unaa Vis`vada abhi raama vinura Vema! God is a friend: If we say He does not exist, he does not exist. If we say that He is not, then He is not. If we say that he is friend, immediately he becomes a friend. leed`u leed` aninanu Leed`u leenee leed`u Kaad`u kaad` aninanu Kaane Kaad`u

Tood`u tood`aninanu Tood`anee tood` aunu Vis`vada abhi raama Vinura Veema! God may think differently! Covetousness, lust, ostentation are faults. If we consider carefully, all our things may go wrong. Man proposes, God disposes. Loobha moohamu lunu Praabhavamulu tappu Talacina panul ella Tappi canunu Taam okat`I talampa Daivam okkat`I talcu Vis`vada abhi raama Vinura Veema! God has all the forms. He is infinite. He is present in all. He is omniscient. In everything, he is emotion free. Such unmaligned state is the supreme state of Brahmam. Sakala akaarud` anamtud`u Sakala atmulamdu sarva Saakshi yu taanee Sakalamu na Nirvikaarumd` Akalamka sthini brahmam agunu ra Veema! Temples obstruct deliverance and self realisation. The temples have every ornamentation: domes and towers, bathing pond, temple cars for parading the idols, gardens. When we try to touch the God, they hinder. Goopuramulu, chut`t`u kooneerlu teerulu yaakuvamulu, gud`ulu alara gaanu deevara namt`a poota diga bat`t`u kone naaya Vis`vadaabhi raama vinura Veema BACK TO CONTENTS FOOLS, HYPOCRITES AND KNAVES

Sinners hypocritically appear to be pious. But, even if others do not know, the God knows the truth.

Amtaramgam amdu naparaadhamulu ceesi mamci vaani valene manujud` umd`u itaru lerugakunna niis`varud`erugad`aa?

Vis`wadaabhi raama vinura Veema.

A wicked person may apply sacred ash to appear pious. He may live in caves. He may stay at a temple. Yet, he cannot shed evil character and designs.

komd`a guhalan unna koovela amdunna memd`ugaanu boodi metti yunna dusht`abuddhu lakunu durbuddhi maanunaa? Vis`wadaabhi raama vinura Veema. komda = hill; guaha = cave; guha lan = in caves; unna = even if resides; koovela = temple; amdu = in; memd'u gaanu = heavily, excessively; boodi = sacred ash; metti = apply; dusht`a buddhu = knave persons; maanunaa? = Does he cease? The poet compares a knave with a virtuous person. The knave paints an untruth as truth. He boasts and indulges in empty talk. He is devoid of devotion. He indulges in deceitful talk. How can he be equal to a virtuous person? kalla nijamu ceesi kapat`a bhaavamu cemdi pralladambul aad`u bhakti leeka maayal aad`u khalud`u mahitaatmu saat`i yaa? Vis`wadaabhi raama vinura Veema. kalla = lie; nijamu = truth; ceesi = having done; kapat`a bhaavamu = false appearance, ideas, impressions; pralladamu = boasts; bhakti = devotion; leeka = without; maaya = deceit, jugglery; aad`u = plays; khalud`u = fool, knave, rascal; mahitaatmu = to a virtuous person; saat`i = equal, peer. Hypocrites: not entitled to deliverance; Those who engaged themselves in external praying and worship, having failed to shed their cunning, dishonesty and hypocrisy ended in darkness and ignorance. Satamu baahya puuja Caala ceesina pidapa Kapat`amu vid`a leeka Kasht`a narulu Mukti nomda leeka Munigiri tamamuna Vis`vada abhi raama Vinura Veema! friendship with KNAVE

Those who befriend rascals ignoring the warnings of inner conscience, will be witnesses for their own condemnation. Amtaraatma kanaka alpa buddhhula tood`a melaged`u janulella meedini pai yamuni narakamu naku arugamga saakshyamu Vis`wadaabhi raama vinura Veema. KNAVE A SNAKE Even if we feed a snake with sugar and milk, the snake will not hesitate to chase and bite. We must observe venomous persons carefully. kamd`a cakkerayunu kaliya baal poosina tarimi paamu tannu taaku kaade kapat`am unna vaani kanpet`t`a vale sumii Vis`wadaabhi raama vinura Veema. Knaves and gentlemen: recognition In this age of evil, greatness is attributed to rascality. Virtuousness becomes abominable. People live without humility and sincerity. Kaliyugambu namdu ghanataku naicyamu ghanata naicyamu naku kaluguc umd`u s`radhdha bhaktul ud`igi janulumdru kaavuna Vis`wadaabhi raama vinura Veema AN IGNORAMUS DOES NOT UNDERSTAND EASILY. He does not understand even if his father explains him. ed`d`e vaaniki gurut oorci ceppina kaani teliya bad`une aatma telivi leeka ced`d`a kod`uku tamd`ri ceppina vinad`ayaa Vis`wadaabhi raama vinura Veema. Knave's friendship: Does n't a swan befriending a crow runs into difficulties? kaanivaanitood`a kalasi melamgina

haani vaccu nemta vaanik aina kaaki kuud`i hamsa kasht`ambu pomdadaa? Vis`wadaabhi raama vinura Veema. KNAVE HONOUR AND CURRENCY If king allows, the words of a rascal rule the kingdom. Won't fake coins circulate as genuine coins, if bankers and treasurers permit them?

Adhikud `aina raa j(u) oka alpuni ceepat`t`a vaani maat`a cellu vasudha loona gan`aku loppi unna gavvalu cellavaa? Vis`wadaabhi raama vinura Veema. Knaves need control: Horses run well only if the cavalier is capable and powerful. Sameway a rascal needs to be controlled and suppressed. gurramunaku tagina gurutaina routunna gurramulu nad`acu gurutugaanu gurtu durjanulaku gun`amul it`lumd`u raa Vis`wadaabhi raama vinura Veema. KNAVE INCORRIGIBILITY Does not a pot of country liquor ooze obnoxious smell, even if it is adorned jewels? A wicked person occupying position of power does not forget his rascalities. kallu kumd`ak enni ghana bhooshan`amu lid`d`a amdulooni kampu cimdul id`ade? tulava padavi konna toli gun`ameemagu? Vis`wadaabhi raama vinura Veema.

KNAVE as a KING The lion tailed monkeys may bring a monkey, make it wear new clothes and treat it as a king. It is like a cursed, deprived and unlucky man approaching a rogue for work. Kooti pat`t`i tecci krotta put`t`amu kat`t`i komd`a mruccul ella kolicin at`lu

niiti hiinun odda nirbhaagyul umduru Vis`wadaabhi raama vinura Veema. kondamuccu (n) = The liontailed monkey. Macacus silenus. Have a black mouth. krotta = new; put`t`amu clothes; kat`t`i = having made to wear; ella = all; kolicina atlu = like worshipping (here treating like a king).

UNRELIABILITY OF SERVING KINGS In exchange for 10,000 coins we do not make friendship with a cobra. Likewise, we should not believe the kings. emta seeva ceesi yee paat`u pad`inanu raaca mooka nammaraadur anna paamu tood`i pomdu padi veelak ainanu Vis`wadaabhi raama vinura Veema. Back to Contents DEATH, LIFE EPHEMERALITY Death: Ones own spirit grieves, when soninlaw dies. Rues when a son dies. When a virtuous person dies the whole earth feels as if the Era itself has come to an end. Allu vaani mriti kin Aatma cimtimcunu Tanayu mriti kin Taane tallad`illu Pun`ya purushu mriti kin bhuumiloo janulaku Yugamu krumgin attul Umd`u Veema!

Life is ephemeral: He who believes that life is everlasting and permanent and maraudes flamboyantly is a damn fool. Every creature is a sheep in the abettoire of the God of Death.

bratuku nitya manucu vadurudu vaga miira virra viigu vaad`u verri vaad`u

praan`u lella yamuni baari gorrelu Visvadaabhiraama vinura Veema!

Death is invincible. Any number of rebirths, any number of bodies cannot stop impending death. All the knowledge and education which does not help us to conquer death is futile and useless. We cannot get deliverance through fraudulent means.

enni tanuvu laina mritiki ad`d`amu kaavu mritini geluva leeni eruka leela dona riiti kaaka dorukunaa mookshambu? Vis`vada abhi raama vinura Veema! Death: A fool thinks that he has a lot of time. He does not try to learn understand himself. He may collapse in the early hours of the day. Kaalamu tanak ika caalaa Kaalamu kalad amcu cunna Kaalamu namdun Kuul`ad`u tanu taa teliyaka Kuulunu toli jaamun amdu Gobbuna Veema!

If a pot is broken, we can buy a new pot. Body is not like that. A dead person cannot be revived. Kumd`a pagilen eeni Krottadi kona vaccu Bhuu talambun amdu Pomdu gaanu Kuula pad`ina narud`u Kudurut`a arud ayaa Vis`vada abhi raama Vinura Veema! Death: A man never questions, who he is, in his mind. He cannot see his own corpse. How can he see his own spiritual self? Neen evvamd` ani valapad`u Maanasamuna pud`ami looni Manujumd` ata raa Kaanad`u tana s`avamunu taa

Maanuga kanugonut`a et`lu Mahiloo Veema! Back to Contents MONEY Persons of longevity, will be groping in greed, unable to revert from delusion. They will be like flies crowding in a vessel with dirty stuff. Aas`a ceeta manujul Aayuvu kala vaall`u Tirugu cumdru bhramanu Trippa Leeka Muriki bhaamd`am amdu Musarun iigala bhamgi Vis`vada abhiraama Vinura Veema! Greed for money not due: That person and his son who covet for legacies of others will be under an illusion. They will never get. Can an unfortunate person get fortunes? Raani dhanamu naku nu Taanu nu kod`uku nu Vaamcha pad`ut`e kaani Vat`t`I bhramalu Bhaagya hiinu naku nu Phalamu labhimcu naa? Vis`vada abhi raama Vinura Veema! An unfortunate person who comes into possession of a touchstone (stone which when touched converts cheap metal to gold), cannot hold it on. He loses. Do the hailstones which we get with the rain will ever last long? Bhaagya hiinu laku nu Parusaveedi dorukan Adiyu nilvad apud`u Vadalu kaaka Vaana tood`a vaccu Vad`a gamd`lu nilucunaa? Vis`vada abhi raama Vinura Veema! Money is the base for this world. Money is the root for all ethical codes. Character is the foundation for riches. Mind is the root for deliverance and divinity. dhanamee muulamu jagati ki dhanamee muulamu sakala dharmambu lakun gonamee muulamu sirulaku manamee muulambu mukti mahimaku Veemaa!

Moneyed husband, moneyless husband: Wives receive earning husbands with great respect. They laugh at an earningless husbands, as if he were a living corpse. (Note: Almost same verse can be found in Sumati Satakam.) Gad`ana kala purushu kanugoni Ad`ugulakunu mad`ugul id`udur Ativalu dharaloo Gad`ana vid`u purushu kanugoni Nad`a piinuga vaccen amd`ru Naatulu Veema! Money is like a raging fire. It seduces itself. It seduces the surroundings. It is a sin not to have money. Dhanamu Leemi aned`u Daav analambu adi Tannu ceracu, dari Daapu ceracu Dhanamu leemi cuuda Talaca gaa paapambu Vis`vada abhi raama Vinura Veema! Son: a befitting son. A pennyless father can get a worthy son. Such son gets ample money, helps others using it in the right path and then leaves this world. Dhana vihiinud`aina Tamd`ri garbhambu na Bhaagya purushud` okad`u Paraga put`t`I Bahul`a dhanamu kuurchi Bhadra maargambuna Parulak upakarimci Paragu Veema! .. EDUCATION True education: In this earthy, people learn all arts, sciences and skills. They lament that they are unable to learn the art of reviving from death. They do not know the ultimate injury of such an art. Sakala vidyal arasi Cacci bratuku vidya Okat`i neeramu anucun Urvi janulu Kat`a kat`a pad`uduru Kad`a haani teliyaru Vis`vada abhi raama Vinura Veema! Education minimises difficulties. Persons with skills like goldsmithy, will not fall in difficulties to fend oneself. In the same way, a person who understands the true spirit of this world, will have nothing to worry! Heema kaara vidyan erigina vaar ella vetala pad`ani yat`lu vidya ceeta tatvam erugu venuka tanaku cimta eelaraa Vis`vada abhi raama Vinura Veema! PRACTICE . Practice helps accomplishment of tasks. When repeatedly sung, a tune becomes perfect. When repeatedly eaten, neam fruits become sweet (psychologically). Anagan anaga raagam Atis`ayillucun umd`u Tinaga tinaga veemu Tiiyan umd`u Saadhanamunan panulu Samakuuru dhara loona Vis`vada abhi raama Vinura Veema! . . . . PRIDE . . . . Pride of a rich person: An unethical person develops pride with money. He accumulates wealth. Without reaping any benefits, at the

end he dies. Dharma kamt`a kumd`u Dhanamu cee garvimci Sakala sampada lanu Caala porasi Kad`a ku taanu meelu Kaanaka ced` i poovu Vis`vada abhi raama Vinura Veema! Back to Contents SEXUAL INTERCOURSE

People are born out of coition. They languish in the copulation. They never object to it. Whereever people are born, they should suffer there only. maithunamuna put`t`i maanavu lamdaru yamdu kumdru kaani ad`d`u leedu emdu put`t`i vaari kamdukee kumdurayaa Vis`vadaabhi raama vinura Veema. Sex with wife of ones own teacher: A person who plans harm to ethical duties, enters a bad path. He loses his way. A disciple who craves for coition with his preceptors wife gets totally condemned. Dharmamu naku kiid`u Talacina vaad`u taa Dusht`a maargud avunu Troova ced`unu Guruvu patni kavaya Koored`u vaad`u taa Modale ced`unu muppu Monasi Veema! The landlord does not pay wage until he estimates and satisfies himself about the work turned out as agreed. A paramour does not give even a single Rupee until his lust is fully satisfied. Now the poet calls a teacher who does not help in getting deliverance, as a "son of monkeys". talapu talaci kuuli taga seeyaka ivvad`u olapu tiiraka ivvad okka ruuka muktin iini guruvu muccula kod`uku raa Vis`vadhaabhi raama vinura Veema! Ignoramuses exist plenty. Difficult to trace a wise person. Nature deludes the ignorant from understanding the afterdeath scenario. agnulaina jiivul adhikam umduru kaani praagnun okani cuud`a raadu talapa prakruti maaya ceeta paramu teliyaga leeru Vis`vadaabhi raama vinura Veema! Worldlybound persons classify knowledgeable persons as mad. Bound, they cannot shed their nature. Even if a mad person searches for nature, he cannot trace it. Gnaana vamtu cuuci sarikarma baddhulu verri amdru; prakruti vid`uva leeru; verrik avani praruti vedakina kalugu raa Vis`avada abhi raama vinura Veema! Some do not know the distinctions and philosophies of somebody being greater and somebody being ordinary. Infatuated, they kneel and pray. Who is a person to receive prayers? Who is the praying person? takkuv ekkuval anu tatvamulu teliyaka mrokku ceesu komdru moohamu nanu mrokku koned`u vaad`u mrokked`i vaad` evaru raa Vis`vada abhi raama Vinura Veema! A

pot with a frail bottom is obnoxious. An ascetic without a strong body is abominable. Such recluse is like a head shaven widow. (During the days of Veemana, Brahmin widows used to get their heads tonsured, so that they do not look attractive to men). ad`ugu gat`t`i leeni aa kumd`a adi roota od`alu gat`t`i leeni yoogi roota terava mumd`a moope terag aayen ayyayyoo Vis`vadaabhi raama Vinura Veema! What does a dog know about the God S`iva! What does a fox know about fasting? What does a stupid know about the path of deliverance? kukka eemi erugu guru limga deevuni nakka eemi erugu okka poddu muurkhud` eem erugu mookshampu troova nu Vis`vada abhi raama Vinura Veema! Ascetics fall a prey to the loving postures of women. They become a subject of infamy. A cat feels comfortable when it gets a bird. satula valapu cuuci yatulu mohimturu looka nimdak ella loonu kaanu pit`t`a dorikin apud`u pilli ki kus`alam au Vis`avada abhi raama Vinura Veema! If he is not His, he can never be He. The one who is present in him is He. The one who saw Him is the really accomplished ascetic. vaani kaani vaad`u vaad`u kaanee kaad`u vaani looni vaad`u vaad`u summu vaani kanna vaad`u vaad`y taa yoogi raa Vis`vada abhi raama vinura Veema Without a Creator this Universe cannot exist. He created this vivid composition. A Universe without a Creator is rare. Vis`va karma leeka vis`vambu leedu raa vis`va karma ceese vividha racana vis`va karma leeni vis`vambu arudu raa Vis`vada abhi raama vinura Veema! Vis`va karma = Creator; vis`va = world; karma = act; leeka = without; vis`vambu, or vis`vamu = Universe; leedu = does not exist; raa = a suffix while calling close friends in informal contexts; ceese = did; vividha = varied; different types of; racana = composition; arudu = rare. The spirit of God is omnipresent in this Universe. Without knowing this, people search for it everywhere. The spirit within one's own self is true in whom? Vis`vam amdu aatma velayut`an erugaka veere umd`un anucu vedukan eela tanadu loona aatma evari amdu nijamu Vis`vada abhi raama vinura Veema! The poet considers the fate of a cunning person who cooks meat for himself secretly and eats. When he is relieved of his flesh, how does he speak? (He does not speak!) maamsamunu tanaku nu maat`u gaa ceesuka maamsamu tinun at`t`i maaya jiivi, mamsamu vid`up aina maat`al eet`i ki aad`u raa Vis`vada abhi raama vinura Veema! . TRUTH .. Truth and Awareness coexist. When truth manifests in a person, awareness and knowledge also manifest in him. Where awareness and knowledge manifest, Truth joins. If both awareness and truth balance one another in a person, he becomes a Brahmin. (Implied: A person by birth is not a Brahmin. He must have awareness and truth flourishing in him.) Satyam amari yumd`a gnaanam Amari yumd`u Gnaanam amari yumd`a, Satyam umd`u Gnaana satyamulu nu samam aina dvijud` agu Vis`vada abhi raama Vinura Veema!

Back to Contents Chapter 10 MISCELLANEOUS

When cooking goes astray, the recipe becomes poisonous. When looked at, it becomes obnoxious. Food eaten in such obnoxicity may endanger life. Vamt`a tappun appud`u Vamt`akamu vishambu Kamt`a cuud`a gaane Kamt`a gimcu Kamt`akamuna tinna kad`I Gamd`am ai vaccu Vis`vada abhiraama Vinura Veema! When we come up with cooking, the recipe is like nectar. Looks good to see. Voraciously and fast eaten food, becomes a burden in the stomach. Vamd`i vaccun apud`u Vamt`akam amrutambu Kamt`ik impu gaanu Kaanu pimcun Od`ala tinina timd`I Vad`i mimca gad`I teeru Vis`vada abhi raama Vinura Veema! Ethics and foresight needed: People do not shed haste and flamboyance, Do not use foresight, Do now know reviving techniques when fall, They have become formidable by force Instead of by Ethics and righteousness. These earthly people are foolish. Duura drusht`i kanaru Dud`ukud`u vadalaka Baara pat`t` erugaru pad`ina tanuka Damd`a saadhyul airi Dharma saadhyulu kaaka Bhoomi janulu verri Buddhi Veema! Tough person need not be knave: Neam tree, though bitter, is useful as a medicinal tree. A tough guy need not be a rascal. Musht`i veepa cet`t`u Modalu gaa prajalaku Paraga muulikala ku Paniki vaccu Nirdaya atmakumd`u niicud` emdulaku aunu Vis`vada abhi raama Vinura Veema!

Kingdom: If the king is a money, the minister and the clown will be hogs. Captains will be like birds. The army will be like birds. Elephants will be horses. Rats will be cats. Prabhuvu kooti aina Praggada pamdi au Sainikud`u pakki. Seena pasulu. Eenugul as`vamul elukalu pillulu Vis`vada abhi raama Vinura Veema! Anger reduces our greatness. Anger can cause much grief. If anger is under control, Desires will be fulfilled.

Koopamu nanu ghanata Komcem ai poovunu Koopamu nanu migula Good`u cemdu Koopam ad`agen eeni Koorikal iid`eeru Vis`vada abhi raama Vinura Veema! Connoisseur and prudent person: An intelligent courtier must play as per the kings expectations and words. He should not feel flattered and and dance in delight. If he displays excess zeal, he will be equal to a planet. He gets nothing from that behaviour. Raaju maat`a valenu Rasikud` aad`aga valen Emta panikin ubiki egura raadu Kadisi egireneeni graha samaanamu kaade Dod`d`a komcem eela Doraku Veema!

Village officials: If village head is strong, the village accountant will be strong. And vice versa. The happiness of the village head is the happiness of village Accountant.

Kaapu balmiy unna Karan`aanik adi balmi Karan`amu balim ella kaapu balimi Kaapu samtasambu Karan`amu Samtoosham Arasi cuud`a lokam amdu Veema! King: If a king fails to protect his subjects to the best of his ability, what is the use of his rule? His body? Cee konucu nu tanaku Ceeri Saagin amtaloo Ced`ina prajala raksha Seeyak unna Tanadu Saagut`eemi Tana tanuv adi eemi Vis1vada abhi raama Vinura Veema! A person who gives push and life lin life is a peerless donor. A person who steals is a traitor. A person who shows livelihood and support is a grand benefactor A person who spoils a livelihood is a beast. Toopun iccu vaad`u tula leeni nera daata Doocu konna vaad`u Droohi ayye Praapu cuucu vaad`u Parama pun`yumd`aiya Praapul ceracu vaad`u Pas`uvu Veema. Mother and Wife: Youthful abandon their old dances and learn new dances. It is like driving out ones own mother and looking after other women. Praata ceesina nartanal Padat`a kalipi Krotta nartana ceeturutu Kood`e Kaamd`ru Kanna tallini vid`a naad`i Kasht`a pet`t`i Anya kaamtala pooshimcun At`lu Veema! Guilt and sins ditch man: A person who misbehaves incestuously, forgetting customs, relationships, courtesies, is destined for harm. Even if it may now show its immediate impact, the sinner will drown himself in old age. Vaavi vartanalunu Varusalu maryaada

Tappi nad`acen eeni Tagulu Kiid`u Vadalad apud`u taakun Adi tappinan tudi Musali muppun aina munugu Veema! Perils: Excess jocose with a knave, wife of another person, sinner are the root causes of death. Imgalambu tood`an Ilan alpu tood`anu Paruni aali tood`a Patitu tood`a Sarasam aad`ut ella Caavu ku muulambu Vis`vada abhi raama Vinura veema! Benefits from others actions: Meditated, knowledgeable, emancipated persons plant a tree of benevolence and deliverance. Cant one take the fruits of the trees?

Manasu nilpin at`t`i Marmagnul agu vaaru Garima mooksha padamu Kanna vaaru Cet`t`u pet`t`a phalamu ceekonad`aa taanu? Vis`vada abhi raama vinura Veema!

Self effort: The true experience and philosophy is : understanding oneself. On this earth, nobody else can teach. If a person remains without realising oneself, then nobody else can do it. Tanu taan teliyut`a tatvamu Tanak anyulu boodha seeya Dharaloo kalaree! Tanu taan teliyakay umd`ina Tanak evarum telupa leeru Tathyamu Veema! Dearth of good persons: On this earth, in spite of the best search, there are no good persons. There is dearth of gold, but no shortage of cheap metals.

Mamci vaaru leeru Mahi miida vedakina Kasht`ul emdar aina Kalaru bhuvini Pasid`i leede kaani Sadad emta leedayaa! Vis`vada abhi raama Vinura Veema!

Money of others: is not easy to get. The covetous person must learn to use sweet words; win over the hearts of others by apt talk. Maat`al aad`a neerci Manasu karuga ceesi Paraga priyamu put`t`a Paluka kunnan Okari ceeta sommul uuraka vaccunaa Vis`vada abhi raama Vinura Veema! Creatures, how born: Some in eggs. Some worms are born in froth. Some in sweat. Amd`amu lanu put`t`un Alaru praan`ulu konni Budbudamulan put`t`u Purugul ella Sveedamunanu put`t`u Jiivulu konni raa! Vis`vada abhi raama Vinura Veema! Food excesses: Excess food kills people. They suffer when the body abstains from food. That food which does not kill or cause pain, will it not be adequate? Annam adhikam ainan Adi tanu campunu Annam amt`ak unnan Aatma noccu Campan ompa buvva Caaladaa veyyeela Vis`vada abhi raama Vinura Veema! Deliverance: prerequisites: Unless a person sheds desires and greed, he cannot free himself from bondage. Unless he becomes free, he cannot be a sage. Unless he becomes a sage, the temptations do not cease. Aas`al ud`uga kaani Paas`a muktud`u kaad`u

Muktud` aina kaani Muni yu kaad`u Muniyun aina kaani Mohambul ud`ugavu Vis`vada abhi raama Vinura Veema! Temptations: A king who wants to kill a person, gives him power. An enemy who wants to cause danger, makes friendship first. A snake intending to byte, it will hide itself. Campa talacu raaju Cana paggalamb iccu Cerupan unna pagara Celimi seeyu Karavan unna paamu neri Kaacu koni yumd`u Vis`vada abhi raama Vinura Veema! Traitor should always be punished: If there is some foulness in a sugar cane, we cannot eat it until we remove it. How can there be a traitor in the palace? Ceraku loonan aina Ced`d`a gun`amb unna Tiisi veeyak unnan Tinaga posagad Amtipuram droohi Aatad et`l umd`u raa Vis`vada abhi raama Vinura Veema! NAILS AND AXLES OF THIS BODY This body has five joints: two shoulders, two thighs and one neck, total five. We must visit places while these five axles work. Even if one nail drops, the chariot of this body comes to a halt. ciilalu idu umd`aganee caalaga tanuvu aned`u rathamu jagamula tirugun kiilokat`i viid`enamt`ee kraaladu aa rathamu ced`unu kadaraa Veema! Body: NO USE OF FASTING When we fast, the body uses its inner fluids and fats to survive. The poet considers these as body impurities. Hence a fasting person feeds on his own impurities. Thus, a person who abstains from food and consumes impurities, how does he get deliverance?

Kuud`u pet`t`akunna praan`amulu bhakshan`amu seeyu kukshi malamu kuud`u viid`i malamu koniyunna muktud`ee? Vis`avadaabhiraama vinura Veema! Every day humans wash their bodies with water and explore all parts. They give it good food. They adorn it with good clothes. On this earth, for the sake of this body, humans what travails do the people undertake? Niil`l`a poosi kad`igi Nityambu s`oodhimci kuud`u pet`t`I miida Kooka katti Eemi paat`lu pad`udur ii deehamu naku ila Vis`vada abhi raama Vinura Veema Disobeying mother, father, elder brother all these three sins are to be understood. One must behave knowing these. Tallik eduru konut`a Tamd`rik eduru konut`a Annak eduru konut`a Anaga muud`u Paatakamulan erigi Vartimpagaa vale Vis`vada abhi raama Vinura Veema!