సుమతీ శతకం
Classical Telugu poetry by Baddena (13th century) — 110 verses of practical wisdom and moral guidance. — ప్రతి పద్యానికీ పదాల అర్థాలు, భావం, audio recitation ఉన్నాయి.
110 పద్యాలు · Baddena Bhupaludu
- 101 వీడెము సేయని నోరును, A mouth that does not enjoy the fragrance of betel leaves, taste the nectar of romance, or sing songs is not truly a mouth; it is equivalent to a waste pit filled with ash. The verse emphasizes that a life devoid of aesthetic pleasures, arts, and romance is dull and wasted.
- 102 వెలయాలి వలన గూరిమి Just as a flower or grass cannot sprout or thrive on a busy path trodden by many, true love cannot be found in a prostitute. Even if some affection appears to exist, it will not last or reach a meaningful conclusion.
- 103 వెలయాలు చేయు బాసలు, Oh Sumati! One should never trust the promises of a prostitute, the friendship of a goldsmith, the alliance of Velama lords, or the wealth seen in a dream. These are inherently unstable, transactional, or illusory, and relying on them leads to disappointment.
- 104 వేసరపు జాతి గానీ, Oh Sumati! Regardless of whether a person is of low birth (like a mule), a useless fool who cannot earn a penny, or born to a maidservant, if he possesses wealth, he is treated like a king. The verse highlights the harsh reality that society values money over character, lineage, or capability.
- 105 శుభముల పొందని చదువును Oh Sumati! Education that yields no good results, songs that lack melody and soul even if performed with gestures, a union devoid of excitement or passion, and speech that fails to please the audience are all insipid and useless. True value lies in the essence and utility of things, not just their form.
- 106 సరసము విరసము కొఱకే, The verse illustrates the cyclical nature of life and the consequences of extremes. Excessive joking leads to enmity, absolute comfort invites suffering, and rising too high leads to a fall, just as falling prices eventually rise again. It teaches that every state is temporary and often leads to its opposite.
- 107 సిరి తా వచ్చిన వచ్చును O wise one! Wealth arrives effortlessly and imperceptibly, much like water forming inside a coconut. However, when it leaves, it vanishes mysteriously like the pulp inside a wood apple swallowed by an elephant—leaving only an empty shell behind.
- 108 స్త్రీల యెడ వాదులాడకు, Oh Sumati! Do not enter into futile arguments with women. Do not befriend children and lower your dignity by speaking immaturely like them. Never abandon your virtuous character. Never speak ill of the master or ruler who supports and governs you.
- 109 అడియాసకొలువు గొలువకు Oh Sumati! Do not serve a master where there is only vain hope of benefit. Do not take up temple management, as it often leads to blame. Do not cultivate close friendship with wicked people. Do not venture alone into the forest.
- 110 కనకపు సింహాసనమున O wise one! Even if you seat a dog on a golden throne and perform a grand coronation at an auspicious time, it will not give up its innate habits (like chewing on shoes). Similarly, giving a high position or status to a person of low character will not change their fundamental nature.