వేమన శతకం

Timeless Telugu poems by Yogi Vemana — 1,364 verses on human nature, society and spirituality. — ప్రతి పద్యానికీ పదాల అర్థాలు, భావం, audio recitation ఉన్నాయి.

1364 పద్యాలు · Yogi Vemana

901 పరధనమ్ములకును బారుగా చెయిపట్టి A person who greedily stretches his hand for others' wealth and lacks truthfulness is like a spy or deceiver. It is futile for such a person to claim he is a noble 'Dvija' (Brahmin) when he possesses absolutely no spiritual brilliance or inner light. True nobility lies in character, not in empty claims.
902 పరధనములను చెయిపట్టెను మిక్కిలి A person who greedily seizes others' wealth and lacks personal integrity becomes morally degraded. Even if such a person claims to be a 'Dvija' (twice-born/noble Brahmin), their claim is hollow without the accompanying spiritual radiance and character. True nobility lies in conduct, not in caste or empty claims.
903 పరనారీ దూరగుడై A truly wise person is one who avoids adultery, does not covet others' wealth, dedicates himself to the welfare of others, and maintains composure even when provoked. Living such a life, which earns the respect and praise of society, is the mark of true wisdom.
904 పరిపక్వ మొప్ప శిష్యుని When a disciple attains the necessary spiritual maturity, the Guru reveals the ultimate truth (the void/Brahman) as clearly and effortlessly as showing an object in one's palm. The Guru who thus guides the disciple to perfection is verily the Supreme Brahman itself.
905 పరబలంబుఁజూచి ప్రాణరక్షణమున A coward may flee from the battlefield upon seeing a powerful enemy army to save his life. However, when Yama (the God of Death) decides it is time, no one can stand in his way or escape him; death is inevitable regardless of where one runs.
906 ప్రభుని కిచ్చునట్లు పేదలకియ్యరు Vemana critiques the misplaced priorities of society. People bribe the powerful who don't need it while ignoring the poor; they spend lavishly on sensory pleasures (women) and vices (alcohol) but neglect to support students or wise men. The verse highlights how the human mind is naturally unstable and drawn toward worldly distractions rather than righteous duty.
907 ప్రభువు కోఁతియైనఁ బ్రగ్గడ పందియౌ This verse illustrates how poor leadership degrades an entire system. If the King (leader) is fickle like a monkey, his ministers become greedy like pigs, soldiers become flighty like birds, and the army becomes a mindless herd. Even mighty assets like elephants and horses lose their value, becoming as insignificant as rats and cats. The essence is that the quality of the leader dictates the quality of the administration.
908 పరమహంస ననుచు వరవఁ గట్టుక భూమి A person who dons the ochre robes of a 'Paramahamsa' (supreme ascetic) but secretly covets others' wealth is a fraud. Such a person is not a saint but a 'Paramahimsudu' (Supreme Torturer) who harms society. True spirituality lies in detachment, not in the mere attire.
909 ప్రియము సత్యమెప్డు పృథివిఁ బల్కెడువాని A mouth that consistently speaks pleasant truths is akin to a divine well of nectar, offering purity and sweetness to the world. In stark contrast, a mouth that habitually utters lies is not worthy of being called a mouth; Vemana equates it to the anus ('bottom mouth'), implying that the lies it produces are as filthy and repulsive as excrement.
910 ప్రియములేని విందు పిండివంటలచేటు A feast served without love, worship performed without devotion, and charity given to the undeserving are all futile exercises. The poet emphasizes that the internal quality of sincerity and discretion is far more important than the external act itself; without them, resources like food, sacred leaves, and gold are merely wasted.
911 పరయువతిరతంబు పాటించి కోరిన Harboring desire for another's wife nullifies the merit gained from millions of acts of worship. Just as butter placed near a fire inevitably melts and spoils due to the heat, one's accumulated spiritual merit and character are destroyed by the heat of illicit desire.
912 ప్రళయకాలమందు ప్రమధులచేతను During the great cosmic dissolution, the people of that era were decimated by the forces of Shiva (Pramathas). Even the 'twice-born' scholars (Dvijas), despite their learning and status, failed to comprehend God's will or the nature of this destruction. The verse underscores that the Divine reality is beyond the grasp of mere intellectual knowledge or social rank.
913 పర్వత వనవాసి పరిణామ వర్తన Just as a frog living in a well cannot comprehend the vastness and evolved conduct of a mountain or forest dweller, an ignorant common man cannot understand or follow the divine path of Brahma and Vishnu. Narrow-mindedness prevents one from appreciating higher spiritual truths.
914 ప్రస్తుతించువేళ బద్యంబుఁ జదివినఁ When reciting a poem to praise someone, even a small error is glaring and painful to the ear. However, in the context of intimacy, a woman's confusion, shyness, or lack of composure is considered charming and beautiful rather than a fault. The verse illustrates that the acceptability of imperfections depends entirely on the context.
915 పేరు సోమయాజి పెనుసింహబలుఁడయా Vemana criticizes the hypocrisy of performing violent rituals in the name of religion. He questions how one can attain salvation (Moksha) through cruel sacrifices where innocent animals like goats are slaughtered, despite holding pious titles like 'Somayaji'. True spirituality lies in compassion, not in the pretext of violent rites.
916 పరుల కుపకరించి పరుసొమ్ము పరునకు Helping others and faithfully returning their property without greed leads one to salvation (Paramu). There is no wealth more sacred or sanctifying than the spiritual merit gained through such honesty and integrity.
917 పరుల కుపకరింప పాపక్షయంబగు Helping others is a transformative act that destroys past sins and serves as a reliable support system in life. It not only leads to spiritual attainment (heaven) but is also defined as the true strength of an individual, surpassing physical might.
918 పరుల నిందఁజేసి పరులు నావారని Vemana asserts that charity performed with arrogance, bias, and a lack of spiritual discrimination (between the permanent and impermanent) is futile. If one blames others while clinging to their own clique and gives without a pure heart, it is not true charity; it is better to abandon such hypocritical acts.
919 పరుల మోసపుచ్చి పరధన మార్జించి It is a wretched practice to deceive others and steal their wealth just to feed oneself. Similarly, a person who habitually incurs debts will never achieve true greatness or rise to a high status in life.
920 పరులదత్త మిట్లు పాలనఁ జేసిన Protecting the charity and endowments established by others yields double the merit of performing one's own charity. However, if one usurps or destroys the charity given by others, any charity one performs oneself becomes utterly fruitless. Respecting and maintaining existing good deeds is superior to starting new ones while destroying the old.
921 పరుస మినుముసోకి బంగారమైనట్లు Just as the philosopher's stone transforms base iron into gold, camphor dissolves completely into fire, and fragrance is inherently one with the flower, so too is the nature of Liberation (Mukti). It involves a complete transformation of the self, a dissolution of the ego into the Divine, and the realization of an inherent, blissful union with the Universal Soul.
922 పాల నీడిగింటఁ గ్రోలుచు నుండెనా Even if one drinks pure milk in a liquor shop, onlookers will assume it is alcohol due to the setting. Similarly, if a person stands in an inappropriate or disreputable place, they will invite blame and ruin their reputation, regardless of their actual conduct. One should avoid bad company and suspicious locations.
923 పాలఁగలయు నీరు పాలెయై రాజిల్లు Just as water mixed with milk acquires the appearance and value of milk, becoming fit for consumption, an ignorant person attains wisdom and liberation by associating with virtuous people. The company one keeps significantly influences their character and destiny.
924 పిలిచినఁ బల్కకుండు మరి పిల్చిన నేమనకూరకుండుఁ ద A true Yogi remains indifferent to worldly calls and criticisms, maintaining silence and detachment. Even when blamed or mocked, he laughs it off, knowing that such words do not touch his true Self. Constantly meditating on the Supreme Truth and becoming one with it, such an enlightened soul is verily the embodiment of Lord Shiva everywhere.
925 పాలనీరుక్రమము పరమహంస యెఱుంగు Just as only a swan has the unique ability to separate milk from water, and a peacock, despite its beauty, lacks this skill, only an enlightened soul (Paramahamsa) can understand the Supreme Truth (Shiva). An ignorant person, lacking spiritual discrimination, cannot grasp the nature of the Divine.
926 పాలపిట్ట శకున ఫలమిచ్చునందురు People superstitiously believe that sighting an Indian Roller bird (Palapitta) brings good luck, yet the bird itself is unaware of its own future. Vemana asserts that one's success or failure (good and bad) is determined by one's own actions and stays with oneself, rather than being influenced by external omens or birds.
927 పిల్లి యెలుకబట్టఁ బ్రియమున నుండగ Just as a cat lies in wait for a rat, and the rat—oblivious to its impending death—busily chases a chicken, humans are caught in a cycle of desire. We pursue worldly attachments (mamata) while ignoring the ultimate reality of death. Unless we relinquish this attachment, our delusion (moha) will never end.
928 పాలలోన బులుసు లీలతోఁ గలిసిన Just as a drop of acid curdles milk, separating the solid essence from the water, true wisdom entering the mind clarifies the confusion. It separates the divine truth from worldly illusions, making the ultimate reality clear and distinct.
929 పాలు పంచదార పాపరపండ్లలో Just as pouring milk and sugar into a bitter gourd will not remove its bitterness or make it sweet, one cannot instill virtue in a person with a crooked nature. No matter how much kindness or advice is offered, a deceitful person's inherent bad character remains unchanged.
930 పాలు పెరుగు వెన్న పాయసాన్నము నెయ్యి Just as milk transforms into curd, butter, ghee, and cheese but remains essentially milk in substance, the Supreme Reality (Brahman) appears in various forms and castes. Despite the external differences in living beings, their inner essence is the one and the same Divinity.
931 పలుకుమన్న నేల పలుకక యున్నావు The poet addresses the Divine or the inner self, asking why it remains silent despite his pleas. He urges the Lord to speak clearly and boldly, asserting that he possesses the spiritual maturity to understand and recognize the Divine voice. It is a cry for direct communion and clarity from the ultimate truth.
932 పలుగురాళ్ళఁ దెచ్చి పరఁగగుడులు కట్టి Vemana questions the rationale behind quarrying stones to build grand temples and then worshipping those very stones with great fervor. He asserts that serving inert matter yields no spiritual fruit; true divinity lies not in stone idols but in realizing the self or the divine within.
933 పలుగువాని కేల పరసమృద్ధి దలంప A wicked person has no use for the contemplation of others' prosperity, the path of devotion, or the supreme philosophical truth. Just as a tool is used for its specific purpose, a wicked person's nature prevents them from appreciating or possessing these noble qualities.
934 పలుగువానికేల పదనమృద్ధి దలంప Just as a heavy crowbar relies on its sheer strength and has no need for the fine sharpness of a blade, a spiteful or obstinate person relies on their force and stubbornness, having no use for gentle, pious conduct (Satvic Dharma). One cannot expect refinement from the crude, nor piety from the malicious; each acts according to their inherent nature.
935 పిసిని వాని యింట పీనుఁగు వెడలిన When a death occurs in a miser's house, he pays for the funeral materials like wood and sticks but cries bitterly. His grief is not for the loss of the person, but for the money he had to spend on the funeral rites. This illustrates how extreme greed blinds one to human relationships.
936 పసులవన్నె వేఱు పాలెల్లనొక్కటి Just as cows of various colors yield the same white milk, and many types of flowers are used for the same act of worship, the paths and philosophies men follow may differ, but the Ultimate Divinity they seek is one and the same.
937 పుట్టలోన తేనె పుట్టినరీతిని Just as honey is found in anthills, gems on hills, and fire within wood, a human being should be born to provide value and charity to the world. The essence of birth lies in giving and being useful to others, much like these natural elements.
938 పుట్టు బిత్తలి వలె పోవు బిత్తలి వలె; Man is born naked (empty-handed) and dies naked. His life on earth is equally transient, yet he fails to realize this emptiness. The verse laments that despite the temporary nature of existence, humans do not become helpful to others during their short time on earth.
939 పుట్టుదుఃఖమునను పొరలుదుఃఖమునను Humans are constantly crushed by the sorrows inherent in birth, daily living, and death. Vemana asserts that no other suffering compares to the unique anguish of human existence, likely due to man's awareness and attachment to this cycle of pain.
940 పుట్టువార లెవరు పుట్టకుందు రెవరు Vemana questions the nature of existence by asking who truly is born and who is not. While common people are caught in the cycle of birth and death, the wise one realizes that the true Self (Atma) is unborn and eternal. The essence of this verse is to live in this world physically ('born') but remain spiritually detached and unbound ('as if not born'), realizing one's true eternal nature.
941 పుట్టుశక్తు లైదు పుడమి నటింపగ The five elemental forces (Earth, Water, Fire, Air, Ether) are the basis of all life on earth. While Brahmins claim superiority by citing their knowledge of the Vedas, they fail to recognize a fundamental truth: that every human being is a 'son of Shakti' (Nature), born of the same five elements. Therefore, the true 'caste' of humanity is one and the same, and claiming superiority based on birth is ignorance.
942 పుడమి నుప్పరంబుఁ బురిగొల్పి జగముల No king possesses the power to unite earth and sky or truly protect the worlds. Though rulers arrogantly claim the earth as their 'wife' (property) and title themselves as Lords of the Earth, such a claim is baseless for a mere mortal. True ownership and protection of the universe lie beyond human capacity.
943 పుత్తడిగలవాని పుష్ట్రంబు పుండైన If a wealthy person suffers even a minor inconvenience, like a boil on their back, it becomes headline news everywhere. However, significant events in a poor person's life, such as a wedding, go completely unnoticed by society. This verse highlights how the world pays attention to wealth and status while ignoring the poor.
944 పురహరునకు నేఁతపరువు తానేసిన This verse alludes to the legend of the spider (weaver) at Srikalahasti who wove a web over the Shiva Linga to protect it. Despite having no scriptural knowledge or high status, the spider attained eternal salvation solely through its sincere devotion. Vemana emphasizes that true Bhakti (devotion) is the only qualification required to reach God, not intellectual prowess.
945 పురుషుఁ డెఱుఁగఁ జంపు భూపతి వినఁజేటు Adultery is described here as a visible hell on earth. It carries the risk of death if discovered by the husband, punishment if known to the state, and inevitable social disgrace; thus, it brings total ruin.
946 పురుషుఁడెన్నిగతులఁబుట్టువు మొదలుగఁ From the moment of birth, a human being constantly engages in sinful thoughts due to the inherent fickleness of the mind. Just as a lame fox, despite its disability, still craves and eats meat (likely by scavenging), a human being, despite their limitations, instinctively drifts towards sin.
947 పురుషులరసి కొన్ని పుణ్యభూములటండ్రు People foolishly search for specific locations calling them 'holy lands', forgetting that the very ground they stand on is also part of the same earth. Vemana asserts that holiness or merit does not reside in the soil or geography, but is solely the result of a person's righteous actions and conduct.
948 పుస్తకములు జడలు పులితోలు బెత్తంబు Mere accumulation of scriptures, growing matted hair, wearing tiger skins, holding staffs, or carrying countless begging bags serves no purpose. These external symbols of asceticism are simply a physical burden and a waste of effort. True salvation (Moksha) cannot be attained through such outward displays without inner realization.
949 పూజకన్న నెంచ బుద్ధి నిధానంబు Wisdom is a greater treasure than ritual worship, just as a firm mind is superior to mere speech. Similarly, one's character is far more significant than their caste or lineage. The verse emphasizes that internal purity and virtue hold more value than external status or rituals.
950 పూర్ణమైన తనదు భుజబల్మిఁ జూడక One should not fight with a wicked person simply by relying on one's own physical strength. Just as a single drop of liquor spoils an entire pot of milk, engaging with a bad person ruins a good person's reputation and dignity, regardless of their power.
951 పూర్వ జన్మమందుఁ బుణ్యంబు సేయని A person who has not performed good deeds in the past but desires wealth now is acting in vain. It is exactly like a farmer trying to harvest a crop without ever having sown the seeds. One cannot expect the fruit (wealth) without having planted the seed (merit/effort).
952 పూర్వ వాసనగల పుణ్యాత్ము లెప్పుడు Just as a spring well replenishes itself no matter how much water is drawn from it, the wealth and virtue of noble souls (blessed by past good deeds) never diminish despite their constant giving. Their generosity is inexhaustible, remaining full and abundant regardless of how many people they help.
953 పూలగడ్డి కేల పుట్టించెనాపద The poet questions the logic of creation where delicate flowering grass faces the danger of destruction, while inanimate gold is coveted and protected. This disparity highlights the flaws in the Creator's design, suggesting that the world is full of contradictions where the innocent suffer and the unworthy prosper.
954 పూసపోగు బెట్టిపురుషునిభుజ మెక్కి This verse is a riddle describing a 'Gun' (Musket). It wears a bead (sight), rests on a man's shoulder, and makes him close an eye to aim, yet it is not a woman. It instantly kills those who become its targets. Vemana uses this imagery to describe the lethal nature of the weapon.
955 పూసపోగుపైడి పుట్టంబు విడియంబు Society often values external wealth and appearance over character or lineage. If a person possesses gold, fine clothing, and physical strength, they are treated with respect and invited in, regardless of their low birth or caste. Wealth effectively masks social status in the eyes of the world.
956 పృథివి కుదక మేగె పృథివిపై మొలకెత్తె This verse is a philosophical riddle describing the cycle of nature and agriculture. The seed (husband) enters the earth (wife) to produce a plant (son); the plant in turn produces seeds, making the son the husband again. Thus, the Earth acts as a wife when receiving the seed and as a mother when nurturing the plant, illustrating the cyclical continuity of life.
957 పగలుడుగ నాసలుడుగును When hatred ceases, desires wither away; when grief subsides, cravings end. When the thirst for worldly enjoyment is abandoned, the bonds of rebirth are broken. Ultimately, when one transcends the three Gunas (nature's qualities), the path to final liberation (Mukti) reveals itself.
958 పరధనంబులకును ప్రాణములిచ్చును Those who greedily risk their lives for others' wealth and lack truthfulness become morally corrupt. Though they may boast of high birth or status (claiming to be Dvijas), they possess absolutely no inner radiance or spiritual merit to justify such claims.
959 పరుల విత్తమందు భ్రాంతి వాసినయట్టి The person who abandons the desire for others' wealth is the true embodiment of virtue on this earth. In reality, coveting or possessing the wealth that belongs to others is equivalent to accumulating sin.
960 పాల నీటి కలత పరమహం సెఱుగును Just as only a swan has the ability to separate milk from water, while a peacock (despite its beauty) cannot, only a wise person can understand the Divine (Shiva). An ignorant or lowly person lacks the discrimination (Viveka) required to grasp the Ultimate Truth.
961 పుట్టు పుట్టలేదే పుడమిని జనులెల్ల Everyone born on this earth eventually dies; even our ancestors have all passed away. The entire cycle of birth and death is merely an illusion (Maya). Realizing this truth helps one detach from the transient nature of worldly existence.
962 పెట్టిపోయలేని వట్టి దేబెలు భూమి People who do not engage in charity or help others live a useless existence. Their birth and death are as insignificant as that of termites in an anthill, which are born and die in large numbers without benefiting the world. A life without generosity is meaningless.
963 పంచ ముఖములందు బంచాక్షరి జనించె The sacred five-syllable mantra (Panchakshari) emerged from the five faces of Lord Shiva. The entire universe manifested and flourished through these five syllables (which represent the five elements: Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Space). Therefore, one should worship the Five-faced Lord Shiva who is the source of this creation.
964 పండువలన బుట్టె బరగ ప్రపంచము In this verse, 'Pandu' (Fruit) is a metaphor for the Supreme Being or God. It conveys that the entire universe, as well as the realms of this world and the next, originated from God. Only the great devotee Prahlada truly understood the essence and sweetness of this Supreme Truth in this world.
965 పనసతొనలకన్న పంచదారకన్న Jackfruit bulbs, sugar, pure honey, colostrum pudding, and sugarcane are all known for their sweetness. However, the affectionate words of a true friend or beloved are far sweeter than any of these material delicacies. The verse emphasizes that emotional connection and kind speech hold greater value than physical pleasures.
966 బంగరుఁ బొడఁగన్న భామలఁ బొడఁగన్న A true Yogi is one who, upon encountering wealth (gold) or sensual pleasures (women), remains mentally undisturbed and free from desire. True asceticism is defined not by appearance, but by the ability to control one's mind and remain detached from worldly temptations.
967 బండమీఁద చెలమ పాటించిత్రవ్విన Digging a well on a hard rock requires immense effort but yields no water, resulting only in fatigue. However, digging even a small pit in a suitable low-lying area yields water that sustains life. Similarly, effort invested in the wrong place is futile, while effort placed in the right context brings prosperity.
968 బొంది యెవరిసొమ్ము పోషింపఁ బలుమారు The body we nourish so frequently does not truly belong to us, as it is perishable. The life force we cherish with devotion is not our property, for it will eventually leave. Wealth belongs to no one permanently; only the righteousness (Dharma) and good deeds we perform are our true, lasting assets.
969 బందెత్రాళ్ళఁ దెచ్చి బంధించి కట్టంగ Vemana satirizes the ritual practice of binding the Linga (idol) with ropes as if it were a thief being restrained. He questions what crime the Linga has committed to deserve such treatment. The true message is to abandon meaningless external rituals and instead worship the 'Atma Linga'—the divinity residing within one's own soul.
970 బిందురక్తములను బెరసిన దేహంబు The human body is merely a biological formation of blood and fluids, common to all. Ignoring this reality and claiming superiority through caste titles like 'Dvija' is futile, for such arrogance cannot save anyone from the inevitable grasp of death and hell. Mortality is the ultimate equalizer that transcends social status.
971 బిడ్డలను సతులను వేఱైనచుట్టాల Human beings foolishly place their trust in family, relatives, wealth, and their own bodies, rejoicing in these attachments. They fail to realize that all these worldly possessions and relationships are transient and can perish in a moment. Vemana laments that it is difficult to enlighten those who cannot grasp this fundamental truth of impermanence.
972 బోడితలల జడల బూడిదెపూఁతల External appearances such as shaved heads, matted hair, smearing ash, performing asanas, or wearing religious robes do not make one a Yogi. True spirituality lies in internal purity; without a clean and good heart, all outer guises are futile.
973 బోడితలల నెల్ల బూడిదెపూఁతల One cannot become a Yogi merely by adopting external signs like shaving the head, smearing ash, or performing physical postures and penances. True spirituality lies in inner purity; without a clean and good heart, all external appearances are futile.
974 బిడియమింతలేక పెద్దనే నేనంచు A person who shamelessly boasts of their own greatness and speaks with arrogance will find no respect in this world, nor will they attain salvation or status in the afterlife. True greatness is not found in empty words or self-promotion.
975 బిడియమింతలేక పెద్దను నేనంచు A person who shamelessly boasts of their own greatness while speaking lies will find no respect in this world. Such a deceitful individual will not attain honor or salvation even after death. True greatness is earned through character, not through empty boasts and falsehoods.
976 బడుగు నెఱుఁగ లేని ప్రాభవం బది యేల Vemana asserts that authority is useless if it ignores the weak, wealth is futile if relatives do not share it for support, and a doctor is worthless if they cannot diagnose an illness. The true value of power, wealth, and skill lies in their utility to serve and help others.
977 బాపఁ డెముకకూడు భక్షించుచుండును A Brahmin eating forbidden meat loses his caste status, just as a married woman wandering excessively to gatherings loses her dignity. The verse illustrates that when human desires become excessive, people abandon their moral codes, traditions, and honor to satisfy them.
978 బొమ్మలాటవాఁడు బొమ్మల నాడించు Just as a puppeteer hides behind a screen and skillfully manipulates puppets for the audience's entertainment, God remains invisible and orchestrates the actions of all living beings in this world. The verse illustrates that humans are merely instruments in the hands of the Divine, who directs the cosmic play from behind the veil of Maya.
979 బయలు రూపు రూపు బయలునుగాఁ జేసి The Formless Absolute (Void) manifests as the visible world of Form. True wisdom lies in dissolving this illusion of Form back into the Formless Void through spiritual insight. Realizing the Supreme Consciousness that dwells within this Absolute Void is the ultimate philosophical truth.
980 బయలున బంధము గప్పను Illusion (bondage) initially covers the Ultimate Reality (the Void/Brahman), but within that same Reality, bondage is dispelled for the realized soul. When this attachment falls away, a person of right conduct attains liberation. The verse emphasizes that realizing the Absolute Truth involves the removal of worldly bondage.
981 బయలున సర్వము పుట్టును Everything in the universe originates from the Void (Absolute Space) and eventually dissolves back into it; this Void is indeed Brahman. When one realizes deep within their mind that this Void is the ultimate truth, liberation becomes clearly revealed within that very state.
982 బయలులోని బయలు పరికించి చూడక Humans fail to recognize the Formless Divine (the Void/Brahman) that resides within the vastness of existence. Instead, they are captivated by external appearances and illusions, falling in love with the transient forms. They remain trapped by their attachment to the impure physical body, unable to see the ultimate truth.
983 బారెడేసి జడలు భస్మంబుపూఁతలు Merely growing long matted hair and smearing ash on the body does not grant one the power to conquer lust. Without internal purity, the sacred robes of such false ascetics are no better than the garments of a prostitute—tools used for deception and livelihood rather than true spirituality. True renunciation lies in the mind, not in the attire.
984 బ్రతుకు నిత్య మనుచుఁ బదరుచు వగమీఱ Those who arrogantly believe this transient life is eternal and swell with pride are truly foolish. All living beings are merely sheep in the flock of Yama (Death), destined to be taken away at any moment. Therefore, one should shed arrogance and realize the impermanence of existence.
985 బ్రతుకులెల్ల మాయ భవబంధములు మాయ Vemana asserts that all aspects of human existence—our lives, worldly bonds, and even our intellect—are manifestations of Maya (illusion). Even the conceptual effort to 'know oneself' is trapped within this illusion. Only the one who transcends this and understands the true nature of Maya is the enlightened Yogi who knows the ultimate secret.
986 బ్రతుకువార లెవరు బ్రతుకకుందు రెవరు Vemana questions the true definition of life, asserting that mere biological existence is not enough. Those who live with wisdom, virtue, and purpose are the truly 'living,' while those who lack these qualities are 'dead' even while breathing. He urges us to examine the world to understand that a meaningful life is superior to a mere physical existence.
987 దేశదేశములను దిరిగిగాసిలినొంద Merely wandering through various countries and exhausting oneself physically does not lead to true meditation or inner peace. Similarly, roaming around solely for the sake of accumulating money will not bring salvation. Spiritual attainment requires inner focus rather than external movement.
988 బ్రహ్మ తలనుగొట్టి పారవైచినయప్పు When Lord Shiva cut off the head of Brahma (the Creator), none of the other gods dared to intervene or stop Him. This illustrates that without Divine Grace (Shiva's mercy), ruin is inevitable for anyone, regardless of their status or power. It emphasizes the supremacy of Divine Will over all beings.
989 బ్రహ్మ మనగవేఱె పరదేశమున లేదు God (Brahman) is not hidden in distant lands or foreign places; the Divine is clearly evident and omnipresent. The ultimate truth is that if one truly realizes one's own Self (Atman), that Self is identical to the Supreme Reality (Brahman). Self-realization is the path to knowing God.
990 బ్రహ్మ మున్నచోటు పరగంగఁ దెలియక Just as one needs a specific magic ointment (Anjanam) to locate hidden treasure underground, one needs the eye of wisdom (Jnana) to perceive God who resides within oneself. Searching for the Divine in external places without this inner wisdom is futile; God is the treasure hidden within the heart.
991 బ్రహ్మ యెవనికొడుకు పరికింపఁగా భువి Vemana questions the ultimate origin of the Trinity (Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva), asking who their father is. He criticizes people for worshipping these forms without understanding the underlying Supreme Reality (Parabrahma) that created them. The verse highlights the ignorance of humanity in focusing on mythological lineages while neglecting the formless, eternal source of all existence.
992 బ్రహ్మఁ జంపి విష్ణుభాగంబులోఁ గల్పి This verse metaphorically describes the path of spiritual transcendence through the three Gunas (qualities of nature). One must conquer the restless activity (Rajas/Brahma) and merge it into balance (Sattva/Vishnu), then transcend even that balance to reach the state of dissolution (Tamas/Shiva). Finally, by transcending all dualities and deities, one becomes a 'Shivayogi,' united with the Absolute Non-dual Reality.
993 బ్రహ్మగ్రుడ్డు మేను ప్రాణమన్నది గాలి The human body is a microcosm of the entire universe (Brahmanda). The life force is the cosmic wind, and the eyes represent the sun and moon. Since the divine structure is inherent in this very body, there is no need to search for God elsewhere; the Supreme Reality resides within.
994 బ్రహ్మగుడ్డు ననెడిపట్టణంబులోపల Living within this vast universe (or the body), a Brahmin who fails to understand the Ultimate Reality serves no purpose. True divinity lies in self-realization; knowing one's own mind and self is identical to knowing Brahman.
995 బ్రహ్మఘటము మేను ప్రాణంబు దగ గాలి The human body itself is the vessel of the Divine (Brahma). The life force is the wind, and the eyes correspond to the cosmic lights of the Sun, Moon, and Fire. Therefore, one need not search for God elsewhere on earth; the Divine resides within this very form.
996 బ్రాహ్మణుల మటండ్రు బ్రహ్మత్వమదిలేని Merely claiming to be a Brahmin by birth is futile if one lacks 'Brahmatvam' (knowledge of the Supreme Reality). A person without this divine wisdom, regardless of their caste or status, is as lifeless and artificial as a doll sitting on a pedestal, serving no true purpose.
997 బ్రహ్మనృపతి వైశ్యపతులును శూద్రులు Vemana asserts a profound non-dualistic truth: everyone, from the four castes of humans to the divine Trinity (Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva), is merely a bound soul ('pasuvu' or animal) if they fail to realize the Ultimate Reality (Brahman). It is only due to ignorance of this single, formless Supreme Spirit that existence appears fragmented into so many different forms and hierarchies.
998 బ్రహ్మమేడ ననుచు పలుమాఱు లాడేరు Foolish and ignorant people constantly ask and search for where God is, not realizing the truth. They fail to understand that the Supreme Spirit (Brahman) is omnipresent, fully pervading every single thing in this universe.
999 బ్రహ్మమును దెలిసెడు భావమందున నిల్చి One should firmly resolve to understand the Supreme Reality by treating the physical body as a temple and establishing the Self within it as the deity. Even while living amidst the mundane world, one must cultivate inner vision (introspection) to perceive the divinity residing within, rather than getting lost in external distractions.
1000 బ్రహ్మమును నెఱుఁగవు భావమందుండిన You remain unaware of the Divine that resides within your own heart. Vemana advises that instead of seeking God externally, one should treat the body as a temple, install the Divine within, abandon worldly distractions, and look inward with spiritual vision to realize the Truth.