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
- 1301 శూద్రుఁడనుచు మిగుల శూద్రులఁ బోనాడు A person who arrogantly abuses others based on their caste, calling them Shudras or Malas, is himself lower than the lowest outcaste. Merely proclaiming oneself to be a 'Twice-born' (Brahmin) does not make one noble; true nobility lies in conduct, not in birth or empty claims.
- 1302 శూద్రులందుఁబుట్టి శూద్రుల దూషించి A person born among Shudras who reviles his own people and claims the superior status of a 'Dvija' (twice-born) is merely a base person if he lacks mental control. Vemana asserts that true nobility is defined by a steady, disciplined mind, not by social titles or the denial of one's origins.
- 1303 సందె వార్చఁగ నేమి జపము సేయగ నేమి Performing rituals like Sandhyavandanam, chanting prayers, or mastering the Vedas and Shastras is futile if one lacks inner purity. A person who is enslaved by lust or looks at women with desire is not a true Brahmin, regardless of his learning or rituals. True spirituality is defined by character and self-control, not by external observances.
- 1304 సకల శాస్త్రములను జదివియు వ్రాసియు Scholars may read and write volumes on all sciences and scriptures, mastering every subject. Yet, they often fail to comprehend the ultimate reality of death. Vemana questions the value of any education that does not bestow the wisdom to understand or transcend the mystery of mortality.
- 1305 సకలాకారుఁ డనంతుఁడు The Supreme Soul is the universal form, infinite and eternal, acting as the witness within all beings. Remaining changeless and existing in a spotless, pure state, He is indeed the Ultimate Reality (Brahman).
- 1306 సకలవిద్య లరసి చచ్చి బ్రతుకువిద్య People exhaust themselves studying countless worldly sciences, yet they lament that they have not mastered the one true 'science of living' (spiritual wisdom or self-realization). They suffer in distress, failing to perceive that this ignorance leads to the ultimate danger of spiritual death or the endless cycle of rebirth.
- 1307 సకలవిద్య లరసి సంతోషపడవచ్చుఁ It is easy to acquire vast knowledge and feel proud, or to enthusiastically preach morals to others. However, it is extremely difficult to practice charity or follow the very precepts one teaches. Vemana highlights the common hypocrisy where words are plentiful, but deeds (like giving charity or practicing ethics) are rare.
- 1308 సాగి పాఱురారు సకలకార్యంబుల Those who merely boast with eloquent words but fail to take action will not succeed in any endeavor. Without the effort to move forward and execute tasks, not a single goal can be achieved, regardless of how much wealth one possesses. Action, not just wealth or empty talk, is essential for success.
- 1309 సిగ్గటంచనఁ బడు సిగ్గునెచ్చోనుండు People readily acknowledge sensations like shame and hunger, even though they are invisible and have no physical form. Similarly, the Divine Spirit resides hidden within the human body. The verse questions the irony of human nature: why do we accept invisible physical urges but fail to recognize the invisible God dwelling within us?
- 1310 సిగ్గు విడువకున్న శివసౌఖ్యమేలేదు One cannot attain spiritual bliss (Shiva Saukhyam) without abandoning the ego. This ego will not leave unless one practices humility and surrenders completely. Only the one who successfully casts off this ego attains immortality and eternal peace.
- 1311 సిగ్గునేడనుదాగుఁ జీక టేడను దాగు Vemana questions the origin of natural states like shame, darkness, hunger, and sleep, concluding that they do not come from outside but reside latently within the Self (Atma). They manifest when conditions are right and recede back into the self. Understanding this internal cycle of manifestation and latency is true wisdom.
- 1312 సిగ్గువారల మని సృష్టిలోపలివారు People of the world, arrogant in their own perceived modesty and social standing, look at the eccentric Vemana and judge him as mad. However, they fail to realize that true modesty is internal. God alone knows the genuine purity and spiritual state that lies within Vemana, which is hidden from the superficial gaze of society.
- 1313 సజ్జనముల చెలిమి చాలింపఁగా రాదు One should never abandon the friendship of the virtuous. True devotion is impossible without understanding the fundamental nature of reality or the Divine. Wicked people, lacking this understanding and purity of heart, are incapable of performing true devotion.
- 1314 సతి యొనర్చు చెడ్డ పతి కవశ్యము వచ్చు This verse expounds on the traditional karmic dynamics between a husband and wife. A husband bears the burden of his wife's sins because he is her guardian, yet the wife receives half the merit of his good deeds as his better half. However, the husband's sins do not transfer to the wife, highlighting a unique asymmetry in responsibility and spiritual sharing.
- 1315 సతికి పతికినైన సంపద సంపదే While material wealth between a couple and the blessing of children are indeed valuable, the greatest wealth of all is living a full, harmonious life until old age. Growing old gracefully and completing one's life journey properly is the ultimate prosperity.
- 1316 సతము బాహ్యపూజ చాలఁ జేసినపిదప Regardless of how many elaborate external rituals or worship services one performs, if they cannot abandon the hypocrisy and deceit within their hearts, they will never attain salvation. Such wretched people, lacking inner purity, will only sink deeper into the darkness of ignorance rather than finding spiritual liberation.
- 1317 సత్య మమరియుండ జ్ఞాన మమరియుండు Truth and Knowledge are interdependent; where one is established, the other naturally follows. Vemana asserts that a person in whom both Truth and Knowledge are perfectly balanced and united is the true 'Dvija' (twice-born). This redefines the concept of being 'twice-born' not as a caste privilege, but as a spiritual rebirth attained through the harmony of wisdom and integrity.
- 1318 స్త్రీ నెత్తిన రుద్రునకును The verse highlights the indispensable nature of the feminine principle by noting that the Trinity of Gods all hold women in high esteem: Shiva bears Ganga on his head, Brahma holds Saraswati in his speech, and Vishnu keeps Lakshmi on his chest. Therefore, Vemana questions the validity of false asceticism, asserting that one cannot become a true Guru or spiritual master simply by rejecting or demeaning women.
- 1319 స్త్రీలమాయచేతఁ జిక్కి తాఁ గొన్నాళ్ళు A man gets caught in the illusion of lust and remains entangled in it for some time, as if he actively desired that bondage. Eventually, after being satiated or worn out by these transient pleasures, he meets his ruin through Fate, having wasted his life without seeking higher truth.
- 1320 స్త్రీలసుఖముఁ జూచి చిత్తంబు నిలుకడ A man who is captivated by the pleasures of women and fails to steady his mind will inevitably face ruin. Just as a tree growing on a riverbank is constantly unstable and in danger of being washed away, a person lacking self-control lives a precarious life destined for a fall.
- 1321 స్త్రీలు కల్గుచోట చెల్లాటములుకల్గు Where women are present, there is joy, splendor, and activity; where they are absent, life feels dull and lackluster. Vemana observes that because of this profound influence and attraction, men inevitably get entangled in worldly attachments and lose their freedom.
- 1322 సతుల చూడ చూడ సంసారి కాగోరు Man enters worldly life driven by attraction, desiring a family. As children are born, the burdens and sorrows of attachment increase. When life eventually deteriorates due to these entanglements, instead of realizing his own choices led him there, he helplessly blames his fate (Karma). The verse highlights the cycle of desire, suffering, and the lack of self-accountability.
- 1323 సతులఁ జూచి నరుఁడు సౌఖ్యంబు గోరును Man, captivated by the sight of women, seeks only temporary worldly pleasures. Entangled in these actions (karma), he fails to perceive the true paths to salvation. His attachment to physical desires blinds him from realizing the ultimate purpose and liberation of his soul.
- 1324 సతులఁ బడయ రాదు సుతులఁ బడయరాదు Vemana advises against the excessive craving for family life, specifically wives and children, viewing such attachments as sources of grief rather than happiness. He compares entering into these worldly bonds to a fool who voluntarily lifts a heavy stone from the ground and places it on his own head, burdening himself unnecessarily.
- 1325 సతులు జపతపములు సలుపంగ సాగిన If women begin to perform spiritual austerities like chanting and penance, men will become redundant on this earth. Therefore, O virtuous men, do not consider it a sin to intervene; you must catch and discipline them. This verse reflects a historical worldview where spiritual leadership was reserved for men, suggesting that women taking up these roles threatens the male purpose.
- 1326 సతులు సుతులు మాయ సంసారములు మాయ Wives, children, family bonds, wealth, fame, and even one's own body are transient and illusory (Maya). Only the person who conquers this illusion and realizes the ultimate truth is a true Yogi and knower of the divine secret.
- 1327 స్థిరముగాని క్షుద్రపర నటనలుచేసి Base-minded people who engage in unstable, petty pretenses and fluctuate between arrogance and meanness do not last long. Much like braying donkey foals that make noise without purpose, these individuals quickly bring about their own ruin through their foolish behavior.
- 1328 స్థావరముల భక్షింతురు Vemana illustrates the natural cycle of life and consumption. While animals (movable beings) relish eating plants (immovable beings), ultimately all living creatures end up consuming one another in the struggle for existence. This reflects the universal truth that life sustains life through consumption.
- 1329 స్థూలము కనుగ్రుడ్డు సూక్ష్మంబు కన్పాప Vemana draws an analogy between the eye and spiritual anatomy. The eyeball represents the gross body, the pupil the subtle body, and the vision within represents the causal body or soul. Just as one sees through the pupil, one must use inner vision (the causal principle) to realize the Divine (Brahman).
- 1330 సద్గురు కృపజ్ఞానంబున Through the grace of the True Guru (Sadguru), one gains the wisdom to identify the studies that truly illuminate the path to salvation. Since it is the Guru who guides one towards this liberation, Vemana proclaims that the Sadguru is indeed the visible God. True knowledge and salvation are impossible without the Guru's compassion.
- 1331 సాధుచరితయైన సతి సత్ప్రవర్తన Just as a woman of loose morals cannot appreciate the virtuous conduct of a chaste wife, a common worldly man cannot comprehend the noble state of spiritual absorption (Brahmaniṣṭha). The value of high moral or spiritual states is lost on those who lack the refinement to understand them.
- 1332 సాధుసజ్జనులను సంతరించినవాఁడు The person who supports the virtuous, brings happiness to the people, and shows compassion even towards enemies is truly destined for salvation. Such an individual is firmly established on the path to spiritual liberation.
- 1333 స్నాన మొనరఁజేసి తద్ధర్మమీయక Performing ritual baths without the accompanying spirit of charity and true wisdom is futile. Just as a water-fowl dips in water constantly without gaining any spiritual merit, a person who merely bathes physically without inner purity and generosity achieves nothing.
- 1334 సొమ్ము దొరకుదనుక జ్యోతి యంతియెకాక Just as a lamp is indispensable only until a lost object is found in the dark, and becomes unnecessary afterwards, the physical body is a vessel required only until one realizes the Divine. Once God-realization is attained, the attachment to the physical body serves no further purpose.
- 1335 సమమునైన దృష్టి సమముగా మదినిల్పి By fixing the mind with equanimity and abandoning the distracting tastes of the external world, one can safely proceed on the spiritual path. When one looks within with such clarity and detachment, the Ultimate Reality (Brahman) becomes clearly manifest and self-evident.
- 1336 సొమ్ములున్నచోటు శోధింపఁగలుగును One searches for treasure only where it exists; searching elsewhere is futile. However, just as a special ointment (Anjanam) is required to detect hidden underground treasure, spiritual wisdom (Jnana) or a Guru's guidance is essential to perceive the divine truth residing within oneself. Without this insight, the inner treasure remains undiscovered.
- 1337 సోమయాజి ననుచు సొంపైన శాలువల్ There is no benefit to society from a person who merely boasts of being a scholar (Somayaji) and adorns himself with expensive shawls and ornaments for personal satisfaction. True greatness lies not in external attire or titles, but in one's utility and service to others.
- 1338 సోమయాజి ననుచు సొంపుగా వేషంబు Vemana criticizes the hypocrisy of those who claim the high spiritual title of 'Somayaji' and wear elegant religious attire, yet engage in the slaughter and consumption of animals under the guise of rituals. He questions what spiritual radiance (Tejas) such a person could possibly possess if they are called 'Twice-born' (Dvija) while committing such acts. True spirituality lies in conduct, not in titles or costumes.
- 1339 సోమయాజిని బట్టి సొడ్డు వేసెను రంభ The Somayaji performed rituals hoping for heavenly rewards, but when the nymph Rambha seduced him, he obtained that 'heavenly pleasure' directly by his own hand, losing his spiritual merit. Vemana satirically points out that outward rituals are futile if one cannot conquer inner desires; the Somayaji got the 'fruit' (Rambha) but lost the true purpose of his penance.
- 1340 సోమలతల రసము సోలలకొలదిని Vemana questions the value of drinking Soma juice in large quantities during rituals under the guise of spiritual benefit. He suggests sarcastically that the only 'fruit' of such a sacrifice is the liquid physically going down the throat. True spiritual attainment does not come from intoxicating ritual drinks or external consumption.
- 1341 సర్వ మొకటిఁ జూడ సమకూరును ధ్రువంబు When one perceives the diversity of the universe as a single unified existence, the eternal truth is realized. One must strive unceasingly, day and night, to perceive the Supreme Soul, which exists as the ultimate 'Light within the Light' illuminating our consciousness.
- 1342 సర్వము తానని తెలిసిన Liberation is attainable only by the enlightened one who realizes that the Universal Self and his own self are one. Mere physical wandering across the earth or performing penance in mountains, caves, and oceans without this inner realization will not lead to salvation.
- 1343 స్వానుభూతిలేక శాస్త్రవాసనలచే Just as a lamp painted in a picture cannot dispel darkness, mere bookish knowledge of scriptures without personal experience (self-realization) cannot remove the doubts of a seeker. Direct experience is essential for true enlightenment.
- 1344 సుఖములెల్లఁ దెలిసి చూడంగ దుఃఖముల్ Vemana asserts that when examined closely, all worldly pleasures are essentially sorrows, and even meritorious deeds are often tainted by the sins committed to achieve them. Therefore, craving these worldly rewards is as self-destructive and foolish as a thief desiring to be impaled on a stake.
- 1345 సుఖసుఖాన దాను సుగుణుఁడై యుండఁగఁ The soul is naturally virtuous and happy, but Nature (Maya) entangles it in worldly life like a marriage, ruining its connection to the Supreme. Caught in the web of resulting duties and karmas, the soul fails to recognize the Divine Fate that orchestrates this entire illusion.
- 1346 సుతులచేతఁ బుణ్య సుఖముఁబొందుదు నని People live under the delusion that having sons will guarantee them merit and salvation. However, just as a tiny mosquito cannot lift a massive elephant that has fallen, sons cannot relieve the heavy burden of their parents' karma. Salvation is an individual responsibility, not something that can be delegated to offspring.
- 1347 సుతులు పతులు మాయ సుఖదుఃఖములు మాయ Vemana asserts that all worldly relationships (children, spouses), experiences (joy, sorrow), attachments, and social identities (caste) are mere illusions (Maya). He marvels at how such a complex web of delusion has been created for a life that is itself temporary and illusory. The verse urges one to recognize the unreality of worldly bonds.
- 1348 సుప్తి జాగరముల సొలపులఁ దానుండి Caught in the cycle of sleep and wakefulness, humans remain oblivious to the illusion (Maya) that envelops them. Because they fail to clearly distinguish between falsehood and truth, their character and life are swiftly ruined.
- 1349 సూక్ష్మమధ్యమునను సొరిది జీవుం డుండు Vemana elucidates the connection between the microcosm, macrocosm, and the Supreme Reality. Just as the Soul (Jiva) resides in the subtle body and the Sun resides in the gross universe, the Supreme Brahman exists within the yogic realms of Nada (Sound), Bindu (Point), and Kala (Aspect). It highlights the omnipresence of the Divine across different planes of existence.
- 1350 సూక్ష్మరూప మెఱిగి సుఖమొందగా లేక Vemana questions the value of extensive bookish knowledge that does not lead to self-realization. If education does not help one understand the subtle nature of the soul and conquer the fear and calamity of death, it is ultimately futile. True wisdom lies in realizing the inner self rather than mere accumulation of information.
- 1351 సూచికాగ్రదృష్టి సొరిది భ్రూమద్యము By focusing one's vision sharply like a needle's point at the center of the eyebrows and observing steadily, one can perceive the movement of the soul (often interpreted as the breath or life force). This verse describes a yogic technique (similar to Shambhavi Mudra) that leads to self-realization and understanding of the life cycle.
- 1352 హంగుమీరఁ దాను యతులజన్మంబుల A person may pompously narrate the profound histories of ascetics to impress others, showing off their knowledge. However, in their own daily interactions (wandering here and there), their excessive familiarity or lack of discipline leads to a loss of respect or breeds contempt. True wisdom lies in conduct, not just in reciting the lives of the great.
- 1353 హంస మానసోద మంటక తిరిగిన Just as a swan swims in water without getting wet or affected by it, a true Yogi lives in this world amidst all luxuries and pleasures but remains detached. He ensures that the accumulation of Karma does not bind him, living in the world but not belonging to it.
- 1354 హింసఁ జేయకుండుటే ముఖ్య ధర్మంబు Non-violence is the supreme duty. Vemana asserts that an outcast who eats an animal that died naturally is morally superior to a high-caste Brahmin who kills a living animal for ritual sacrifice. True nobility lies in compassion (Ahimsa), not in caste or ritual status.
- 1355 హీనజాతివాని నిలుఁజేర నిచ్చెనా Just as a tiny fly entering the stomach can cause great distress and turmoil to anyone, regardless of their strength, allowing a wicked person into one's home will inevitably bring harm. No matter how great or powerful a person is, associating with people of low character leads to destruction.
- 1356 హీనజాతివానికెచ్చు వైష్ణమిచ్చి Merely bestowing a high religious status (like Vaishnavism) upon a person of base nature does not make them superior to a noble person (Brahmin). It is comparable to washing a pot used for liquor and filling it with holy Ganges water; the vessel retains its impurity, and the external change does not alter its inherent nature.
- 1357 హీననరులతోడ నింతులతోడను When dealing with diverse groups such as vile people, women, youth, kings, scholars, or great sinners, one cannot use a single approach. One must understand the specific nature, status, and temperament of each group and speak to them accordingly. The verse emphasizes the importance of discretion and adaptability in speech.
- 1358 హీనుఁ డెన్నివిద్య లిల నభ్యసించిన Just as a donkey does not become a noble animal simply by carrying a load of fragrant sandalwood, a person of low character does not become great merely by acquiring education. True greatness lies in one's nature and character, not in the accumulation of external knowledge or degrees.
- 1359 హేమ నగము చేత నెప్పుడు గలవాడు Even Lord Shiva, who possesses the Golden Mountain (Meru) as his bow and resides on the Silver Mountain (Kailash), was compelled by circumstances to beg for alms. This verse highlights the supreme power of fate (Karma), illustrating that no one, not even the Divine, is exempt from the trials of time and destiny.
- 1360 హేమకారవిద్య నెఱిఁగిన వారెల్ల Just as an alchemist who knows the secret of making gold is free from the sorrows of poverty, a person who has realized the ultimate Truth (Tatva) is free from all worldly worries. Once self-realization is attained, there is no cause for grief or anxiety.
- 1361 హరికి దొరికెనందురా సిరి యప్పుడే People often highlight that Lord Vishnu obtained Goddess Lakshmi (wealth) during the churning of the ocean, yet they forget that Lord Shiva received deadly poison at the same time. This verse illustrates that destiny is unpredictable; no one can truly know what fortune or misfortune awaits a person, or why fate favors one over another.
- 1362 హరివిధిసురిమును లాదిని Even supreme beings like Vishnu and Brahma, along with great scholars and sages, despite being born with glory, eventually fell prey to old age and death. This verse illustrates that everyone, regardless of their power or status, is bound by the influence of Maya (illusion) and the inevitable cycle of time.
- 1363 హృదయమందు నున్నయీశుని దెలియక Ignorant of the fact that God resides within their own hearts, people foolishly worship stone idols. Vemana questions what divinity can possibly exist in inert stones, asserting that the true divine presence is found within living beings, not in lifeless rocks.
- 1364 హృదయము పదిలంబైనను If the mind is firm and pure, that state itself is true renunciation. True sanyasa does not require external symbols or 'horns' to show its distinctness. Scholars often miss this truth, failing to realize that the mind alone is the foundation for liberation, not external appearances.