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

201 ఎండచీఁకటులకు నిమ్మయియుండెడు Just as a full pot remains steady, one must remain unaffected by the dualities of life like heat and darkness (joy and sorrow). By abandoning the sleep of ignorance and maintaining constant spiritual awareness within, one realizes the abundant and supreme truth of the Divine.
202 ఎండిన మా నొకటి యడవి Just as a single dried tree in a forest can generate fire through friction and burn down the entire forest, a single wicked person born into a noble and prosperous family can ruin the reputation and existence of the entire lineage. One bad element has the power to destroy a vast good system.
203 ఎండయన తిరుగు నిర వెఱింగిన యోగి A yogi who understands the secret of the sun's eternal path (or the inner science of breath/Pranayama) attains a state of permanence on earth. Such profound wisdom is beyond the reach of a glutton who is enslaved by the desire for food.
204 ఎండవేళఁ జీఁక టేకమైయున్నట్లు Just as the shadow merges completely with the object at noon, and water remains perfectly still in a full pot, the nature of the Supreme Soul (Paramatma) is one of complete unity and absolute stillness. The verse urges one to realize this state of non-duality and inner stability where the individual soul merges with the Supreme.
205 ఎంత సంపదున్న నంత కష్టపుఁజింత Accumulating great wealth inevitably brings an equal measure of difficulties and anxiety, which in turn causes the mind to wither and decay. Vemana asserts that true, imperishable wealth is not material riches, but the state of living without worry or mental anguish.
206 ఏంతకడుగ నోటి ఎంగిలిబోవునె Just as the mouth remains physically 'impure' with saliva no matter how much it is washed, a liar's mouth is morally impure. Vemana asserts that a mouth used to speak lies daily loses its dignity and becomes equivalent to the 'lower mouth' (anus), serving only to expel filth rather than speak truth.
207 ఎంతకరువు నయిన నెంగిలి యన్నము Even in times of severe famine, giving defiled or leftover food to others under the guise of charity is a grave sin. Vemana warns that those who offer such disrespectful alms, thinking themselves righteous, will be reborn as dogs destined to lick discarded leaf plates on the streets.
208 ఎంతకష్ట ముండు నంత పాపపుఁజింత The magnitude of one's worry often corresponds to the magnitude of their difficulties, and this worry is a destructive force that causes the mind to wither and rot. However, if one can remain free from such worry, they will attain an imperishable wealth, which is the peace of mind and spiritual stability that far exceeds material riches.
209 ఎంతచదువుఁ జదివి యెన్ని విన్నను గాని No matter how extensively one studies or how many moral scriptures one listens to, a person with an inherently wicked nature cannot change their bad character. This is similar to how coal retains its blackness even when washed repeatedly in pure milk. External refinement cannot alter internal impurity.
210 ఎంతభూమి దిరిగి యేపాటు పడుచున్న No matter how many lands one roams or what hardships one endures, one's destiny (karma) follows relentlessly without letting go. Even if one moves to a new place, the individual experiencing the life (the bhokta) remains the same, and thus cannot escape their fate simply by changing location.
211 ఎంతసంపదొనరు నంత కష్టపుచింత As wealth increases, so do worries and hardships, which in turn cause the physical body to wither and decay. However, one who lives without anxiety perceives the true, imperishable wealth of peace and well-being. Vemana emphasizes that mental peace is superior to material accumulation.
212 ఎంతసేవఁజేసి యేపాటుపడినను No matter how loyally one serves or how hard one struggles for them, one should never place trust in the royal entourage or those in power. Friendship with them is as perilous as intimacy with a snake; even if such an association yields immense wealth, the inherent danger of betrayal or destruction remains constant.
213 ఎందు నెఱుకవాని కిహపరములు లేవు The enlightened soul who possesses true self-knowledge transcends the dualities of this world and the next. Such a person is beyond the cycle of birth and death; even during the great cosmic dissolution (Pralaya), they do not perish but instead merge eternally with the Supreme Soul.
214 ఎంబెరుమతమని యెసఁగ మాంసము తిని Vemana criticizes the hypocrisy of those who proudly claim to follow the pious Vaishnava (Emberuman) faith but secretly indulge in prohibited acts like eating meat and drinking alcohol by giving them false names (euphemisms). He warns that such hypocrites, who also violate sacred kinship norms, will inevitably face ruin.
215 ఎక్కడయినయాశ లినుమడియుండఁగా When desires become excessive, man wanders around aimlessly like a madman. Just as a dog is restless and constantly roaming, excessive desire acts like a dog that will not allow a person to sit peacefully. Uncontrolled ambition robs a human being of stability and peace of mind.
216 ఎక్కడిసుతు లెక్కడిసతు When the body becomes worn out and death approaches, neither sons, wives, relatives, friends, nor servants will accompany the soul. It is a natural truth that one must face the final journey alone, with no one coming to their rescue.
217 ఎట్టిమంత్రమైన ఎంగిలిగాకుండ Vemana questions the obsession with ritual purity regarding 'engili' (saliva/defilement). He points out that even the most sacred mantras must pass through the mouth to be uttered, thus technically becoming 'engili'. Since even the Creator Brahma cannot speak without using his mouth, it is hypocritical for people to use that same mouth to complain about impurities. True purity lies in the mind and intent, not just in avoiding physical contact with saliva.
218 ఎట్టిరూపుఁ జూడ నీరూపు కనిపించు One should cultivate the vision to see the Divine in every form and object one encounters. By perceiving the Divine presence in everything, one's wisdom and spiritual awareness expand. When this wisdom reaches a superior state of maturity, God Himself becomes manifest to the seeker. The verse teaches that realizing the omnipresence of God leads to the ultimate realization of the Supreme Truth.
219 ఎట్టివాఁడు తానో యెఱుఁగడు తొలిపుట్టు A person who does not understand his true self or his origin gains nothing from mere external rituals. Salvation remains unattainable for such ignorant and wicked people who live a lowly life without self-realization, regardless of the disciplines they outwardly follow.
220 ఎట్టివానికైనఁ బుట్టును మోహంబు Delusion and desire arise naturally in everyone, regardless of their stature or wisdom. However, true realization comes to those who actively suppress this arising delusion, firm up their mind, and look within. By conquering these distractions, one can perceive the Ultimate Reality (Brahman).
221 ఎట్టిస్త్రీలఁ గనిన నింతంత యనరాదు The effect of seeing attractive women cannot be measured; it is boundless. Just as lac melts helplessly in a fierce fire, the human mind dissolves under the influence of intense passion. Such deep delusion (Moha) is capable of driving a person to any extent of action or ruin.
222 ఎడ్డె దెలుపవచ్చు నేఁడాది కైనను It is possible to educate an ignorant person within a year and a wise sage within a month. However, it is impossible to convince or change the mind of a stubborn fool, even if one tries for thirty years. Obstinacy is harder to cure than ignorance.
223 ఎద్దుకన్న దున్న యేలాగు తక్కువ Just as a buffalo is not inferior to an ox simply because it lacks red color (is black), one's value is not determined by external appearance. Similarly, a person cannot be called a true Yogi merely by their attire if they lack true wisdom and skill. Inner quality and capability are far more important than superficial looks.
224 ఎదుటితనబలంబు లెంచుకోనేరక One should not enter into a conflict without properly assessing both their own strength and that of their opponent. Fighting solely out of stubbornness or spite, without strategic foresight, leads to disaster, much like a bear that foolishly confronts a powerful wild boar and suffers the consequences.
225 ఎన్ని జాతులందు ఏజాతి ముఖ్యమో When questioning which caste is superior, one must realize that true superiority lies with those who possess wisdom and self-awareness, not birthright. Regardless of a person's high birth, if they lack wisdom, they are equivalent to the lowest caste.
226 ఎన్ని తనువులైన మృతికి నడ్డముగావు Taking numerous births or changing bodies cannot prevent death, for death claims them all. Without the spiritual knowledge to conquer mortality, one merely wanders from body to body like a thief sneaking around. Salvation (Moksha) cannot be stolen or attained through this stealthy cycle of rebirth; it is earned only through true awareness.
227 ఎన్ని మతములైన జరుగఁ దగదు Adhering to numerous religions is futile if one lacks truthfulness. Without truth, life cannot proceed meaningfully. Vemana asserts that true nobility (being a 'Dvija' or twice-born) comes not from birth or rituals, but from possessing and practicing truth.
228 ఎన్నఁగ మనసే కారణ The mind is the root cause of all worldly experiences and attachments. However, upon deep inquiry, one realizes that the individual self is identical to the Supreme Soul (Atman). Regardless of where one lives or how long one exists, realizing and holding onto this truth is the ultimate wisdom.
229 ఎన్నిఫలములున్న నీ ఫలంబెక్కుడు Regardless of the many rewards or results one may seek in life, the fruit of one's Karma (destiny) is supreme and unavoidable. It overrides all worldly comforts and pleasures. Karma has the power to alter reality, making what is visible vanish, thereby proving the transient nature of existence controlled by fate.
230 ఎన్నిమతములైన ఏమంత్రమైనను Regardless of how many religions one follows or mantras one chants, they are futile without the presence of Truth. Vemana asserts that true nobility (being a 'Dvija' or twice-born) comes not from birth or rituals, but solely from possessing and practicing Truth.
231 ఎన్నియెన్ని పూజలెచటఁ జేసిన నేమి Performing countless rituals in various places is futile if one lacks sincerity. Worship performed without devotion yields no results, whereas worship filled with true devotion is the ultimate path to abundant blessings and salvation.
232 ఎన్నాళ్ళకుఁ దానుండును No matter how long one lives or how many great skills one masters to shine in the world, death is inevitable. When one passes away, all that accumulated worldly knowledge turns to dust and does not accompany the soul. The verse underscores the futility of material learning compared to the mortality of the body.
233 ఎపాపమైన జక్కగ The secret wisdom or technique imparted by the Guru acts like a potent medicine that completely eradicates any sin. It seizes the accumulated karma of countless past births, suppresses it, and stands as a protective light shining gloriously within the mind, guarding against future ignorance.
234 ఎప్పుడు చూచిన న్నితర మేమియుఁ జూడక ముక్తి యందుఁగ A Yogi who constantly focuses on liberation without distraction, maintaining a meditative state with half-closed eyes (Shambhavi Mudra) day and night, will never face the punishment of Yama (Death). This entire path of liberation is well-known to and mastered by Vemana.
235 ఎర్రనాడుదాని ఏపారచూచిన Looking at a beautiful woman with desire creates a fever of lust and madness in the mind. Her laughter acts like a gripping demon that entraps the soul. Vemana warns that physical attraction leads to mental bondage and suffering.
236 ఎరుక మాలు వాఁడు యేమేమి చదివినఁ A frog may sit inside a lotus flower, yet it never tastes the honey; only the bee knows its sweetness. Similarly, a person without innate wisdom may read many scriptures, but they appear virtuous only while reading; they fail to absorb the true essence or transform their character permanently.
237 ఎరుకలేని దొరల నెన్నాళ్ళుకొలచినా Serving a master who lacks wisdom and discernment is futile, regardless of how long one serves. Expecting prosperity from such service is a mere delusion, comparable to expecting milk from a barren cow. Just as a barren cow cannot yield milk, an ignorant master cannot provide true livelihood or growth.
238 ఎఱుక బ్రహ్మమనెను యిల శంకరార్యులు While Adi Shankaracharya defined the Ultimate Reality (Brahman) as Awareness (Eruka) and Sage Vyasa defined it as Wisdom (Telivi), Vemana states that he acknowledges neither. This suggests that the absolute truth lies beyond the concepts of consciousness and intellect, transcending traditional philosophical definitions to a state of absolute stillness or void.
239 ఎఱిఁగిన శివపూజ యెన్నడు చెడిపోదు Just as one cannot build the top of a wall without a foundation, spiritual worship performed without understanding the core principles is futile. Worship of Shiva done with true knowledge and awareness never goes to waste. One must grasp the root of any endeavor and persevere without abandoning it.
240 ఎఱుఁగక పుట్టును తనువులు Souls born in ignorance traverse through countless lives, burdened by the filth of worldly attachments. However, once a soul attains a body endowed with true wisdom and self-realization, it breaks free from this cycle and is never born again on earth, attaining liberation (Moksha).
241 ఎఱుఁగు వాని దెలుప నెవ్వఁడయిననుఁ జాలు It is easy for anyone to teach a wise person, as they grasp concepts readily. However, it is impossible to correct or teach a fool or a wicked person. Just as no one possesses the power to straighten the natural curves of a river, one cannot alter the inherent nature of the ignorant.
242 ఎఱుక నెఱుగువాని కెఱుక యే నడుచును True wisdom acts as a guide only to those who understand the nature of awareness; the ignorant remain lost. The ultimate philosophical truth lies in realizing the Supreme Consciousness (the greater Awareness) that resides within one's own individual awareness.
243 ఎఱుక లేనిదొరల నెన్నాళ్ళు కొలిచిన Serving a master who lacks wisdom is futile, regardless of how long one serves. Expecting one's life to improve through such service is a mere delusion. Just as a barren cow cannot yield milk no matter how much one desires it, an incompetent leader cannot provide prosperity or growth.
244 ఎఱుకకన్నను సుఖమే లోకమునలేదు There is no greater happiness in this world than true wisdom or self-awareness ('Eruka'). However, very few possess the capacity to truly understand this wisdom. Self-knowledge stands alone as the ultimate truth; no other philosophy or principle can equal it.
245 ఎఱుకమాలి జీవి యెంతకాలంబుండి An ignorant soul, regardless of how long it exists, remains trapped in the natural cycle of birth and death. True liberation (Brahman) is attained only when one realizes the state where the individual ego-consciousness dissolves or is forgotten, transcending worldly awareness.
246 ఎఱుకయుండువాని కెఱుకయేయుండును True wisdom is self-evident to the wise, while it remains inaccessible to the ignorant. The ultimate philosophical truth lies in realizing the Supreme Consciousness (the Self) that transcends ordinary sensory knowledge and mental attributes.
247 ఎలమిని ధనకాంక్ష నెదిరిఁ దన్నెఱుఁగక A person blinded by the greed for wealth fails to recognize the worth of others or his own duties, driven blindly by his karma. This ignorance is innate to him from birth. Therefore, approaching such a foolish and arrogant person for help will only result in difficulty and pain, not relief.
248 ఎల్లి రేపు నేఁడు నేలాగునైనను A truly noble person is one who keeps their mind steady at all times—whether today, tomorrow, or the day after—without wavering. Since God (Shiva) is the ultimate sustainer and the doer of all things, one should surrender their worries to Him rather than being anxious about the future.
249 ఎలుకతోక దెచ్చి యెందాక నుతికిన Just as washing a rat's tail repeatedly will never turn it white, and beating a wooden doll will never transform it into a virtuous person, one cannot change the inherent nature of a foolish or unworthy person through external force or effort. Inherent qualities are stubborn and often unchangeable.
250 ఎవ్వ రెఱుఁగకుండ నెప్పుడు పోవునో No one knows when life will depart; alas, the soul leaves the body suddenly without notice. Yet, for the sake of this transient existence, man behaves arrogantly and incurs disgrace, ignoring the inevitable end. Vemana highlights the foolishness of human pride in the face of mortality.
251 ఎవ్వరి గుణములును యేమన్న మానవు Just as it is impossible to straighten a dog's tail, one cannot change the inherent bad qualities of certain people regardless of advice. The verse illustrates this with the example of a cunning wife who can manipulate and 'sell' her naive husband, emphasizing that deep-seated nature is immutable.
252 ఎవ్వరేమెఱుంగు నింపయిన వస్తువు The physical body is inert and cannot comprehend divine wisdom. It is rare for anyone to truly understand the blissful Ultimate Reality. Therefore, one must learn the proper method of spiritual inquiry to grasp the essence of Vedanta and transcend physical limitations.
253 ఎసఁగువేత్త యనుచు నెఱుగరే యీనరుల్‌ People praise Brahma as the great knower, the creator of the world, and the universal teacher in a thousand ways. However, Vemana points out the irony that even this supreme creator lost one of his heads (cut off by Shiva due to arrogance). The verse highlights that even the highest authorities are not perfect or immune to fate/consequences, and questions the blind worship of status.
254 ఏక బ్రహ్మము నిత్యము The Supreme Reality (Brahman) alone is eternal and true, while all material objects are temporary illusions created by the mind. If one realizes that all this diversity is essentially part of that One Unity, they transcend sorrow. For such a person, attaining liberation is easy.
255 ఏకమయినవర్ణ మెఱిఁగినయోగికిఁ To the Yogi who understands the single imperishable syllable (Om) and perceives the Supreme, true realization dawns. Upon this realization, he attains a state of non-duality where he sees himself in all forms and in every aspect of the universe, understanding that he and the cosmos are one.
256 ఏడె యక్షరముల నీయంద మొందిన If one firmly establishes the sacred seven syllables (representing a divine mantra or the seven yogic chakras) within oneself, liberation manifests both in this world and the next. Realizing the omnipresent divinity that exists both 'here' and 'there' is the true experience of the Ultimate Reality (Brahman).
257 ఏమి గొంచువచ్చె నేమి తాఁగొనిపోవుఁ Man brings nothing into this world at birth and takes nothing with him at death. The wealth accumulated in between stays here, while the soul departs to an unknown destination. Therefore, one should realize the impermanence of material possessions.
258 ఏరుదాఁటి మెట్ట కేగినపురుషుండు Just as a traveler who has crossed a river and reached the shore leaves behind the boat without looking back, a Yogi who has attained enlightenment and crossed the ocean of worldly existence ceases to obsess over the physical body. The verse illustrates that the body is merely a vehicle for realization, and once the goal is achieved, attachment to it is unnecessary.
259 ఏవంక మనసు కలిగిన If the mind turns towards worldly distractions, all the senses inevitably follow in that direction. However, if the mind is focused on God (the Divine), the senses cease to wander and remain under control. The verse emphasizes that controlling the mind is the key to mastering the senses.
260 ఏసూత్ర మరసిచూచిన Whatever principle one examines in this universe, it is ultimately driven by the 'Stree Sutra' (the principle of Nature or Shakti). Without this feminine power, creation cannot take place. Even one's own existence is rooted in this principle. A true Sadhu is one who understands this profound connection and the nature of the bond between the Self and Nature.
261 ఒక్కఁడు రోగి యాయె మఱియొక్కఁడు దిక్కులఁ ద్యాగి యాయె In this world, one appears as sick, another as a renouncer, one as an enjoyer, another as a yogi, and yet another as passionate. However, I do not see a great soul like you anywhere who encompasses all these states. Truly, O Vemana, all these diverse forms fit you alone (implying that the realized soul or the Divine manifests in all these contrasting roles).
262 ఒక్కఘటములోనఁ బెక్కురూపులు నిల్చు Just as a single pot can contain or reflect many forms which appear real, the body houses numerous thoughts and identities. When these temporary forms or illusions are removed, only the open space (Void/Brahman) remains. Similarly, when the illusions of the mind and body vanish, the true, formless nature of the Self (Atman) is revealed.
263 ఒక్కమనసుతోడ నున్నది సకలము Success and truth are attained through single-minded concentration. However, humans fail to realize this because they are caught in the madness of worldly illusions. A single person who understands the nature of this madness and lives with awareness is rare and sufficient.
264 ఒకటిక్రింద నొక్క డొనర లబ్ధముఁ బెట్టి Just as placing numbers one below the other and multiplying them causes their value to increase exponentially rather than simply adding up, the fruits of generosity grow in a similar magnitude. The merit gained from charitable acts multiplies and returns to the giver in abundance, far exceeding the initial act.
265 ఒకరి నోరుఁగొట్టి యొకరు భక్షింతురు Just as one person exploits another for gain, only to be eventually struck down by Death, nature shows us a similar cycle where fish eat smaller fish, and men eat those fish. The verse illustrates the law of karma and the food chain: the exploiter will eventually be exploited or destroyed by a higher power (Death). No one is invincible.
266 ఒకరికీడు వేర ఒకరికి నియ్యడు Harm is not arbitrarily inflicted by others but is a result of one's own destiny. Often, what is a gain for one person becomes a loss for another, creating a complex web of cause and effect. Humans fail to grasp the subtle nature of these dualities; only Time (or the Divine Judge) understands the ultimate truth behind these occurrences.
267 ఒడ్డుపొడుగుగల్గి గడ్డంబునిడుపైన Mere physical stature or external signs of wisdom like a long beard do not make a person noble if they lack the essential quality of charity. Just as a buffalo, no matter how large it grows, can never equal the majesty and value of an elephant, a person without virtue cannot be considered great solely based on appearance.
268 ఒడల భూతిఁ బూసి జడలు ధరించిన Merely smearing ash on the body and wearing matted hair like a sage does not guarantee salvation, even for a master. Just as a bamboo screen, no matter how tightly fastened, cannot equal the strength and security of a proper door, external appearances and disguises cannot replace true inner purity and spiritual realization.
269 ఒడలు బడలఁజేసి యోగుల మనువారు Torturing one's body with severe austerities while claiming to be a yogi does not cleanse the mind of its impurities. Just as beating the surface of an anthill does not kill the snake hiding deep inside, mere physical penance without internal purification is futile.
270 ఒడలుఁ బెంచులంజ యుబ్బకంబుననైన A prostitute who has fattened her body falls upon her lover with crushing weight, much like a cart wheel falling upon a bandicoot rat. This metaphor illustrates that associating with such women becomes a crushing burden that eventually destroys the lover, just as the rat is crushed by the wheel.
271 ఒరులకొఱకు భూమి నొరసెటివారును Farmers toil on the land for the benefit of others and remain loyal subjects to the ruler. They are as pure and innocent as milk, paying their taxes honestly without evasion. These hardworking people of the agricultural sect do not possess cunning speech or deceitful nature.
272 ఒల్ల నన్నఁ బోదు నొల్ల ననఁగరాదు One cannot escape the consequences of past wicked deeds simply by rejecting them or saying 'I do not want this.' Since the results of past karma are inevitable, it is futile to complain. The wisest course of action is to accept the situation without grieving in one's heart.
273 ఒల్లనిపతి నొల్లనిసతి A person who clings to a master, a wife, or a friend who does not like or respect them is truly a fool. Vemana asserts that fools do not need physical horns to be identified; their lack of self-respect and inability to leave toxic relationships are sufficient proof of their ignorance.
274 ఓగు నోగు మెచ్చు నొనరంగ నజ్ఞాని Just as a wicked person admires another wicked person, an ignorant fool praises a miser, failing to recognize true worth. This is natural, for a pig will always prefer wallowing in mud over the fragrance of rose water. One's nature determines their tastes and whom they admire.
275 ఓగుబాగెఱుఁగని యుత్తమూఢజనంబు Foolish people who lack the discrimination between good and bad often criticize wise men. This behavior is futile, resembling a dog barking at a majestic elephant; the elephant remains unaffected and dignified, just as the wise remain untouched by the insults of the ignorant.
276 ఓజమాలుపొలతి యోలిమాడలు చేటు Money spent on a bride price for a wife lacking virtue is wasted. Food provided to a soldier who retreats from battle is wasted. Wages paid to a lazy servant are wasted. The verse emphasizes that resources spent on people who do not fulfill their duties or lack essential qualities are a total loss.
277 కాఁగల పను లెల్లగా కెట్లుపోవును Events that are destined to happen will inevitably occur, while those not meant to be will never materialize despite our best efforts. The power to control these outcomes lies with the Divine and is not within human hands. One must understand that destiny follows its own course independent of human will.
278 కాఁపు బల్మియున్నఁ గరణాన కది బల్మి Vemana highlights the symbiotic relationship between the producer (farmer/Kapu) and the administrator (accountant/Karanam). The prosperity and strength of one directly contribute to the strength and happiness of the other. True stability in society relies on the mutual cooperation of its productive and administrative forces.
279 కొంకణంబు పోఁవగుక్క సింహము గాదు Just as a dog does not become a lion by going to Konkan, and a pig does not become an elephant by visiting Kasi, a person cannot change their inherent nature or caste simply by visiting holy places or changing their appearance. True nobility and wisdom (becoming a Viprudu) come from internal character, not external migration or pretense.
280 కంటికంటి ననుచుఁ గర్మాధికారంబు The foolish man gets ruined by chasing after the authority of rituals, arrogantly claiming 'I have seen the Truth'. He fails to realize that true liberation is not hidden in complex actions but is right out in the open, accessible to all who simply observe and proclaim the truth.
281 కంటిమంటచేత కాముని దహియించి Shiva burnt Kama (Lust) with his third eye, yet he united with Gauri through that very desire, showing his transcendence over duality. The verse states that simply touching or beholding the radiance (grace) of such a powerful and paradoxical God destroys the accumulated results of one's past karma.
282 కంటిలోనివానిఁ గఱకంఠుఁ డెఱుఁగును Lord Shiva knows the divine light residing within the eye. When a seeker perceives this inner light extending into the vast sky, the distinction between the observer (eye) and the observed (sky) dissolves, merging into the spiritual Heart. This verse illustrates the non-dual realization where the individual soul and universal consciousness become one.
283 కండకావరమునఁ గానఁడు మరణంబు Arrogance of physical strength blinds a person to their inevitable mortality, while ego prevents them from realizing the ultimate truth. Similarly, an excessive desire for worldly pleasures distracts one from performing virtuous deeds. Vemana warns that these forms of ignorance—pride, ego, and greed—are obstacles to spiritual and moral well-being.
284 కొండెగాఁడు చావఁ గొంపదనుకఁ బోక Just as sheep do not mourn the death of a fox (their predator), people do not feel genuine sorrow when a slanderer or malicious person dies. While they may attend the funeral to fulfill social customs, there is no true grief in their hearts, as they are likely relieved by the person's departure.
285 కొండరాళ్లు దెచ్చి కోరికఁ గట్టిన Why waste one's life wandering inside temples built of mere stone, thinking God resides only there? One must realize that the eternal God (Shiva) exists within oneself as the very life force (Prana). True spirituality lies in realizing the divinity within, rather than seeking it in external structures.
286 కొండఱేఁడు మామ కొండకూతురు నాలు Lord Shiva is surrounded by the grandeur of mountains: the Mountain King is his father-in-law, the Mountain Daughter is his wife, Kailasa is his home, and Mount Meru is his bow. Yet, despite this immense power and status, his worshipped form is a simple round stone (Linga). This illustrates that the Supreme Divine Essence is simple, formless, and beyond external pomp.
287 కండలెల్లఁ గోయ కావికిఁజాలని Just as cutting a stone cow yields no flesh even for a bird, and expecting milk from it is futile, so is expecting generosity from a miser. Hoping for such impossible things is like wishing for an ordinary hill to become the Golden Mountain (Meru).
288 కాంత కుంకయైనఁ గానికులం బైనఁ A man blinded by lust ignores a woman's social status or flaws. Even if she is a widow or of low lineage, he remains unable to leave her, clinging to her just as a blind dog that has tasted meat refuses to let go when it finds a piece. The verse illustrates how infatuation overrides rational judgment.
289 కాంతమేనుఁజూచి కలవరపడుదురు People are often deluded by the external beauty of a woman's body, becoming agitated with lust while ignoring the biological reality within. Vemana questions the wisdom of being attached to the physical body, pointing out that beneath the skin, it is filled with impurities like flesh and waste. The verse urges one to look beyond physical appearance and overcome carnal desire.
290 కొంపలోన నున్న కోర్కెలు ఛేదించి A true philosopher is one who cuts off the worldly desires residing within the body, guards their heart with steadiness, and establishes their life on a righteous path. Vemana metaphorically contrasts a 'Kompa' (a mere hut/body with desires) with a 'Gr̥hamu' (a noble home/sanctified self), suggesting that transforming the former into the latter through self-control is the mark of wisdom.
291 కంబళములఁ గట్టి గంటలు గజ్జలు Merely adopting the external guise of an ascetic—wearing woolen blankets, bells, anklets, saffron robes, quilts, shaving one's head, or playing castanets—does not constitute true worship. These outer symbols are incapable of performing the worship of the divine Self (Atma) residing within; true spirituality is internal, not a theatrical display.
292 కాకిగూటిలోన కోకిల మున్నట్లు Just as a cuckoo grows in a crow's nest but finds its own nature, and a worm transforms into a wasp through constant association (Bhramara-Keeta Nyaya), a disciple who devotedly serves a Guru eventually attains the Guru's wisdom and status. The verse illustrates the transformative power of devotion, mentorship, and the company one keeps.
293 కాకు లున్నగూడు కోకిల కగునట్లు Just as a cuckoo retains its nature even when raised in a crow's nest, and just as a worm transforms into a wasp through constant contemplation (Bhramara-Keetaka Nyaya), a human being attains glory by realizing the Truth and becoming liberated. The verse emphasizes that through right association and deep contemplation on the Divine Truth, one can transcend their limitations and achieve liberation.
294 కచ్చమీఁద నాస కనకంబుపై నాస It is impossible to find a human being on this earth who is completely free from the desire for sexual pleasure (lust) and the desire for gold (greed). If such a pure ascetic were to exist, he would be so rare that he would remain unseen or undiscoverable by ordinary people.
295 కొట్టినఁ దిట్టినఁ గాని Regardless of whether one is beaten, scolded, bound tightly, or tortured, a steadfast devotee remains unmoved by physical suffering. The meditation on Lord Shiva within their firm mind is eternal and cannot be disrupted or removed by any external force.
296 కట్టెపైన నున్న కట్టెకు ఘనమేమి A dead stick placed upon another stick has no inherent value or life. However, if that wood is attached to a living tree (like a graft or branch), it draws life and attains greatness. Similarly, the individual soul (stick) finds its true purpose and divinity only when it unites with the Supreme Source (tree), rather than resting on material existence.
297 కట్టెపేరు లోలిగట్టి చెప్పఁగ రాదు Just as it is impossible to distinguish the specific name or quality of individual sticks when they are tied together in a bundle, one cannot judge the inner worth of a person by their outer appearance. Therefore, once a person adopts the spiritual path of a Jangama (devotee), their previous caste or lineage becomes irrelevant and should no longer be considered.
298 కట్టువార లేరి కట్టినవారేరి The builders, the owners, and the doers—whether bound by worldly attachments or not—all eventually perish. Vemana urges us to realize firmly that human life and deeds are impermanent, and to view the world through the eyes of wisdom rather than attachment.
299 కడఁక నింద్రియములు గట్టి వేయగ లేక Vemana criticizes those who live without self-control throughout their lives but seek renunciation (Sanyasa) only when death is imminent. He asserts that salvation (Moksha) cannot be attained through last-minute rituals or external renunciation; it requires the true conquest of the self and senses.
300 కడఁగి సంకల్పములనెల్లఁ గట్టిపెట్టి True greatness belongs to the one who firmly restrains all desires and volitions, remaining mentally still and thought-free like a painted image. Such a person is a noble soul regardless of their physical location—whether they dwell in a solitary forest or a bustling city.