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

301 కడక నఖిలమునకు నడినాళమం దున్న This verse expounds a profound Yogic truth about the inner self. Situated within the central channel (Sushumna Nadi) of the human body is a divine light that shines brilliantly like the morning star (Venus). This inner light of wisdom is the ultimate refuge and guide for the soul; there is no sanctuary superior to this inner illumination.
302 కడగిఁ గాలిలేని గగనంబుభంగిని Just as the sky is clear without wind and the ocean is calm without waves, the human mind must be free from the agitation of thoughts and emotions. If one can maintain such a state of changelessness (Nirvikara) and absolute stillness (Nischalatva), then liberation (Mukti) is naturally attained.
303 కడగివట్టియాస కడతేఱనీయదు Clinging to vain and empty desires prevents one from attaining liberation. Such desires only drag a person into endless troubles and suffering, blocking the rise of true devotion in their heart. Therefore, one must abandon useless worldly attachments to find peace.
304 కొడుకును వరియింప గోరి వచ్చిన దాని Just as it is morally repugnant for a father to marry a woman intended for his son, it is equally heinous to commit an act while fully knowing it is wrong. Vemana asserts that God will inevitably punish those who knowingly commit such sins right here on earth.
305 కడుపు కెంత నరులు కళవళపడుదురు Humans worry excessively and roam through villages and forests just to feed their stomachs. However, Vemana asserts that sustenance is a basic need that will eventually be met somehow or other by nature. Therefore, the extreme anxiety and struggle people undergo merely for food is unnecessary.
306 కడుపు బోరగించి కన్నులు ముకుళించి Mere physical contortions like manipulating the stomach, closing the eyes, or holding the breath tight do not constitute true yoga. An ignorant ascetic who relies solely on these external feats is as helpless as a sheep in the clutches of the God of Death. Without true inner realization, physical austerities cannot save one from mortality.
307 కడుపుకేల మనసు కలవరపడియెదు Humans needlessly worry and stress over how to fill their stomachs. Vemana questions this anxiety by pointing out that nature (or God) provides sustenance to all beings, even a frog trapped inside a solid rock. If such a helpless creature is fed, surely humans will also find sustenance, so one should not be overly anxious about survival.
308 కడుపుచిచ్చుచేత కామానలముచేత True liberation is attained only by those who remain steadfast and maintain a balanced mind, without becoming crooked or losing their integrity under the pressure of the three internal fires: hunger, lust, and anger. Mastering these primal drives and retaining mental equilibrium is the path to salvation.
309 కడుపునిండ సుధను గ్రమముతోఁ ద్రావిన Just as a person who has drunk divine nectar to their fill has no desire for lesser drinks, one who has realized the Ultimate Truth (Tattva) no longer craves worldly pleasures or lust (symbolized here by women). The higher bliss of spiritual wisdom naturally eliminates the thirst for transient physical gratifications.
310 కడుపులోనిరోఁత కడు నోటియెంగిలి The human body is inherently filled with physical impurities like filth in the stomach and saliva in the mouth, which no one, not even a god, can completely wash away. Since absolute physical purity is impossible, Vemana emphasizes that possessing Truth (Satyam) is the only way to attain true purity and success in this world. Inner moral integrity is far superior to futile attempts at external ritual cleanliness.
311 కోతిపిల్లతెచ్చి కొత్తపుట్టముగట్టి Just as baboons might foolishly worship a monkey cub simply because it is dressed in new clothes, foolish and unfortunate people tend to gather around and serve an immoral person. The verse illustrates that ignorant people are easily deceived by external appearances of status or wealth, failing to recognize the lack of true character within.
312 కాదని యెవ్వరి తోడను A truly realized soul does not engage in futile arguments or contradict others, often wandering like a madman indifferent to social norms. By transcending the dualities of difference and non-difference, such a person grasps the ultimate secret of Vedanta.
313 కాదు కాదు గురులు 'క' గుణింతము చెప్ప Teachers who simply teach the alphabet or recite scriptures are not the ultimate spiritual guides. The true Guru is the one who reveals the path to liberation (Mukti) and helps the disciple transcend worldly bondage.
314 కాని వాని చేత కాసు వీసము లిచ్చి Lending money to an unworthy person and then wandering behind them to recover it is sheer madness. It is as futile and illogical as trying to use a chicken to catch a cat.
315 కనక మృగము భువిని కలుగ దంచెరుగడో Did the wise King Rama not know that a golden deer cannot exist in nature? Yet he chased it. This verse illustrates that when one faces a time of inevitable destruction or downfall, their judgment becomes clouded, leading them to make irrational decisions.
316 కనకపర్వతమున కాపురంబుండిన Even though Indra resides on Mount Meru, the mountain of gold, his greed did not vanish. This is evident from how he went to Karna and begged for his golden earrings. The verse illustrates that possessing immense wealth does not necessarily cure one of desire or greed.
317 కనకమందు, మంచి కాంతల వాడల Regardless of their status or greatness, men are inevitably drawn to wealth (gold) and the company of women. The verse asserts that there is no man, however powerful or noble, who can completely detach himself from the allure of a woman.
318 కనకమేడల మంచి కాంతలయెడలను No matter how great or powerful a person may be, they remain susceptible to the allure of wealth and women. It is impossible to find a man who can completely detach himself from the attraction of the opposite sex; this is a universal weakness of mankind.
319 కనకమృగము భువినికద్దు, లేదనలేక Even though a golden deer cannot exist in nature, Rama was unable to deny Sita's request and left her to chase it. This illustrates that even a divine being like Rama was tempted by the illusion of gold (wealth). The verse highlights the overpowering nature of desire and material attraction, which can cloud the judgment of even the wisest.
320 కన్నె, వరుడు, చేరి, కదియంగ, నొక్కప్పు When a man and woman unite, the embryo is created from the same biological fluids within the womb. Since every human being is born through this identical and humble process, there is no basis for claiming superiority or inferiority based on caste. Vemana asserts that all humans are equal by birth.
321 కన్నపుత్రునాస, కనకంబుమీ దాస, Unless one completely detaches their mind from the desires for children, wealth, and women, and abandons these worldly illusions, the Ultimate Reality (Brahman) cannot be perceived. True spiritual realization requires the renunciation of these material attachments.
322 కన్నుఁగవరీతి సంపద Wealth is transient, much like the eyelids that stay open for a while but eventually grow heavy and close suddenly. Just as moonlight and darkness become indistinguishable when the eyes are closed, the dualities of life (pleasure and pain) lose their distinction when wealth vanishes or life ends. Oh brother, realize that all this worldly existence is merely the grand illusion (Maya) of Shiva.
323 కన్నుపోవువాఁడు కాళ్లుపోయినవాఁడు Just as a blind man and a lame man join forces to overcome their disabilities—the blind providing strength and the lame providing direction—poor people tend to unite and support one another. While the wealthy may ignore them, the poor find strength and survival in their own community and mutual cooperation.
324 కన్నులందు మదము గప్పి కానరుగాని Blinded by arrogance, people fail to recognize the ultimate truth of mortality. The poet reminds us that those who died and were cremated recently—whether yesterday or last year—were no less significant than those currently living. Since death is inevitable for everyone, one should shed their pride and live with humility.
325 కనియుఁ గాన లేఁడు కదలింపఁ డానోరు A wealthy person, blinded by pride, behaves like a patient suffering from delirium (sannipata). Though he has eyes, he ignores others; though he hears, he does not listen; and he refuses to speak. The verse illustrates how the intoxication of wealth renders a person insensible to the humanity around them, much like a comatose state.
326 కనియుండి కానలేరట Vemana laments that despite possessing physical eyes and ears, people in this world fail to see the ultimate truth or listen to wisdom. Their inability to perceive spiritual reality makes the proverb about 'those who have eyes but cannot see, and ears but cannot hear' a literal truth in society. True sight and hearing are matters of the intellect and soul, not just the physical organs.
327 కానలేఁడు నుదురు కర్ణముల్‌ వీఁపును Just as a man cannot see his own forehead, ears, back, or hair without external aid, an ignorant person remains blind to his own true Self. If one lacks the insight to realize their own nature (Self-realization), it is impossible for them to comprehend the greater universal Truth (Tatva). True wisdom begins with knowing oneself.
328 కానలేరు గాని కలియుగంబుననున్న People in this age fail to realize that dignity and self-respect are common to all humans. Wicked people, lacking the empathy to see others as equal to themselves, arrogantly insult and abuse others.
329 కానివాని తోడఁ గలసి వర్తించెనా Just as drinking milk under a toddy palm tree leads people to mistake it for alcohol, associating with bad people brings harm and disrepute even to the greatest of individuals. One is judged by the company one keeps, regardless of one's own virtues.
330 కనుక గ్రామమునకుఁ గారణకర్తలి The key administrators of a village, specifically the Karanam (Accountant) and the Reddy (Headman), must work in perfect harmony. Just as the mythical Gandabherunda bird lives with two heads on one body acting in unison, these leaders must remain united; only then will they and the village prosper.
331 కపట వేషమూని కడగండ్లుపడనేల It is futile to suffer hardships by merely wearing the deceptive guise of an ascetic or by wandering aimlessly in forests. True salvation is not found in external appearances or physical penance, but is attained only through the right method of inner realization and wisdom.
332 కప్పయు పామును బోరఁగ A snake joyfully swallowed a frog after a fight, thinking it had won. However, termites eventually destroyed the snake (and the frog within it). This verse illustrates the cycle of life and death, showing that even the victor is eventually vanquished by time or nature.
333 కప్పురంబు మనసు గాంక్షించుయోగికి Just as camphor burns away completely without leaving any residue, a yogi who aspires for a mind free of impurities and ego will find the light of wisdom shining forth from within. In the radiance of that wisdom, the eternal Soul (Atma) becomes gradually visible and realized.
334 కోపమునను ఘనత కొంచెమై పోవును Anger causes a person to lose their dignity and brings about great sorrow. However, if one can control and suppress their anger, their desires will be fulfilled and they will find success.
335 కోపమునను నరక కూపముఁ జెందును Anger is a destructive force that leads one to a hellish existence. It diminishes a person's virtuous character and shortens their life. Therefore, one must strive to control and eliminate anger to lead a meaningful life.
336 కామి కానివాఁడు కవి గాఁడు రవి గాడు Passion or intense desire is the fundamental energy required for any great attainment. Without this intensity, one cannot become a creative poet, an enlightened soul (Sun), or even a seeker of spiritual liberation (Moksha). Vemana asserts that the capacity to desire deeply is a prerequisite for transforming that energy into higher pursuits.
337 కోమటికిక యాశ కొండలు వాములు The merchant possesses greed as massive as mountains and heaps, desiring luxuries like sandalwood and splendor. While his greed knows no bounds in this life, his lack of truthfulness (purity of speech) ensures he has no salvation in the afterlife.
338 కోమటోనినిష్ట గురికి రాదెన్నడు A merchant's devotion never reaches God because his inherent greed suppresses his spiritual intent. Just as a tiger appearing tame near a devotee is either a pretense or an impossibility, a greedy person's devotion is futile and hypocritical.
339 కోమటోనియాశ కొండల్లవానలు A merchant's greed is as vast and torrential as the rains upon the mountains, while beauty and splendor are fleeting like the changing phases of the moon. Since there is no limit to such greed, there is no path to salvation or peace for those consumed by it.
340 కోమటినిష్ఠలు గుఱికి రావెన్నఁడు The austerities and vows of a greedy person are never to be trusted, for greed permeates their every action. Just as a tiger disguised as a holy mendicant remains a predator with its evil nature merely hidden, a greedy person's pious acts are but a facade for their avarice.
341 కొమ్మదిమ్మరైనఁ ద్రిమ్మరులవలదు Vemana advises against pursuing women of loose morals who wander aimlessly. He questions why one would accept amorous lovers in such a context, equating those who engage in such base behavior to worms that feed on dung. The verse serves as a harsh critique of lust and low moral character.
342 కమలభవాండం బెల్లను Scholars and wise men spend their time analyzing the vast external universe (Brahmanda), yet they fail to introspect and examine the glorious microcosm within themselves (Pindanda/Body). Vemana asserts that true wisdom lies not in knowing the external world, but in looking inward with a pure mind to realize the self.
343 కాయగూరలుతిని కాషాయవస్త్రముల్‌ Merely eating a vegetarian diet, wearing saffron robes, and shaving one's head to look like an ascetic does not lead to salvation. While it is easy to shave the hair off one's head, it is far more difficult to 'shave' or remove the impurities and desires from one's mind. True spirituality lies in the purity of thoughts, not in external appearance.
344 కాయముఁదగఁ గూడి కడఁగి యోగిగనున్న Merely possessing a human body and adopting the appearance of a yogi does not make one great. True greatness lies in utilizing this physical body as a vehicle to attain liberation (Mukti) while one is still alive. One must strive for spiritual freedom through the body, rather than regarding it as a hindrance or merely existing in it.
345 కరఁగకరగఁబుట్టు కనకంబునకు వన్నె Just as repeated melting purifies gold and enhances its shine, and constant association deepens the love between a couple, one might expect age to bring wisdom. However, Vemana observes that as people grow older, they often become more prone to delusion and greed. The verse serves as a cautionary observation about the psychological pitfalls of aging.
346 క్రొత్త సుద్దులైన గురుబోధచే విన్న One may listen to many new teachings, secrets of action, and yoga techniques from a Guru. However, simply hearing these things does not make one's accumulated (old) karma disappear. True liberation requires more than just listening to new theories; it requires realization or experience to break the ancient cycle of fate.
347 కర్మాకర్మము లొక్కటి From the highest spiritual perspective, action and inaction are the same, a truth known only to detached yogis and philosophers. However, to guide the world by clearly distinguishing between right (Dharma) and wrong (Adharma), a person of pure and unblemished intellect is required to explain the truth.
348 కర్మగుణము లన్ని కడఁబెట్టి నడువక Just as a lamp cannot burn using raw sesame seeds alone—requiring the oil to be extracted first—one cannot attain the Ultimate Truth (Tatva) merely by holding onto rituals (Karma). One must extract the essence of wisdom from action and discard the attachment to the rituals themselves to find enlightenment.
349 కర్మఫలములన్ని కపటంబుగాఁ జూచి One must realize that the fruits of worldly actions are illusory. While the fruits of righteous deeds (Dharma) are superior, they still bind the soul. True liberation (Mukti) lies in transcending the duality of these definitions and crossing beyond the subtleties of Dharma to realize the ultimate truth.
350 కర్మమయుఁడుగాక ధర్మంబు దెలియఁడు Just as one cannot gauge the true depth of water without entering it, one cannot understand the essence of Dharma without engaging in action. Practical experience is essential; a person who merely exists without purposeful action cannot perceive the ultimate truth or achieve the higher good.
351 కర్మము జ్ఞానికి దవ్వగు Rituals are far from the wise, and the wise are far from rituals; they are distinct paths. However, true liberation is attained only by the pure one who transcends both the bondage of action and the ego of knowledge, reaching a state of inner purity where these dualities cease.
352 కర్మమునను బుట్టి కష్టంబులో జేరి Human beings are born as a result of their past actions (Karma) and immediately find themselves entangled in worldly hardships. However, they fail to recognize the nature of Karma or how it orchestrates their lives. Due to this lack of awareness, they remain trapped in the cycle of bondage and cannot attain liberation.
353 కరములందు నమరు గంగాధరునిబట్టి Vemana compares the search for God in external pilgrimages to someone holding butter in their hand but searching everywhere for ghee. Just as ghee is latent within butter and extracted through processing (heating), the Divine resides within oneself and is realized through inner wisdom, not by wandering to holy places.
354 క్రొవ్వు పొట్టపొరలు క్రూరకర్ములపొరల్‌ Those who are arrogant about their physical strength, those who commit cruel deeds, and those who accumulate sins by hurting others—regardless of who they are—will ultimately face judgment at Yama's gate. They will inevitably be cast into punishment, as worldly power holds no sway over death.
355 కారుకారు గురులు కాగుణింతముజెప్ప Those who merely teach the alphabet or recite the essence of scriptures are not true Gurus. The ultimate, true Guru is the one who shows the path to liberation (Mukti) and spiritual freedom.
356 కలికిచిత్ర మరయఁ గామునియంత్రంబు A beautiful woman acts as a wondrous weapon of Cupid. Upon witnessing her beauty marks and the radiance of her face, a man is struck by intense passion which burns like a blister or causes great sorrow. The verse warns that physical attraction, while captivating, often leads to suffering and emotional turmoil.
357 కలిగి ధర్మమీయఁ గాననివారును Those who possess wealth but neither use it for charity nor enjoy it themselves are merely suffering due to their miserliness. Ultimately, they will perish without ever truly finding happiness or retaining that wealth, losing both worldly enjoyment and spiritual merit.
358 కలిగి పెట్టలేని కర్మజీవులకెల్ల Those who possess wealth but refuse to share it with others are wretched souls bound by their karma; in their next life, they will suffer such poverty that they will not even receive alms. This truth serves as a visible example for everyone to understand the consequences of miserliness.
359 కాలగతి యెంతవారికి The influence of time is inescapable, bringing changes in status to even the greatest beings. Lord Krishna, who once displayed immense power by lifting a mountain with his finger, is also seen floating helplessly on a banyan leaf during the cosmic dissolution. This illustrates that time can reduce the mighty to a state of lightness or insignificance.
360 కలిగిన మనుజుండు కాముఁడుసోముఁడై A wealthy person is perceived by society as handsome like Cupid and radiant like the Moon, commanding respect and admiration. However, a person without wealth, regardless of their virtues, is often treated as empty or insignificant. The verse highlights the harsh reality that society often values money over character.
361 కలిగిపెట్టబోని కర్మజీవులకెల్ల Those unfortunate souls who possess wealth but refuse to share it with others are bound by their karma. Eventually, a time will come when they cannot even obtain alms. O people, observe the fate of such misers as a visible example and learn from it.
362 కాలచక్ర మెఱుఁగఁగా లేక యెప్పుడు Vemana addresses those who mechanically perform rituals like the Sandhya prayer without understanding the true nature of Time or the Ultimate Reality. He sarcastically calls them 'clever ones,' pointing out that the path to Truth cannot be found in empty rituals performed without inner spiritual knowledge.
363 కలిమి కలిగెనేని కాముగాఁజూతురు When a man possesses wealth, he is admired and treated as if he were the God of Love himself. However, if he falls into poverty, even if he is physically as handsome as Cupid, he is despised and treated like an outcast by the very same people (women). This verse highlights the harsh reality that society values wealth over character or physical beauty.
364 కలిమి కల్గనేమి కరుణలేకుండెనా What is the purpose of wealth if one lacks compassion? Why should mean-minded misers possess riches? Just as a honeybee toils to collect honey only to have it taken away by a passerby, the wealth hoarded by a miser—without being enjoyed or shared through charity—will ultimately fall into the hands of others.
365 కలిమి నాఁడు నరుఁడు కానఁడు మదమున When wealthy, a man is blinded by arrogance and refuses to give; when poor, he lacks the means to give even if he wishes. Since there is no time in life that is free from either wealth or poverty, one must learn to shed arrogance and help others whenever possible, rather than waiting for a perfect moment that never comes.
366 కలిమిచూచి ఈయ కాయమిచ్చినయట్లు Marrying a daughter to a rich man merely for wealth is akin to selling her into slavery, as she may not be treated with respect. Marrying her to an equal is appropriate. However, giving her in marriage to a poor man often creates the strongest, most intertwined bond, as the relationship is valued above material status.
367 కలిమినాఁడు మగని కామిని చూచును A wife may treat her husband with great affection and respect when he is wealthy, but disregard him completely when he falls into poverty. If he continues to survive in destitution, she may even wish for his death to escape the burden. This verse highlights the cynical reality that relationships are often driven by material wealth rather than genuine love.
368 కల్మషంబు సోఁకఁ గనుపించ దెందును As long as the mind is tainted by impurity or sin, the true form of the Divine remains invisible to everyone. True wisdom and realization are attained only when the quality of Tamas (ignorance and darkness) is completely removed.
369 కాలము తన కిక చాలా The foolish person lives under the delusion that he has plenty of time left in his life. Unaware of the fragile nature of his existence, he may perish suddenly and unexpectedly. One should not be complacent about time, as death can strike at any moment.
370 కలియుగమునఁ బుట్టి కడతేఱఁగా లేక In this Kali Yuga, people are born without knowing the path to liberation and instead torture their bodies with severe austerities. Vemana asserts that such physical penance is futile if one fails to realize the ultimate Truth (Tatva). True spirituality lies in inner realization, not in the mere mortification of the body.
371 కలియుగముననున్న కాపు కులానకు Vemana, born in the Kapu (farming) community in this Kali Yuga, dedicated his fame to his lineage. However, acting like a true spiritual farmer, he distributed the essence of Dharma as a share to all humanity, while he himself sought the Supreme Salvation. The verse highlights that while his birth was local, his wisdom was universal.
372 కల్ల గురుఁడు గట్టు, నెల్ల కర్మంబుల Inferior teachers limit their students to external rituals, while mediocre ones confine them to the repetition of mantras. Only the noblest teacher guides the disciple toward the supreme empire of Yoga, leading to true spiritual union and liberation.
373 కల్ల నిజము రెండు కఱకంఠుఁ డెరుగును Just as only God (Shiva) knows the ultimate distinction between truth and falsehood, and water naturally finds its own level, the true paternity of a child is known with certainty only to the mother. The verse emphasizes that certain truths are inherent, private, or known only to the divine/source.
374 కల్లటికెకు భూతి గట్టిగాఁ బెట్టిన Just as coating a toddy pot with sacred ash does not remove the foul smell of the liquor inside, wearing a sacred thread (Yajnopavitam) does not make a person a true Brahmin or noble soul. External symbols of sanctity are meaningless without inner purity and character.
375 కల్లలాడుకంటె కష్టంబు మఱిలేదు There is no greater sin than speaking lies, for such dishonesty always leads to harm and misery. Merely claiming high status (like being a 'Dvija' or Brahmin) without the virtue of truthfulness is meaningless and equates to the unstable nature of a vagabond.
376 కల్లలాడువాని గ్రామకర్త యెఱుంగు The village chief identifies the liar through their public misconduct, while only God truly knows the one who adheres to truth, as integrity is often an internal virtue. Similarly, a glutton's true capacity is best known to his wife who serves him. Vemana illustrates that different aspects of a person's character are witnessed by different authorities.
377 కల్లుకుండ భూతి గట్టిగా పెట్టిన Just as coating a liquor pot with sacred ash does not remove the foul smell of the liquor inside, merely wearing a sacred thread does not make a person a noble Brahmin. True nobility comes from internal character, not external symbols or attire.
378 కల్లునీళ్లు ద్రాగి కడుపెద్ద వారిలో Vemana criticizes the hypocrisy of women who drink liquor and roam naked among elders claiming to be holy ascetics (Siddhuralu). Such behavior is merely a temporary performance induced by intoxication or ritual; once the act is done, she returns to her ordinary state wearing rags. True spirituality is constant and dignified, not a fleeting display of shamelessness.
379 కాలవశముఁ బట్టి కర్మజీవులపిండు Driven by the influence of time and bound by their karma, human beings often become deluded and intoxicated with arrogance. The mind of such people, clouded by pride and ignorance, loses its true purpose and wisdom; it can hardly be called a mind at all.
380 కాలు చేయి లేదు కంచుకంబు గలదు This verse is a riddle describing a snake. It has no legs or hands but possesses a slough (jacket). Though it lacks horns or branches, it strikes with great speed. It has the deadly ability to kill without ever learning martial arts or fencing, which is a marvel of nature.
381 కాలు చేయి వంచి గాలి నిండఁగఁజేర్చి Vemana asserts that physical contortions, breath control (Pranayama), and various yoga postures (Asanas) are merely 'practice skills' or physical exercises. He implies that without true devotion and wisdom (Jnana), these mechanical bodily practices cannot lead to spiritual liberation.
382 కలుషమొక్క యింత గాన్పింప దెందును When the darkness of ignorance (Tamas) is suppressed, true wisdom naturally shines forth. In that enlightened state, one sees no impurity or blemish anywhere; instead, the entire existence appears exceedingly beautiful and divine to the observer.
383 కలుషమెల్లఁ దెలియఁ దలవంపులకు మూల One must understand that all sinful actions inevitably lead to humiliation. Upon deep inquiry, one realizes that all spiritual truth arises from within the Self, not from outside. Having attained this knowledge, one should live as a steadfast, wise person (Dhira) who avoids sin and upholds truth.
384 కాళ్ళ ముంద ఱేకు కడతేర నీదక The Trinity (Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva) themselves drowned in the illusion of attachment to their wives, unable to cross the 'petal' (Maya) that lies right before them. Given this, it is laughable for a mere human to claim that he can easily swim across the ocean of worldly illusions. The verse highlights the insurmountable power of Maya and the foolishness of human arrogance.
385 కావిపంచె గట్టికడుయోగివలెనుండి One who wears saffron robes and appears like a great yogi, claiming to have abandoned all desires, but continues to wander about pursuing worldly engagements is a fake ascetic. True renunciation is internal, not just an external disguise.
386 కాశి కాశి యనుచుఁ గడువేడ్కతోఁ బోదు People eagerly travel to pilgrimages like Kashi thinking God resides only there. However, Vemana questions this, asserting that the God in Kashi is the same God present here. If one's heart is pure and unblemished, the Divine is omnipresent and can be found anywhere, rendering distant pilgrimages unnecessary for true realization.
387 కాశి బోదు ననుచు గడకట్టగా నేల? Merely traveling to the holy city of Kasi does not grant salvation to a sinner. Without cleansing one's inner self of faults and sins, physical pilgrimages are futile. True divinity is attained through internal purity, not just external travel.
388 కాశి, మధుర, కంచి, గయ. ప్రయాగ సేతు Merely residing in holy pilgrimage sites like Kashi and Mathura and regarding them with awe is futile if one does not perceive the true essence of the Divine within. Just as one might live near a flower but miss its scent, living in holy places without realizing the inner Truth (Vasana) is sheer foolishness. True spirituality lies in inner realization, not just geographical location.
389 కాశిఁబోవువాని కర్మ మేమని చెప్పఁ Simply traveling to the holy city of Kasi (Varanasi) does not guarantee salvation. Even if one dies in Kasi, if the root of sin (evil thoughts and desires) remains in the mind, there is no liberation (Mukti). True salvation comes from inner purity, not just from visiting holy places.
390 కాశినీళ్ళు మోసి కాళ్లు మొగము వాచి Vemana questions the value of rigorous physical rituals like carrying holy water from Kashi at the cost of one's health and well-being. He argues that simply torturing the body until it withers away, without experiencing any peace or comfort while alive, does not guarantee salvation after death. True liberation comes from inner realization, not just physical penance.
391 కాశియాత్రఁ బోయి గంగదానముఁ జేసి Going to Kashi and performing rituals or charity at the Ganges causes physical strain but does not guarantee liberation if one lacks inner devotion or knowledge. Vemana compares this to a buffalo aimlessly wandering behind an ox—mere physical movement without transformation or purpose yields no spiritual benefit.
392 కష్ట లోభి వాని కలిమికి నాశించి Just as a fox follows a ram hoping its testicles will fall off (so it can eat them), but waits in vain, a needy person follows a miser hoping for charity. Relying on a stingy person is a futile pursuit that leads only to disappointment.
393 క్షితి వెలదికి దగు శృంగాగములు నున్న Just as a woman's adornments are futile without her husband's love, human plans and thoughts cannot succeed without God's grace. No matter how much one plans, divine blessing is essential for fruition.
394 కస్తూరి యటుచూడఁ గాంతి నల్లగనుండు Just as musk appears black and dull to the eye but emits a magnificent fragrance, great people may appear simple or unassuming in their physical appearance. However, their inner character, wisdom, and virtues are profound and far-reaching. One should not judge worth by outer appearances.
395 కసవు నేరి తినెడు పసరపు మైఁ దిన Vemana highlights the hypocrisy of social stratification based on diet. He questions why eating a cow, which consumes only clean grass, makes a person an 'outcast,' while eating pigs and chickens, which feed on filth and worms, is considered acceptable for the so-called 'wise' or upper classes. The verse exposes the lack of logic in caste-based purity rules.
396 కసువుఁ బసికిఁజేసె, గాలి ఫణికిఁ జేసె; God, who has assigned grass for cattle, air for snakes, and soil for earthworms, has similarly provided food for humans on this earth. Since the Creator ensures sustenance for even the smallest creatures, humans should trust in His providence and not worry excessively about their survival.
397 కుంటికుక్క కేల కుందేటిపరువులు Decorations and desires must match one's capacity and reality. Just as speed is useless to a lame dog, honors are wasted on a coward, and flirtatious smiles are unsuited to the aged, one should not aspire for things that are incompatible with their nature or status.
398 కుండ పగిలెనేని క్రొత్తది కొనవచ్చు If a clay pot breaks, one can easily buy a replacement anywhere on earth. However, if a human being falls—whether losing their character, reputation, or position—it is incredibly difficult for them to recover and be restored to their former state. Material losses are replaceable, but the loss of human dignity or life is often irreversible.
399 కుండఁగుంభ మండ్రు కొండఁ బర్వతమండ్రు Just as 'pot' and 'kumbham', or 'salt' and 'lavanam' are different words for the same objects, languages and names may vary, but the Ultimate Truth (God) is one. Vemana emphasizes that despite linguistic or cultural differences, the divine essence remains singular and universal.
400 కుక్క గోవు గాదు కుందేలు పులికాదు Just as a dog cannot replace a cow, a rabbit cannot equal a tiger, and a mosquito cannot become an elephant, a miser cannot become a donor. No matter how wealthy or 'great' (doddadaina) a miser may be, their inherent stingy nature prevents them from being a true giver. Essential character is defined by inner quality, not external status.