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

701 తగవు తీర్చువేళ ధర్మంబుదప్పిన When settling disputes or judging others, one must strictly adhere to justice. Deviating from righteousness in such matters causes one to lose their path to salvation. However, God himself stands by and supports those who uphold and speak the truth.
702 తోటకూరకైన దొగ్గలికైనను It is a lamentable fate for poets to be reduced to composing elaborate poetry just to obtain trivial things like leafy vegetables or bran cakes. Vemana criticizes the degradation of art where poets compromise their dignity and talent to praise unworthy subjects for the sake of cheap food or survival.
703 తిత్తిలోన శివుని స్థిరముగా తెలియక Man wanders aimlessly like a madman, unaware that the Divine (Shiva) resides firmly within his own body (the skin bag). He searches outside in vain. Only a true Guru can dispel this confusion, cure the madness of ignorance, and show the path to realizing the divinity within.
704 తనకు భాగ్యమున్నఁ దక్కువ లేకుండ Even if one possesses abundant wealth and lacks nothing, the person who firmly realizes that all such material fortune is illusory and transient is the true Yogi. True spirituality lies not in the absence of wealth, but in the detachment from it while possessing it.
705 తనివితీర గురుని ధ్యానించి మదిలోని When a disciple meditates upon the Guru to their heart's content, forgetting their physical body and establishing a profound spiritual contact with the Guru, that state is known as the realization of the Brahma Tattva (Ultimate Reality). True enlightenment manifests when one transcends body consciousness through deep devotion to the Guru.
706 తమ్ముడొనరచేయు దానమ్ములనుజూచి Just as physical pain is experienced only by the person who is injured (if one's leg is cut, the brother does not feel the pain), the merit of good deeds belongs solely to the doer. One should not foolishly expect to reap the fruits of a younger brother's charity; individual karma yields individual results.
707 దొంగతనము ఱంకు దొరసియుండుర జగతి Theft and adultery are vices that often coexist in the world. Just as a thief dislikes moonlight because it risks exposing him, an adulteress lives in constant fear and suspicion. Wrongdoing inherently brings anxiety and the fear of exposure.
708 దొంగతనమువలన ద్రోహమెంతయుచేసి A person may commit theft and treachery, thinking they can remain hidden and unnoticed by others. However, they cannot escape the consequences of their own actions; their deeds will eventually entrap them. One cannot hide from the karma of one's own evil deeds.
709 దొంగతెలివిచేత దొరకునా మోక్షంబు Salvation cannot be attained through deceit or cunning intelligence. One should not engage in useless deeds or tasks beyond one's capacity. True blindness is not the loss of sight, but the lack of virtue; thus, a characterless person is the one who should truly be called blind.
710 దొంగమాటలాడ దొరుకునె మోక్షంబు One cannot attain salvation through deceitful words or lies. Empty boasts and incompetent speech are never accepted as valid currency in the world. Such behavior does not align with the Guru's teachings and is ultimately nothing but a display of characterlessness.
711 దెందమందు దలచు తెప్పరమెప్పుడు A mean person who, out of jealousy, constantly harbors evil thoughts and wishes harm upon others will eventually find that same harm befalling himself. The evil one projects onto others inevitably recoils back onto them; this is an inescapable law of nature.
712 దిక్కులేనిరోఁత దీనతఁ బాపిన A person who alleviates the wretched misery and suffering of the helpless is revered in this world. Furthermore, the merit and fortune they attain in the afterlife are indescribably vast. The verse emphasizes that helping the destitute is the highest form of worship yielding results in both worlds.
713 దొడ్డవాండ్రమనుచుఁ ద్రోవడొంకలు బెట్టి Those who claim to be great or powerful, yet block paths with obstacles to harass innocent people and loot them, will not escape the consequences. The sin acquired from such exploitation will definitely haunt them.
714 దొడ్డవాడననుచు దొరలదగ్గర చేరి A person who boasts of their own greatness to get close to powerful leaders, only to spread slander and tell tales about others, is a sinner by nature. Such a backbiter can never attain spiritual liberation or union with the Divine.
715 దాత లేని కొంప దయ్యాల పెనువాడ A home without charity is as desolate as a ghost town. Literature or speech without moral value is a useless waste of breath. Intimacy without affection is repulsive like a rotting corpse. The verse emphasizes that charity, morality, and love are the essence of a meaningful life.
716 దాతగానివాని తఱచుగా వేఁడిన Just as dipping ordinary coarse grass (Avuru) into the mighty ocean does not transform it into sacred Darbha grass, repeatedly begging a miser will not turn them into a generous donor. One's inherent nature cannot be easily changed by external pressures or environments.
717 దాన మమరఁజేసి దరిఁజేరు నొకవంక Performing charity may help one reach a good state or 'shore' to some extent, but it is not the ultimate solution. Trusting the fickle mind only leads to further illusion (Maya). True liberation comes from relying on the spark of knowledge (Jnana), which alone has the power to destroy the internal enemies like greed, anger, and desire.
718 దాన మొసఁగుకన్నఁ దేజంబు మఱిహెచ్చు Vemana establishes a hierarchy of virtues: while giving charity is noble, possessing personal dignity and glory is superior. Yet, wisdom is greater than glory. Ultimately, the highest state is the ability to completely sever all worldly desires (renunciation), which surpasses even wisdom.
719 దానధర్మములను తెగ రేపు నేఁడని The wretched person wastes time by constantly postponing acts of charity and duty, saying 'tomorrow' or 'today.' He fails to realize the uncertainty of his own future and life, remaining ignorant of the illusory nature (Maya) of existence on this earth.
720 దానధర్మములును దయయు సత్యము నీతి Charity, righteousness, compassion, truth, morality, humility, courage, valor, and generosity are the true assets of a king. These virtues, rather than mere material wealth or astrological luck (Rajayogas), constitute the real fortune and definition of true kingship.
721 దానమడుగువాఁడు ధరలోన నధముండు In this world, the one who begs is considered the lowest, while the one who maintains self-respect by not begging is equal to God. However, a person who refuses to give charity to others is not blessed or virtuous. True dignity lies in self-reliance combined with generosity.
722 దానములను జేయఁ దన చేతులాడక A miser who hesitates to give to charity accumulates great wealth only to bury and hoard it. In the end, he loses that capital entirely, as it becomes waste or falls into the hands of others, serving no purpose to himself or society.
723 దానములలో నన్నదానము దొడ్డది Among all charities, providing food is supreme because it sustains life directly. Similarly, the chanting of the Sama Veda is considered the pinnacle of music, and meditating on Lord Shiva is the highest form of spiritual focus. The verse highlights the supreme value of sustenance, divine melody, and spiritual focus.
724 దీపంబు లేని యింటను Just as one cannot see objects in a house without a lamp, one cannot perceive the Truth without inner light. The poet laments that even though humans possess the 'lamp' of intelligence or wisdom, they fail to use it and instead stumble into the hidden, dark paths of sin and ignorance.
725 దోపునిచ్చువాఁడు తులలేని నెఱదాత Vemana asserts that a true philanthropist gives so generously that it resembles allowing oneself to be plundered, whereas one who actually steals is a traitor. Providing support and shelter makes one a saint, while destroying such support reduces a human to the level of a beast.
726 దొమ్మరీనిలంజతోఁ గూడ దోషంబు Vemana critiques social hypocrisy by noting that while people consider it a sin to associate with a loose woman (social taboo), they fail to control their own sinful minds, which is the greater fault. If one cannot restrain the mind while alive, their path after death remains uncertain. True purity lies in controlling one's inner thoughts rather than just observing external social restrictions.
727 దర్శనంబులందు ధర షణ్మతములందు Vemana asserts that one who is perpetually trapped in the external formalities of the six philosophies, six religions, and the rigid caste system without seeking the ultimate truth is the lowest of human beings. True spirituality lies beyond these sectarian divisions and social classifications.
728 ద్రోహబుద్ధినైన దొంగఱికమునైన Vemana suggests a radical form of social justice here: obtaining wealth from the hoarding rich, even through questionable means like treachery, theft, deceit, or force, is acceptable if that wealth is redistributed to the poor. The ultimate merit lies in feeding the hungry and helping the downtrodden, prioritizing charity over the morality of acquisition.
729 ద్రోహియైనవాడు సాహసంబున నెట్టి A person with a treacherous nature lacks the discrimination between good and bad. With great audacity, he will not hesitate to harm even his own friend. One must be wary of such individuals who harbor evil intentions regardless of relationships.
730 ద్విజకులంబునందు తేజరిల్లుచు బుట్టి Being born into a noble or high caste (like the 'twice-born') and enjoying its privileges carries a heavy responsibility. One must not only attain self-realization and liberation for oneself but also guide others to cross the ocean of worldly existence. If a person fails to uplift himself and others despite his high birth, his life is wasted, and it matters not whether he lives or dies.
731 ద్విజవరుండు చెడ్డ పిండంబు దినఁబోయె The verse illustrates how moral corruption destroys dignity. If a Brahmin (symbol of purity) becomes corrupt, he stoops to eating funeral food for greed. If a respected woman becomes vain, she violates marital norms. In both cases, the foundation of their lineage is destroyed, and their honor is irrevocably lost.
732 ద్విజుల ఖేదబెట్టి తిట్ట దొడగువాడు One who abuses and causes grief to Brahmins (or wise men) will suffer great anguish after death. He will reach the abode of Yama (Hell) and will be unable to escape or cross over the ocean of suffering.
733 దేవపూజ సేయ దివ్యభోగము గల్గు Worshipping God grants divine pleasures, while understanding the ultimate reality makes one equal to God. However, for the one who lacks both devotion and wisdom, there is no path to salvation or higher state.
734 దేవభూములందు దేవాలయములందు People are often taught that God resides only in pilgrimage sites and temples, and they seek Him there as the path to salvation. However, Vemana asserts that if one truly understands the nature of reality, they will realize that the entire universe is the manifestation of the Supreme God. God is not confined to stone walls but is omnipresent throughout the cosmos.
735 దైవమతుల నరులు తమవంటివా రని Ordinary people often mistake enlightened souls for common men, judging them solely by their external appearance. Just as one cannot know the contents of a closed house from the outside, ignorant people fail to perceive the hidden divine wisdom and inner truth of a sage, seeing only the physical body.
736 ద్వార బంధమునను తనయులు సంపద In the house of worldly existence, sons and wealth are merely the door frames, and relatives are the compound walls. Ignorant people fail to realize this temporary nature and live as mere guards or sentries, anxiously protecting these possessions thinking they own them, while in reality, they are just passing watchmen.
737 దేవుఁడనఁగ వేఱు దేశమం దున్నాఁడె God is not located in some distant, foreign land; He resides eternally within the human body, accompanying the soul. He has commanded us to mount the vehicles of our body and senses and drive them effectively. The verse emphasizes that the Divine is the inner guide and witness to our life's journey.
738 దేశదేశములను దిరిగిగాసిలినొంద Simply wandering across various countries and exhausting oneself physically in the name of pilgrimage does not lead to true meditation or inner focus. Similarly, roaming around begging for money in the guise of asceticism does not grant salvation. True liberation comes from inner stillness and devotion, not from aimless external wandering.
739 దశయనంగ మెండు ధనముండుటే యండ్రు People commonly mistake 'Dasha' (good fortune) for the mere accumulation of abundant wealth. However, Vemana points out that this pursuit often leads to misery, depriving one of basic necessities like food and sleep. The deep attachment to wealth does not bring happiness but instead torments the individual greatly.
740 దశరధుడు రామధరణీశు పట్టంబు King Dasharatha planned to crown Rama as the king, but fate intervened, and Rama had to adopt the matted hair of an ascetic and go into exile instead. This verse illustrates the timeless truth that while humans make plans, the final outcome rests with the divine will (Man proposes, God disposes).
741 దేశవేషములను తేటసేయక దేవుఁ God is intimately entwined within one's own soul, yet people fail to realize this truth clearly. Instead, they adopt various external guises and religious costumes to project spirituality. If one examines these appearances closely, it becomes evident that they are worn merely for the sake of livelihood and food, not for true spiritual connection.
742 దోసకారియైన దూసరియైనను When giving charity, one should not judge the recipient based on their character, religion, or relationship with the giver. Even if a person is a sinner, an enemy, or an outcast, if they are genuinely poor and in need, they deserve aid. The qualification for charity is poverty, not virtue.
743 దోసముల్లువంటి తుర్యమం దాత్మను Just as a cucumber thorn is extremely subtle, so is the experience of the Self in the Turiya state. One who realizes this subtle Self, casts away all worldly desires, and understands the nature of latent tendencies (Vasanas) to transcend them, is verily the Supreme Brahman.
744 దేహ యాత్మరూపు తేట తెల్లము జేసి Just as a wasp brings a worm and transforms it into its own likeness through constant buzzing and stinging (Bhramara-Kitaka Nyaya), a true Guru transforms the disciple. The Guru clarifies the distinction between the transient body and the eternal soul, granting the disciple the vision of the transcendental reality, effectively making the disciple realized like himself.
745 దేహ సంకటమును దెగితేరకాండ్రకు True Yoga perfection is attained by those who can overcome bodily troubles, abandon deluded attachment, and realize the primal source. By devising a focused strategy to fix the mind and understanding the true nature of spiritual connection (friendship with the Divine), one achieves self-realization.
746 దేహగుణము లెల్ల దెలిసిన శివయోగి Just as a magician creates illusions for others but never gets trapped in his own magic because he knows the secret behind it, a wise Yogi who understands the true nature of the body and the world will not be trapped by worldly attachments or delusions.
747 దేహాభిమాన ముండఁగ As long as one remains attached to the physical body, delusions and vices will drown them in the cycle of birth and death, much like a dream. However, just as mist vanishes with the sunrise and dreams disappear upon waking, these worldly desires and deceptions will instantly vanish when one attains self-realization (enlightenment).
748 దేహము లెస్సగ నుండిన When the body is healthy, one can fully utilize nourishment and enjoy the sustenance of life. However, if the body is afflicted by fatigue or illness, even the best principles of nourishment or available resources fail to support it. Vemana emphasizes that physical health is the fundamental prerequisite for experiencing or benefiting from anything in life.
749 దేహియు జ్ఞానానలమున When the soul is purified in the fire of knowledge, causing the body to tremble with the intensity of the transformation, one must suppress the delusion wallowing within that body. Realizing the Divine (Shiva) through this intense internal struggle is true liberation.
750 దుండగీడు కొడుకు కొండీడు చెలికాఁడు A stubborn or stupid king is fittingly accompanied by a wicked son, a backbiting friend, and a weak minister. Just as a monkey is a natural match for a baboon, these incompetent and unethical individuals form a compatible group.
751 దుష్టజనులగూడి తుంటరిపనులను Wicked people associate with one another to commit mischievous and harmful acts, yet they hypocritically portray these actions as noble deeds. If any righteous person tries to correct them or advise against their behavior, instead of listening, they attack and abuse the advisor.
752 దూరదృష్టిఁ గనరు దుడుకుడువదలక People lack foresight because they do not abandon their rash and impulsive nature. They fail to realize the depth of danger until they actually fall into it. Instead of being guided by righteousness and reason, they have become such that they only yield to punishment and force. Truly, the nature of worldly people is foolish.
753 దూరదృష్టిగనరు తూగినదనుకను Foolish people lack foresight and ignore dangers until the burden actually falls upon them. They do not understand the reality of a situation until they are in deep trouble. Such individuals cannot be corrected by good counsel or righteousness; they are manageable only through strict punishment or force.
754 దూలములనుబోలు దురవస్థలనునెల్ల One who detests the heavy, beam-like miseries of worldly life, severs all attachments and desires, and understands the nature of latent karmic tendencies (vasanas) is verily the Supreme Brahman himself.
755 దూలాలు టెంకినుండిన Just as a house faces certain ruin if its roof beams are improperly placed or protruding, a person faces ruin if attached to lust (symbolized by 'Lolaksha' or fickle-eyed women). By abandoning such sensual attachments, one can lead a pure, excellent, and happy life on this earth.
756 దశగలారినెల్ల దమ బంధువు లటండ్రు In this world, people eagerly claim wealthy individuals as their relatives while looking down upon the poor as inferior. The verse highlights the harsh reality that society equates 'fortune' or 'status' (Dasa) solely with the possession of wealth (Dhana Dasa).
757 ద్వారంబంధమునకు దలుపులు గడియలు Just as a door frame requires doors and latches to secure a house, the human mouth requires the restraint of rules and propriety. A person who understands righteousness (dharma) and speaks with such discipline becomes truly blessed and respected in this world.
758 ధనమే మూలము జగతికి While wealth is the basis for worldly transactions and performing charitable duties, true prosperity stems from good character. Furthermore, the ultimate goal of salvation depends entirely on the state of one's mind. Vemana highlights that while money has its place, character and mental purity are the roots of higher achievements.
759 ధనమెచ్చిన మదమెచ్చును An increase in wealth leads to an increase in pride, which in turn fuels bad behavior and vices. Conversely, when wealth is lost, pride diminishes, and consequently, the bad qualities disappear. The verse illustrates the direct correlation between material wealth, ego, and moral character.
760 ధనము గూడఁబెట్టి ధర్మంబు సేయక A miser accumulates wealth without spending it on charity or enjoying it himself, burying it deep for safety. However, that wealth inevitably falls to others, just as the honeybee tirelessly collects honey only for it to be taken away by travelers. Wealth is meant to be used or shared, not hoarded uselessly.
761 ధనము లేకయున్న ధైర్యంబు నిలువదు Wealth and courage are deeply interconnected; without wealth, one's confidence wavers, and without courage, one cannot acquire wealth. For rulers and leaders on this earth, possessing both these attributes is essential for success and stability. One cannot truly thrive with only one of them.
762 ధనము లేమి యనెడు దావానలం బది Poverty is likened to a forest fire that consumes everything in its path. Just as a wildfire burns the tree it starts in and spreads to destroy the surrounding vegetation, poverty ruins the individual and devastates their family and dependents. It is such a terrible affliction that even the mere thought of it is considered a sin or misery.
763 ధనములేమి కులము తక్కువపడవచ్చు Poverty has the power to degrade one's lineage, destroy one's reputation, and prevent the maintenance of cleanliness and purity. Ultimately, a lack of wealth strips a person of their dignity and social standing. Vemana emphasizes that in this world, money is often the underlying basis for respect and status.
764 ధనములేమి సుతులు తప్పుల నిడుదురు This verse highlights the harsh reality that social and familial respect is often tied to financial status. When a person falls into poverty, their own sons find faults in them, and their wife distances herself. Ultimately, no one possesses the patience to endure poverty or support a penniless person.
765 ధనవిహీనుఁడైన తండ్రి గర్భంబున Even if one is born to a destitute father, a fortunate and capable individual can rise above their circumstances. By earning abundant wealth through righteous means and using it to help others, such a person leads a noble and illustrious life. Poverty of birth does not determine one's destiny or capacity for virtue.
766 ధ్యానివలెనె యుండు మౌనివలనె యుండు A Supreme Yogi does not confine himself to a single external identity. He may appear as a meditator, a silent sage, a pleasure-seeker, or even a sick person to the outside world. However, despite these changing appearances, he internally knows everything and remains established in his omniscience. His true nature transcends his outer behavior.
767 ధర గిరులు జలధు లన్నియు During the great dissolution (Pralaya), the earth, mountains, and oceans will all be reduced to ash. When even the celestial Gods and great Sages perish in this catastrophe, how can mere yogis expect to survive through their skills? The verse emphasizes the inevitability of impermanence and death for every being in existence.
768 ధర, గ్రహములు రాశి చరియించుచుండిన When planetary movements in the zodiac determine the good and bad outcomes on earth, why do humans arrogantly claim credit for success as if it were solely due to their own effort? This verse highlights the limitations of human ego against the greater cosmic forces or destiny.
769 ధారదత్తమైన తామ్రపుఁబలకను A valid edict (Sasanam) is one that is ritually gifted (with water), inscribed on copper plates, secured with a heavy ring, and authenticated with a royal seal. The verse emphasizes that for any deed or grant to be valid and permanent on earth, it requires proper procedure, documentation, and authorization.
770 ధర్మకంటకుండు ధనముచే గర్వించి A wicked person who opposes righteousness becomes arrogant due to their wealth. Despite accumulating vast riches, they eventually perish because their arrogance blinds them to what is truly beneficial for their soul (moral goodness or salvation). Wealth without dharma leads to inevitable ruin.
771 ధార్మికునకుఁ గాని ధర్మంబుఁ గనరాదు Just as one cannot gauge the depth of water without entering it, one cannot understand the true nature of Dharma (righteousness) without practicing it. A person who merely struggles with worldly existence cannot perceive the subtle value of virtue. True understanding comes only through direct experience and practice.
772 ధర్మమన్న వినరు తము నమ్మి భూనరుల్‌ People, arrogant in their vitality, often ignore the call of Dharma (righteousness). However, when the agents of Death (Yama) inevitably arrive to bind and take the soul, filling one with terror, there is no escape. The verse warns that one should practice righteousness while alive, as wealth and strength cannot save one from death.
773 ధర్మమరసి పూని ధర్మరాజాదులు Righteous kings like Dharmaraja attained spotless fame by thoroughly understanding and steadfastly practicing Dharma. For any ruler, adherence to righteousness is the only true path to salvation and lasting legacy.
774 ధర్మమునకుఁ గీడు తలఁచినవాఁడు తా One who intends harm to Dharma becomes wicked and ruins his own path in life. Similarly, one who covets his Guru's wife commits a grave sin; such a person invites calamity and will be utterly destroyed from the very root.
775 ధర్మసత్యములను దప్పకచేయని A person who fails to consistently practice righteousness (Dharma) and truth (Satya) is merely a soul bound by karma and cannot attain salvation or true good. In contrast, the one who possesses a pure, unblemished heart is divine and resides in the very form of God.
776 ధైర్యయుతుని కితరధనమైన నదురేమి A courageous person fears nothing, even without material wealth. Wealth given in charity is the only wealth that truly belongs to one. Work done with enthusiasm is unassailable, but one must be vigilant; a single misstep in conduct can lead to a disaster as severe as a thunderbolt.
777 ధూమాదుల నావృతమై Just as smoke rises from the earth and merges into the vast sky, losing its dark form, the enlightened soul rises above worldly attachments to merge with the glorious Shiva. Such a realized person firmly detaches himself from lust and other base desires, never to be entangled by them again.
778 నే నెఁవడను తలపెట్టఁగ Vemana emphasizes the importance of Self-Inquiry ('Who am I?'). He laments for those who do not contemplate this existential question in their minds. The verse urges one to realize the ultimate Truth properly in this very world before the visible body perishes or one becomes bedridden with age.
779 నే నెవ్వండని వలపడు Man anxiously ponders the philosophical question 'Who am I?' in his mind, yet he fails to recognize the immediate reality that his own body is impermanent and akin to a corpse. If one cannot perceive the gross truth of the body's mortality, how can one possibly realize the subtle and ultimate Truth of the Self? True wisdom begins with shedding the illusion of the body.
780 నీ వాడిన నే నాడుదు This verse expresses the state of total surrender (Saranagati) to the Divine. The poet declares that he has no independent will or action; his speech, existence, thoughts, and emotions are entirely dependent on and reflective of the Divine Will. It illustrates the non-dual realization where the devotee's ego is dissolved into the Supreme.
781 నక్క వినయములను నయగారములఁ బల్కి A miser accumulates wealth by displaying fox-like hypocrisy and cunning deceit, yet he never enjoys the wealth himself. This hoarding is futile and dangerous, comparable to scattering food at the mouth of a trap—it serves only as a lure for destruction rather than nourishment.
782 నిక్కమైన మంచి నీల మొక్కటి చాలు A single genuine sapphire is far more valuable than a basketful of glittering but worthless stones. Similarly, reading and fully understanding one meaningful poem is better than reciting many without grasping their essence. Quality is always superior to quantity.
783 నిఖిలాకారుం డాతఁడు The Supreme Soul is the embodiment of the entire universe. He is the inner soul of all beings and the eternal witness to everything. When one observes the universe deeply, it becomes evident that God truly exists as everything, permeating all existence eternally.
784 నీచుల వినుతులు సేయుచు It is futile to exhaust oneself by wandering around begging and flattering unworthy people for sustenance. Instead, one who acts as a herdsman to the cattle of his own wandering senses—controlling and guiding them—will achieve true greatness in this world and the hereafter.
785 నిజము కల్ల నెఱిఁగి నిత్యుండు గాఁడాయె One who distinguishes between eternal truth and transient falsehood attains immortality. By consciously safeguarding the vital essence (Bindu) within one's speech or breath, that precious energy is preserved from being wasted, leading to spiritual permanence and inner joy.
786 నిజము వరుస నెఱిఁగి నిత్యుండు గావలె One must realize the ultimate Truth through the proper method to become eternal. By grasping the subtle essence or silence within speech and scrutinizing the source of that speech, one discovers the Divine Self (Atman) as the true speaker.
787 నిజములాడువాని నిందించు జగమెల్ల The world often criticizes those who speak the blunt truth, so one should avoid speaking truth to wicked people who will not value it. However, when in the presence of a truly noble soul (Mahatma), one must always uphold and speak the truth, as they possess the wisdom to appreciate it.
788 నోటి పుప్పి కెల్ల నొప్పిలేకుంటకు To cure the pain caused by tooth decay, one should use a mixture of betel nut and lime as medicine. If this remedy is not applied, the mouth will rot further, emitting a foul smell that causes great disgust. Metaphorically, if one does not treat the 'rot' of bad speech with the right remedy (tact or silence), it leads to social disgrace.
789 నీటిలోన వ్రాఁత నిలువకయున్నట్లు Just as writing on water disappears instantly and has no permanence, a person with a fickle mind—which changes its desires at every word—finds no standing or worth in this world, nor salvation in the next. Stability of mind is essential for both worldly success and spiritual liberation.
790 నాణెమైన చెడిప నయ మెఱింగి తిరుగు An expert harlot is well-versed in the tricks of her trade and knows exactly how to cajole and manipulate her lovers with flattery. One should never place trust in or give high regard to such a person who is enslaved by their profession and deceitful nature.
791 నీతి వైరాగ్యభక్తిని నీచులకును Vemana recited thousands of verses on this earth, teaching morality, detachment, and devotion. These poems, which are often beyond the scope of written scriptures or too numerous to record, were made easily accessible by him to everyone—from the low-minded (to reform them) to the gentle and wise (to enlighten them). He democratized wisdom, placing it 'in the hand' of the common man.
792 నిత్యంబు కానియొడలికి Human beings constantly struggle and suffer on this earth for the sake of the impermanent physical body. However, ironically, they do not know how to undertake the necessary effort or spiritual discipline to attain the state of eternal bliss (Moksha), which is the only permanent reality.
793 నది నుదకంబులు చనుక్రియ Just as river waters naturally flow to merge with the ocean, all philosophical wisdom arising in the mind ultimately leads one to the final state of salvation. The verse illustrates that the soul (Atman) attains its true glory and greatness only when it merges with the Supreme (Brahman), much like the sacred river Ganges finds its fulfillment by entering the vast ocean.
794 నాదబిందుకళల నయమొంది యాత్మ The true Yogi is one who understands the esoteric concepts of Nada (Sound), Bindu (Point), and Kala (Phase), fixes their wavering mind firmly upon the Self (Atma), and allows their consciousness to shine forth in the Brahmarandhra (Crown Chakra). This verse defines the state of self-realization through the control of the mind and mastery of Kundalini yoga.
795 నిద్రలోనినిద్ర నిజముగాఁ దెలిసిన There is a profound difference between ordinary sleep and 'sleep within sleep,' which refers to Yoga Nidra or the state of Samadhi where one remains spiritually awake while the body sleeps. Understanding this state is the true Knowledge of the Ultimate (Brahma Vidya). The one who masters this awareness is a pure and realized Yogi.
796 నిన్నుఁ జూచె నేని తన్నుఁ దా మఱచును When one focuses entirely on the Divine, the sense of individual ego dissolves; conversely, focusing on the ego obscures the Divine presence. Vemana questions how one can maintain awareness of both simultaneously, suggesting that true spiritual realization requires the dissolution of the 'I' to fully experience the Divine, highlighting the mutual exclusivity of ego and God-consciousness.
797 నిన్నుఁజూచుచుండ నిండును దత్వంబు As long as one focuses on the ego or physical self, one remains trapped in illusion (Maya). However, when one focuses on the Divine, the ultimate Truth fills one's being. True Self-realization is only possible through the realization of the Divine; knowing God is the path to knowing oneself.
798 నమశివ యనవచ్చు నారాయ ణనవచ్చు It is very easy for people to chant divine names like Shiva or Narayana, or to offer empty praise to others. However, when it comes to actual sacrifice, specifically parting with one's own hard-earned money for charity, people hesitate. Vemana highlights the difficulty of material detachment compared to the ease of verbal spirituality.
799 నెయ్యి లేనికూడు నీయాన కసవది Just as food without ghee is tasteless like grass, and a meal without curry is unpalatable like dog's food, a meal served without love is lifeless. Vemana asserts that food served without affection is equivalent to the ritual offerings made to the dead—devoid of joy and connection. True nourishment comes not just from the ingredients, but from the affection with which it is shared.
800 నర జన్మము తానెత్తియు Having attained the rare human birth, if one fails to realize the Supreme Soul and instead engages in sinful and useless deeds, they waste this opportunity. Such a person will surely regress to a lower state of existence or downfall.