When was the last time I heard Vemana’s poems, I thought to myself as longed for it. Hmm, I would guess in my fourth or fifth standard. Back then, when I read Vemana’s poetry, it didn’t make a lot of sense to me and I merely read them for the sake of reading it. My telugu teacher (Sleevamma ?) would heap praises on his poetry, my Mom would make me read and understand them, well, I somehow managed all of that.
Now guess what I have in store, more of Vemana’s poetry ! I was really delighted, as I could now read his poems in whole. I could even recollect some of them vaguely. And then my wonderful aunt and uncle recited some of the poems, and explained them to me. It felt like nectar to my ears, I wished I could have a thousand ears to listen to it (no exageration !), but, I’m more than happy with what my two ears can do :)
Uppu Kappurambu nokka polika nundu
Chooda chooda ruchulu jaada veru
Purushulandu Punya purushulu veraya
Viswadhaabhiraama, Vinura Vema
Salt and camphor look similar,
but closer observation shows their taste is different
Among men, virtuous people stand apart
Beloved of the Bounteous, Vema, listen!
Gangi govu paalu garitadainanu chaalu
Kadivedainanemi kharamu paalu
Bhakti kalugu koodu pattedainanu chaalu
Viswadhaabhiraama, Vinura Vema
A ladleful of a sacred cow's milk is enough,
Of what worth is even a potful of donkey's milk
Even a little food given with respect is sumptuous
Beloved of the Bounteous, Vema, listen!
Atmasuddhi leni acharamadi ela
Bhandasuddhi leni pakamadi ela
Chittasuddi leni sivpujalelara
Viswadhaabhiraama, Vinura Vema
What is the purpose of custom sans inner purity?
What is the purpose of cooking sans cleanliness of vessels?
What is the purpose of worship of Shiva sans purity of mind?
Beloved of the Bounteous, Vema, listen!
Enjoy them while you read !