Either good or bad, happenings result from one’s own deeds A person of lower acumen, thinks they result from others deeds What is destined to happen to whom, how any one can gather? What has already happened, even the creator Brahma cannot alter!
How can fire be seen in a tree* by cutting it with axe-like felling articles? It can only be obtained when in friction against another wood; like-wise One cannot gain divine knowledge by troubling the body in many ways; It can only be obtained by relentless study in time-tested Vedic methods.
[*] The central idea of the above poem was based on the age-old belief that ‘fire lies embedded or hidden in every tree’ which cannot be seen by the humans with naked eye. The fact that in forests, during hot days, fire is generated by friction between two or more trees, which stand in proximity to each other, is seen as a valid reason for the above-mentioned belief.
Based on the above belief, the present poem says, as one cannot see the fire hidden in the trees by cutting them and breaking them, one cannot obtain great knowledge through troubling one’s own body, as practiced by some, with various methods of starvation etc. It can only be obtained by following relentless study for a period of time in time-tested ways under the able guidance of a good teacher.
The above poem (which is in champakamala metre) was one of the many poems that formed a small part (of discussion between Manu and the Brihaspati) in Shanti parvam of Andhra Mahabharatam.
With desire for good health, to Bhaskara For gaining great knowledge, to Sankara For riches of wealth and crop, to Agni For salvation, to Narayana, all may pray!
[Notes: 1 Bhaskara – the Sun God 2 Sankara – Lord Siva 3 Agni – the Fire God 4 Narayana – Lord Srimahavishnu]
Considered thoughtfully, indulging in self-praise And abusing fellow men are the weaknesses Of an unwise mind – say the pious-hearted elders; It doesn’t behove of me to boast and praise myself.
[*] Those were the words spoken by the sage Vasishtha in the audience of Devendra, during the heated exchange of words between him and the Sage Viswamitra, regarding the greatness of the king Harischandra.
Has any crow thrown expletives at anyone? Did any koel* offered to anyone riches ever? When talked to harshly world becomes foe; A sweet tongue makes one loved and dear.
[*The bird Cuckoo, the call of which makes a sweet and melodious sound to the ears]
He is the revered among his fellow folks, Who, when praised by the learned elders For his respectful behaviour and conduct, Wouldn’t feel proud; continues to be modest.
TELUGU LITERATURE 