Kagga 146
D. V. Gundappa · 1887–1975 · from the Kannada original

Transliteration
rAya mudidasharathanADisuta kaikEyisvIya vashadali kOsalavanALidantemAye bommana binavaDisi nammI jagavakAyuvaLu tannichche – MANKUTIMMA
Interpretation
Reality & illusion are two sides of the same coin…just like the real Truth is present in every atomic & sub-atomic particle; illusion, being its visible manifestation, is also all-pervading
There is no facet of this Universe where illusion has not cast its influence upon…so much so, that to a common man, it even appears that Maya or illusion itself is reality
Mankutimma, to an untrained mind, it would even appear that Maya or illusion is the Creator herself and not a creation of the Creator. Such is the influencing ability of Maya that people get entangled in the vicious circle of illusion and not even realise it. Just like Kaikeyi had King Dasharatha totally under her influence, it would appear that the Creator is under the influence of Maya. The reality though is otherwise and Maya is just a visible manifestation of the Creator. One can get to realising the Creator by breaking through the veils of illusion – this is the true purpose of your life. So hone your senses such that they are not enslaved by illusion; instead they should help you navigate your way to The Truth
Did this poetry & its translation speak to you?
