Kagga 173
D. V. Gundappa · 1887–1975 · from the Kannada original
Transliteration
bandhubaLagavumantakana chamuvo; chadmachamudandugada bAginagaLavara nalumeegaLukundippuvAtmananavargaLupakArugaLumandigAgadiru bali – MANKUTIMMA
Interpretation
Among other challenges that man faces in his life is to be able to differentiate between reality & illusion…what appears to the eye may not necessarily be the real truth
As he progresses through life, he builds a network of friends & acquaintances…and in course of time, he helps them and in turn is obliged into taking their help & at times gets obligated by them.
Mankutimma, at face value, it feels very normal to accept the love, help, support & gifts from friends & acquaintances. Man being a social animal, it appears to be a part & parcel of his life. However, realise that there is no free lunch in this Universe. Every time, you indulge in such behavior, you keep losing your ability to think & act objectively. The help your friends render, it keeps on becoming a burden around your neck…and at one point, it becomes unmanageable & you will cease to be an independent thinking person. So, select your friends carefully & think even more carefully before you accept any favors from them
Did this poetry & its translation speak to you?