Kagga 180
D. V. Gundappa · 1887–1975 · from the Kannada original
Transliteration
mRutyu tAm bandu mOhiniyarUpadi ninnachittavanu sereviDidu nettaranu basidunitya ninnasuva lava lava pIrutali dIrghahatyeyali haruSHipaLo – MANKUTIMMA
Interpretation
The Creator has ensured that change is the only constant in this Universe. One of the ways in which this is ensured is to ensure that no living being is immortal
The same is true is with man as well – every person who comes into this world meets his end at some point of time…without any exception
This finite life cycle ensures that not only there is birth of a new human being – also results in new thoughts, new ideologies in the Universe
Mankutimma, this is a very important & crucial realisation that you need to have as you progress through your life. However great any person is, his life has to end some day. This end can come in multiple ways, in unexpected locations & at times when you least expect it. Death can come at you disguised as a beautiful person who enchants you, enamours you & then, when your end comes, it feels like your blood & soul is sucked out of you. Death is a reality check for man, irrespective of how important or indispensable he may feel about himself. Understand this truth & you will progress through your life & not just meander through.
Did this poetry & its translation speak to you?