Kagga 184
D. V. Gundappa · 1887–1975 · from the Kannada original
Transliteration
nODunODuta lOkasahavAsa sAkahudubADutiha hUmAle gUDhviha kajjitODadiru bALveyALavanu; mElmele nInODADu haguradim – MANKUTIMMA
Interpretation
In this Universe, anything in excess putrefies even the most fresh thought process & makes it obsolete
A young kid is full of innocent & pure curiosity about everything in this Universe…as he grows up, the innocence goes away and the curiosity ebbs
A beautiful garland feels fresh & spreads fragrance all around; but not forever…it will wilt away sooner or later
Mankutimma, similarly realise that what is acceptable today may be an anathema tomorrow. What appears to be a new philosophy which has come as a breath of fresh air will appear jaded and obsolete tomorrow. So, as you progress through life, do not hold on to any thing – any thought, any philosophy with such a closed view that you do not even realise when obsolescence has set in. Be very open in your interactions with other in this world, learn to accept the new taking the good from the old.
Did this poetry & its translation speak to you?