Kagga 283
D. V. Gundappa · 1887–1975 · from the Kannada original
Transliteration
rAvaNana haLivavane, jIvavane bisuDisuvalAvaNyaventahudo? nOvadentahudo?bEvasava paTTu tiLi; tiLidu haLiyuvoDe haLigAvilana gaLahEnu? – MANKUTIMMA
Interpretation
There are multiple shades of grey in the working pattern of the human mind…the Creator has so designed it that it is impossible for the mind to operate in a binary mode
The mind is subjected to several attractions, desires during the course of a human life in the Universe…these give rise of baser emotions that are so powerful that they overcome any sense of correctness that the person clearly understands
Mankutimma, not just ordinary humans; even extraordinary people fall victim to such emotions…someone as learned & accomplished as Ravana could not overcome the emotions of desire, lust & resorted to kidnapping Sita. He needs to be criticised and rightfully so; but before criticising, understand the depth of his emotions & reasons as to why he was forced to overcome his learnings & rightitude accumulated over a lifetime & indulge in the sin of kidnapping a woman…these emotions are so powerful; even you may fall prey to that…unless you go to the root of understanding it
Did this poetry & its translation speak to you?