Kagga 313
D. V. Gundappa · 1887–1975 · from the Kannada original

Transliteration
oLLe lekkiganalla paramEShThi; nammindasalluvuda koLalu janmAntarake kAyvumilli salluvuda tAninde tIrisikoLLa-lollanEnantakanu – MANKUTIMMA
Interpretation
In this Universe, Karma shows its hand at unexpected times & in unexpected ways. The cycle of Karma exists as a continuum across the dimensions of time.
Karma strikes back in a positive or negaitve way either in the same lifetime or often in succeeding ones; sometimes skipping a lifetime or two.
Mankutimma, when you take it as face value, it may appear to you that the Creator is not an efficient accountant…he does not claim back what is due to Him rightaway; instead waits for the next lifetime or so. It just seems to be a very complex & inefficient way of maintaining the books of accounts for every individual & then planning & executing the strike back. However, on deep analysis, you will realise that this is an excellent way to maintaining check & balance in His Universe. Once man realises that he cannot escape Karma ever, he is motivated to lead a more balanced life without indulging in excesses of any sort.
Did this poetry & its translation speak to you?
