Verses of
Yogi Vemana
Translated from the Telugu by
C.P. Brown
[1829]
YOGI VEMANA
Translated from the Telugu VersesUnless our desires be quenched, our body being set on fire will be vexed. Let us not be tossed about in this house of the body, but know that Siva exists in the body.
951
Siva is the radical root in the world. (if thou consider it) What they call Vishnu shines as being Siva. Siva is Vishnu. O ye who wear the semblance of Siva and Vishnu.952
p. 229In this vile (Kaliyuga) Iron age while all petty rogues (thieving plow boys) make a sport of all faith in Siva, shall this hypocritical profession attain salvation?
953
Those scholars in the Veda who are versed in the Veda-shastra, and the sciences, search and seek for thee, but cannot perceive thee in the earth. Finally they fall dead, O Vema!954
When Brahma with all his reading was destroyed and when the original Vishnu was (ended) slain, then Vemana exposed their emptiness. (let sought their disgrace.)955
Vemana has surpassed the Vedas. Vema is the Vedanta. The Vedas are all different. Meddle not with the contentions about such matters.956
Have ye not heard of that men of trifling minds (entangled) confused by the intricate Five letters (Namassivaya) and five Vedas (4 Vedas and fifthly the puranas). In the five sects, if thou consider it, Siva dwells.p. 230
957
If poor in wealth a man retains not resolution. By poverty king Nala lost his home, gave his garment to a bird and was ruined.958
The God-like force (or the force of the Veda) that Dasasyu (Ravanasura) being mighty gained, being mightier than any whom even the Gods had beheld, perished by the means of mere monkeys and all his tribe sunk with him.959
Through the words of his wife Kaika the king (Dasaradha) perished. For the sake of a woman (Seeta) the name of Dasasya (Ravanasura) was humbled. Surely every mean act, who ever he be, shall follow him.960
That one like Brahma should have been destroyed. That one like cupid should have turned into flame. Then shall ye who are with a sure life live as though eternity were yours?961
p. 231The original Purana is such as slays the Rakshrsas. The Bharata and others are of kin (i.e. benevolent as relations.) The Gurupurana is the destroyer of imposture.
962
Among the Gods Brahma, Siva, Vishnu and the rest and among the demi-Gods that roam the three worlds and among the excellent men and with in thyself O Vema he who acts up rightly is the eternal.The Lingam is the highest Siva. The (Zangam) worshipper, is the animated beast. If that animated being be pure, he shall attain Siva, Unless thou know the unknown, how shalt thou attain the divinity.
964
Then thou hast with (sport) joy perceived the lingam in thy body, thy mind shall be enamoured of that lingam. If thou fix (or restrain) thy mind, in it. shall the lingam dwell.965
Through ignorance of the secret of our patron (or loved) Linga, the eager fool wanders to the Hill of Shrishylam. At last he fails of bliss and becometh a fool.p. 232
966
Born in a human race, and growing up there from the day he was born in it the man devoted to Siva becometh noble. (lit. rich)967
He that is born in a human race and who grows up there in becometh a man; hear this--who is the noblest in the race of men? He who walks in the sect of Siva, this is the chief of the noble.968
The Smrities all declare Siva to be the chief Brahma. How is it then that Brahmana pays adoration to any other. Should not we call those who believe in Siva, Bramins?969
Were fire a deity, by worshipping it should not we attain the dwelling of salvation? Did not the fire turn pale before Veerabhadra.970
p. 233Were not the men destroyed (turned into water) who held fire in their hands and reviled Siva, Do not ye know the troubles that happened at the sacrifice made by Dakshudu?
971
He wears the lingam merely to attain money, thereby, vile and worthless son of a brute. Being for the sake of money they fall into the doctrine of works.972
The firmament is in our eight sides. The heaven is widely extended in every part on our eight quarters. In the midst of that ineffable firmament the divinity is mightily infused.973
Vishnu and Siva dwelling perpetually in the soul of a foolish mind is he who seeks for a distinct deity. Like a shepherd who seeks the sheep that is under his armpit.974
What is the use of a linga that is tied and dangles at your neck and is not let go. Heaven is the witness to the entire world.p. 234
975
What is called Veda is in fact mere dispute. Vishnu and Siva are both combined in the Veda. That existeth every where. There is neither difference nor distinction; praise him.976
False is their creed who declare (in the world) that it is greatly profitable to give up the enjoyment of this life. Can ye not see that the next world shines forth in the present life.977
That saint who hath learnt to know the difference between sunshine and shade cannot live in this world which he despises from knowing a better, but the glutton saint who worships the belly ever roameth the earth.978
Truly they call a goldsmith a thief. He is thief who calls him thief. Did not Vishvakarma convert earth into gold and share it out?979
p. 235The Linga creed is the noblest of the six creeds. There is none superior in the world and there is no thief greater than the linga worshipper. (weaver)
980
Sandhya performed out of season is mere idling. What is time? What is the preceding time? If thou rule not time, and past time how is this Sandhya?981
If thou see him (the supreme being) who slew Brahma the lotus born who plunged Vishnu into the (ambudhi) sea, who sent Siva to remain fixed on the hill of Cailasa, if thou see him being thyself transformed into Siva, thou shalt attain the highest of joy.982
Whether you name it Siva, Indivisible the chief spirit, the Lingam or living lingam, the terms indeed vary, but the divinity is all one.983
The curse of Goutama is terrible as the wrath of Siva, the poison throated. It made Indra king of Gods, as a debased. The reproach of Goutama the muni, was an infallible magic arrow. (Sanscrit)p. 236
984
If a misfortune befalls Siva the forehead eyed, let even the wisest condole with him and remove it (teercu). If, knowing it to be a scorpion you seize it will it own your kindness and not sting you? (That is, meddle not to comfort a passionate violent person.)985
There is one creation possessing redness, whiteness and blackness; great in might unknown to anyone possessing power. He that has acquired power to view this divinity is himself a part of it.986
Brahma is merciless. Mighty as they were, Parashara (father of Vyasa) and the rest were burnt up. What then are the senseless wretches void of wisdom (Vivara).987
There was once a merchant who for a wonder in this earth knowing the deity performed every virtue, and became celebrated. But failing of reverencing Yama he drew near to Siva.p. 237
988
Both the evil and the good done by us in a former birth regularly become our portion in this life. How should either good or evil that we have not done in the first birth betide us?989
Why did Sesha, king of serpents gnash his teeth with rage. Why did Surya through anger become cruel? By anger Vulkan became diminished in day light. Anger is unprofitable to any man.990
Him that we call the Teacher is unknown to these men; in a thousand ways is Brahma the ruler. He is Lord of Earth and Teacher of all. Thus esteemed, who is his equal, where shall we see him?991
If thou view and look close thou shalt know that after thou hast put on a mortal body and provided the seven sons (i.e., the seven chief good deeds) and afforded protections to thy kith and kin, thou shalt derive no advantage from them.p. 238
992
Is a man now able himself to alter that writing of fate that Brahma originally wrote on his forehead; who on earth is now able to know the cupidity of the avaricious soul?993
Brahma is the writer of destiny, Vishnu is the Minister (counsellor). Siva is the original agent. View this distinctly. If thou understand the conduct of these three and likewise their original (i.e., the supreme spirit) then shalt thou become a worshipper of the chief of beings.994
Among those three Hara, Hari and Aja (Brahma) which is scaler (lit., seat), That is creator which is the chief (Vishnu who as Krishna turned thief) which is the original? Who can name each of these appropriately and without confusion?995
p. 239Behold there are three (Trimoorties) Images. There are also three fools (Ravanasura in the Ramayana, Duryodhana in the Bharata, Kansa in Bhagavata), Those who have excelled their equals are three (Rama over Ravanasura, Bheemudu over Duryodhana, Krishna over Kansa). Of these which is most glorious, which the inglorious, estimate their worth and explain it, O Vema!
996
Looking upon all creatures as equal knowing the course of that pair, birth and death; finally thus shall not. He punishes several. Then is there a more righteous judge than Yama?997
All men consider Yama as a great sinner, and reproach him well and greatly, What does Yama commit even the smallest evil?998
However often we talk of that day or once upon a time (i.e., a former birth) it is no nearer to the present. Talking of the present does not make it the past. Then know the difference of these, do not become a jest. But know that the three a. e one. This shall gain the heaven. (Possibly the three are the Trimoorties).p. 240
999
These aching (teasing) bones are the rafters. The entwined nerves are the laths. The strong skin may be considered the covering ail. The doors are the nine apertures. With pride the five (senses or pranas) if we go to look at them have exceeded through cause of hungers and thirst. In the body, like to a vest, the strong family of consanguinity dwells. His acts are the covering cast over all. In this house imbued with the nature of dung and urine and in such a dwelling how shall we dwell? The firm sage alone knows that which is fixed and permanent.1000
(My humble salutations to Sreeman C P Brown for the collection)
0 responses to "Yogi Vemana Verses - 951 to 1000"