Selections from Mankuthimmana Kagga

Dr D. V. GUNDAPPA
(Translated from the Kannada original by
K. SAMPATHGIRI RAO and “SHYAMA”)

1. In this world, we notice, all things are somehow bound to each other: soul to soul, soul to matter. Is there anything on earth not so inter-related? And who can unravel the mystery of this tangled skin? (72)
2. The experience of a moment melts the heart: it ripens the fruit of life. Can such an intrinsic quality, capable of refining the soul by the heat and cold of joys and sorrows, be called unreal? (221)
3. The endeavour to achieve something fresh, full and flawless is what makes the human progress. It is the same quest for fulfilment sought so eagerly by Nature, Science, Religion, Art, Poetry and other branches of knowledge. (227)
4. Verily there are but two in the world who are absolutely impartial in their dealings: the god of Death and the god of Hunger. If one is the cause for the daily toil and trouble of creatures, the other puts an end to all that and brings peace. (243)
5. Friend, it is possible for a compassionate look to have a keener edge than a sharp rebuke. And may be that a wicked heart unshaken by the sword yields to tender sympathy. (296)
6. How can experience of truth be the same for all? Suppose one is at the foot of a hill and the other on its top. Is it possible for the one in the valley to get the same view as the above? The prospect depends upon the range of vision. (333)
7. Body is the horse and soul its rider. If the mount is starved, how can it ever trot? If the rider lacks attentive control, will his pilgrimage be safe and smooth? Hence, it is but meet that there should be perfect understanding and sympathy between the two. (397)
8. Of what avail are the myriad stars on a murky night? The traveller longs for the flickering light of a cosy home. The poor heart craves the warmth of human companionship, let alone the intangible and distant godhead. (424)
9. The experience of Beauty produces many sentiments in man. Of them three are essential: passion, compassion and peace. When a man ascends from one to the other and attains peace, then his life itself becomes a thing of beauty. (455)
10. Respect life in all creatures; show due regard to the living spirit in society as well. Do not consider the world as belonging to someone else and betray callous indifference. It is yours and you are a part of it. The striving for plenitude in life is itself the path to spiritual progress. (475)
11. But for man’s devotion and prayer, God would be a non-entity. If he had not maintained His mystery, would man have had anything to probe and meditate upon? This game of hide-and-seek has been the enchanting marvel of Creation. (488)
12. What our intelligence and reason approve as good and proper, we find it hard to practise. Why? Because of the wide chasm between our thinking and our willing. If the lamp is to burn bright and light the path, the wick and the oil have to work in harmony. (554)
13. Who is there to enjoy the fragrance of the flowers that grow in forests? Who ventures into their thickets to appreciate the multi-coloured vesture of the butterflies? Nature creates beautiful things for the sheer joy of making, for her own satisfaction–and not to catch the attention of others. (566)
14. Though life is of the nature of a battle, it is a colourful sport of a special sort. The game is played best when the player’s interest gets absorbed in it and no thought of victory or defeat crosses his mind. Life is to be lived for its own sake. (591)
15. He who loves the flower holds it gently in order to savour its sweetness. For he knows that it would smell rancid if squeezed. Similar is the case with human life. To live a healthy and happy life, one should drink its limpid water taking care not to stir its depths and make it turbid. (626)
16. Mukti is no other than the supreme state of the human mind. He is a muktawho has the strength to control the active senses with tact and firmness, as well as the wisdom to keep them in contented peace. (647)
17. Life is an art. How on earth can art be taught? In spite of the numerous rules and recipes imparted, one does not succeed as an artist if he lacks that innate something know as aptitude, the authentic fire within. (740)
18. Four virtues hold sovereign sway in the kingdom of ethical conduct–unassailable courage, intellectual vigour, universal compassion (forming the bedrock) and self-abnegation (topping the list). (756)
19. Fervent participation in the activities of the community with inward dispassion; absorption in the discharge of duty with utter detachment; and shouldering the burden of the family with informed indifference–such is the great path of Yoga. (773)
20. If you want to understand plant life, do not mercilessly pull out the poor thing by its roots. Do not tear off its leaves and twigs either wanting to subject them to scientific analysis. Instead, dig up the plant bed, weed, manure and water it. Observe then how it burgeons and blossoms. (817)
21. Until universal benefit and collective comfort are established the world over, no one on earth can in truth be wholly happy. It is because the poignant sigh of even a single sufferer may become the poisonous fume and envelop the globe. (853)
22. When a nation is disciplined, when wealth is justly distributed in society, when knowledge is earnestly pursued and thoroughly acquired, when human values get priority, when moral standards assert themselves–then will the world find bliss. (885)