ಆವ ವಿದ್ಯೆಯ ಕಲಿತಡೇನು? ಸಾವ ವಿದ್ಯೆ ಬೆನ್ನಬಿಡದು.
ಅಶನವ ತೊರೆದಡೇನು, ವ್ಯಸನವ ಮರೆದಡೇನು?
ಉಸುರ ಹಿಡಿದಡೇನು, ಬಸುರ ಕಟ್ಟಿದಡೇನು?
ಚೆನ್ನಮಲ್ಲಿಕಾರ್ಜುನದೇವಯ್ಯಾ,
ನೆಲ ತಳವಾರನಾದಡೆ ಕಳ್ಳನೆಲ್ಲಿಗೆ ಹೋಹನು?
--- #ಅಕ್ಕಮಹಾದೇವಿ.
#LiteralTranslation (word-for-word accuracy)
Whatever knowledge, if learned, what then?
The knowledge of death does not leave the back.
Food, if renounced, what then;
addictions, if forgotten, what then?
Breath, if held, what then; the belly, if bound, what then?
O Lord Chennamallikarjuna, if the ground itself becomes the watchman,
To where will the thief go?
#LiteralTranslation
Whatever knowledge one may learn, what of it?
The knowledge of death relentlessly pursues.
What if food is forsaken, or addictions forgotten?
What if breath is controlled, or the womb (desires) restrained?
O Lord Chennamallikarjuna, if the very ground becomes the watchman, whither then can the thief flee?
#PoeticTranslation
What if you learn all earthly lore?
Death's own learning tracks you evermore.
Forsake your food – and to what gain?
Forget your vice – what solace from pain?
Hold back your breath – what can it do?
Restrain the womb – what good for you?
O Chennamallikarjuna, Lord so bright,
If the very ground stands guard with all its might,
Where then, ah where, can the thief take flight?
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ಕಾಮೆಂಟ್ ಪೋಸ್ಟ್ ಮಾಡಿ