కొంగవంటి ధ్యానముచే తన కోర్కెలు నెరవేరునా?
kongavanti dhyanamuche tana korkelu neraveruna?
Will one's desires be fulfilled by practicing meditation like a crane?
This expression criticizes hypocrisy and fake devotion. A crane stands still on one leg, appearing to be in deep meditation, but it is actually just waiting for a fish to prey upon. It implies that superficial or deceitful focus, driven by hidden selfish motives rather than genuine virtue, will not lead to true success or fulfillment.
Related Phrases
మాటలు నేరకన్న నవమానమున్యంబు మానభంగము
matalu nerakanna navamanamunyambu manabhangamu
Lack of skill in speech leads to humiliation and loss of honor.
This expression emphasizes the importance of communication skills. It suggests that if one does not know how to speak appropriately, politely, or effectively, they will inevitably face insults and a loss of dignity in society. It is often used to advise someone to be mindful of their words.
కోడికి ఉన్న కోర్కెలతో పిల్లికేమి అక్కర?
kodiki unna korkelato pillikemi akkara?
What does the cat care about the desires of the chicken?
This expression is used to describe a situation where one person's needs or worries are completely irrelevant or even contrary to another person's interests. It highlights a lack of empathy or a conflict of interest, implying that a predator (or someone in power) has no concern for the welfare of the victim (or subordinate).
రిక్త మనసు కోర్కెలకు పెద్ద.
rikta manasu korkelaku pedda.
An empty mind is a breeding ground for desires.
This expression suggests that when a person's mind is idle or lacks fulfillment/purpose, it becomes overwhelmed with endless desires and distractions. It is often used to emphasize the importance of keeping one's mind occupied with meaningful work to avoid being led astray by petty or excessive wants.
ప్రాణమున్నప్పుడే పంతాలు నెరవేరుతాయి
pranamunnappude pantalu neraverutayi
Challenges (or vows) are fulfilled only as long as there is life.
This expression emphasizes that ego, competition, and the pursuit of goals are only relevant while a person is alive. It is often used as a reminder to prioritize life, health, or harmony over stubbornness and rivalry, suggesting that once life is gone, none of these conflicts matter.
తన కొంగున కట్టిన రూక, తన కడుపున పుట్టిన బిడ్డ.
tana konguna kattina ruka, tana kadupuna puttina bidda.
The money tied in one's own garment and the child born from one's own womb.
This expression highlights things that one can truly rely on and call their own. Just as a child is one's own blood, money kept securely with oneself is the only wealth that is guaranteed to be available in times of need. It emphasizes self-reliance and the importance of having personal resources rather than depending on others.
తన కోపమె తన శత్రువు తన శాంతమె తనకు రక్ష.
tana kopame tana shatruvu tana shantame tanaku raksha.
One's own anger is their enemy; one's own calmness is their protection.
This is a famous moral teaching from Vemana Satakam. It suggests that self-control is the greatest virtue. Uncontrolled anger causes harm to oneself more than others, acting as an internal enemy, while maintaining a peaceful and calm composure serves as a shield against life's troubles.
నేరక నేరక నేరేడు పళ్ళు తినబోతే, నేరాలు ఒడిగట్టినట్లు
neraka neraka neredu pallu tinabote, neralu odigattinatlu
When someone who rarely does anything goes to eat jamun fruits, crimes were pinned on them.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where an innocent or inexperienced person tries to do something simple or enjoy a rare treat, but ends up being blamed for something wrong or getting into unexpected trouble. It signifies bad timing or being caught in a streak of misfortune.
పండని కోర్కెల బొంకులు
pandani korkela bonkulu
Lies of unfulfilled desires
This expression refers to deceptive talk or false promises born out of unfulfilled wishes or unrealistic ambitions. It is used to describe someone who makes tall claims or tells lies to mask their failures or to pretend that their unreachable dreams are within grasp.
కొంగ కన్నులు మూసుకొనగానే దేవతల ధ్యానమగునా?
konga kannulu musukonagane devatala dhyanamaguna?
Just because a crane closes its eyes, does it mean it is meditating on the gods?
This proverb is used to describe hypocrisy or false piety. Just as a crane stands still with its eyes closed not for prayer, but to patiently wait for a fish to hunt, some people act virtuous or religious only to hide their true selfish intentions or to wait for an opportunity to exploit others.
చిత్తం చెప్పుల మీద, ధ్యానం దేవుని మీద
chittam cheppula mida, dhyanam devuni mida
The mind is on the sandals, while the meditation is on God.
This proverb describes a person who lacks focus or sincerity. It is used to mock someone who pretends to be deeply involved in a spiritual or serious task while their thoughts are actually preoccupied with trivial, worldly, or selfish concerns. It refers to the habit of people worrying about their footwear being stolen outside a temple while they are supposed to be praying inside.