పుస్తకములు చదువ పొందునా మోక్షంబు

pustakamulu chaduva ponduna mokshambu

Translation

Can one attain salvation by merely reading books?

Meaning

This expression emphasizes that mere bookish knowledge or theoretical learning is insufficient for spiritual enlightenment or true wisdom. It suggests that practical experience, realization, and internal transformation are more important than academic study.

Related Phrases

One who is not a desirer cannot become a seeker of liberation.

This expression suggests that unless a person has experienced and understood earthly desires (Kama), they cannot truly renounce them to seek ultimate liberation (Moksha). It implies that spiritual maturity often comes after experiencing life's intensities, or that the same intense passion directed at worldly things must be redirected toward the divine to achieve salvation.

Plays are unreal, your wit is your beauty.

This expression is often used to convey that worldly life or human behavior is superficial and deceptive. It implies that people's actions are often just 'acts' (dramas) and that youth or external beauty is fleeting and pretentious rather than reflecting a deeper truth.

There is no salvation greater than silence.

This expression emphasizes that silence is the highest form of peace and spiritual liberation. It is often used to suggest that keeping quiet is better than engaging in unnecessary arguments or that true wisdom is found in silence.

One who is not a seeker of desire cannot be a seeker of liberation.

This proverb suggests that one must experience worldly desires and fulfill their responsibilities before they can truly pursue spiritual enlightenment or liberation (Moksha). It implies that true detachment comes only after understanding attachment, or that the intensity required for worldly passion is the same intensity needed for spiritual pursuit.

Even those who live in Kashi cannot attain salvation.

This expression highlights that mere physical presence in a holy place like Kashi (Varanasi) does not guarantee spiritual liberation. It emphasizes that true salvation or inner peace comes from one's character, devotion, and internal state rather than external rituals or geographical location.

Salvation in the simple/small

This expression refers to finding a simple solution to a complex problem or achieving a great result with minimal effort. It is often used when someone explains a complicated concept in a very simple, easy-to-understand way, or when a shortcut leads to the desired outcome.

Can salvation be achieved by those who wander after coins (money)?

This expression emphasizes that spiritual liberation or true peace cannot be attained by someone whose mind is constantly preoccupied with materialistic greed and wealth. It is used to highlight the conflict between extreme materialism and spiritual growth.

Neither study nor forgetting.

This expression is used to describe someone who is completely ignorant or uneducated. It implies that since the person never learned anything (study) in the first place, there is nothing for them to forget. It highlights a state of total lack of knowledge or intellectual effort.

Hesitation is far from liberation.

This expression is used to advise that being overly hesitant or shy (Mogamatam) prevents one from achieving their goals or finding true freedom (Moksham). It suggests that if you are too worried about what others think or too shy to speak your mind, you will never reach your full potential or find peace.

Friendship with Desuru Reddis is like friendship with a ghost.

This proverb is used to warn against entering into associations or friendships with people who are unpredictable, powerful, or potentially harmful. It suggests that just as one cannot trust a ghost, certain alliances may appear beneficial but will eventually lead to trouble or ruin.