స్థూలం కనుగుడ్డు, సూక్ష్మం కనుపాప
sthulam kanuguddu, sukshmam kanupapa
The eyeball is large (gross), but the pupil is subtle (fine).
This expression is used to highlight that while something may appear large and prominent, the most vital and powerful component is often something small and subtle. It signifies that value or functionality is not always proportionate to size, emphasizing depth over surface appearance.
Related Phrases
కాంతా కనకం కశ్యపులే కయ్యాలకు మూలం
kanta kanakam kashyapule kayyalaku mulam
Women, wealth, and land are the root causes of all quarrels.
This proverb highlights the three primary worldly desires that lead to conflicts, disputes, and wars throughout history: lust/desire for a woman (Kanta), greed for gold/wealth (Kanaka), and disputes over land/territory (Kashyapu/Kasini). It is used to explain the underlying motive behind most human rivalries.
సున్నాలో ఉన్నది సూక్ష్మం, సూక్ష్మంలో ఉన్నది మోక్షం
sunnalo unnadi sukshmam, sukshmamlo unnadi moksham
Subtlety lies within the zero; liberation lies within the subtle.
This spiritual proverb suggests that the entire universe (or truth) is contained within 'Sunna' (Nothingness/Zero/The Void). By understanding the micro-details or the subtle essence of existence, one can achieve spiritual liberation (Moksha). It is used to explain that profound truths are often found in the simplest or smallest things.
కూడైతే కద్దుగాని కులస్థులకు వెరచి వచ్చినాను
kudaite kaddugani kulasthulaku verachi vachchinanu
As for food I have it, but I came here from fear of the caste people. Said by an idle beggar, as an excuse for asking alms.
This expression refers to a situation where a person is financially stable or has enough resources, but faces social pressure, harassment, or judgment from their own community or relatives. It is used when someone abandons a comfortable situation not due to lack of money, but due to social incompatibility or fear of social consequences.
కాలం కర్మం కలిసిరాకుంటే కమలబాంధవునికైనా కష్టాలు తప్పవు
kalam karmam kalisirakunte kamalabandhavunikaina kashtalu tappavu
If time and fate do not align, even the Sun God cannot escape troubles.
This proverb emphasizes the power of time (Kalam) and destiny (Karma). 'Kamalabandhavudu' refers to the Sun (the friend of the lotus). It means that when one's luck or time is bad, no matter how powerful, radiant, or influential they are, they must endure hardships. It is used to describe situations where even the most capable people face failures due to unfavorable circumstances.
కులం కట్టు కలం పట్టు
kulam kattu kalam pattu
Bind the community, hold the pen
This expression emphasizes the importance of education and social unity within a community. It suggests that for a community to progress, people must remain united (community bond) and focus on education and literacy (holding the pen) as tools for empowerment.
కన్నులు పెద్దవైతే కనుపాపలు పెద్దవౌతవా?
kannulu peddavaite kanupapalu peddavautava?
If the eyes are large, will the pupils also be large?
This proverb is used to explain that greatness or the size of a whole does not necessarily mean its core parts or subordinates will be equally large. It highlights that everything has its own natural limit and scale, and one should not expect the impossible or a direct proportionality in all matters.
సున్నములో ఉన్నది సూక్ష్మము, సూక్ష్మములో ఉన్నది మోక్షము
sunnamulo unnadi sukshmamu, sukshmamulo unnadi mokshamu
In the chunam is the trick; in the Supreme Soul is salvation.
This philosophical expression suggests that the path to spiritual liberation (Moksha) is found by understanding the smallest, most subtle aspects of consciousness or the concept of 'nothingness' (Sunya). It is used to describe how grand truths are often hidden in the simplest or most minute details, and that true enlightenment comes from internalizing these subtle nuances rather than focusing on gross, material aspects.
Chunam is an indispensable accompaniment to betel leaf—The word Sûkshma signifies "ingenuity," "craft" and also "The Supreme Soul, the subtle and invisible spirit that pervades all existence," ( Wilson ) to know which is salvation. * Extrema gaudil luctus occupat.
సూక్ష్మంలో మోక్షం
sukshmamlo moksham
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.
స్థూలము కనుగుడ్డు, సూక్ష్మము కనుపాప.
sthulamu kanuguddu, sukshmamu kanupapa.
The eye-ball is large, but the pupil is small.
This expression highlights the difference between appearance and essence. While the eyeball is large and visible (the macro), the tiny pupil (the micro) is what actually enables sight. It is used to suggest that important or powerful things often reside in small, subtle details rather than in large, obvious forms.
సున్నాలో ఉన్నది సూక్ష్మం, సూక్ష్మంలో ఉన్నది మోక్షం
sunnalo unnadi sukshmam, sukshmamlo unnadi moksham
In the zero lies the subtle, and in the subtle lies liberation.
This philosophical expression suggests that the entire universe and the path to spiritual liberation (Moksha) are contained within the 'Sunya' (zero/nothingness). It implies that by understanding the smallest, most subtle essence of existence, one can achieve ultimate enlightenment. It is often used to describe the profound nature of simplicity and the inner self.