వేలు విడిచిన వేదాంతం

velu vidichina vedantam

Translation

Philosophy that leaves the finger.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a person who behaves as if they have attained high spiritual knowledge or detachment, but in reality, they lack even basic common sense or fail to fulfill simple responsibilities. It often mocks pseudo-intellectualism or hypocritical detachment.

Related Phrases

Without peace, there is no happiness, whether for a self-controlled person or a scholar of philosophy.

This expression emphasizes that inner peace is the fundamental requirement for true happiness. It suggests that regardless of how much self-discipline (Dantudu) or spiritual knowledge (Vedanthi) a person possesses, they cannot experience genuine well-being if their mind is not at peace. It is used to highlight that tranquility is superior to mere learning or austerity.

A suitable land the size of a palm is enough

This proverb emphasizes quality over quantity. It suggests that a small amount of something useful, effective, or high-quality is much better than a vast amount of something useless. It is often used to describe how a small but fertile piece of land is better than acres of barren land, or how a single capable person is better than a large, incompetent group.

When asked to go to war, one replied let's eat a fruit and then go.

This proverb describes a person who is lazy, hesitant, or makes excuses to delay an urgent or difficult task. It highlights the contrast between the seriousness of a situation (preparing for war) and a trivial or self-indulgent delay (eating a fruit).

There is a gap between one finger and another.

This proverb is used to signify that no two people are exactly alike, even if they are closely related or belong to the same group. It highlights individual differences and the uniqueness of every person.

There is space between each finger. Said by a distant connexion envying the favor conferred on a near relative.

This expression is used to highlight that even closely related people or things have their own individual differences, boundaries, or limitations. It suggests that complete equality or perfect similarity is impossible, even among members of the same family or group.

If a tree won't bend when it is young, will it bend when it is full grown ? If a man is not humble in his youth, will he grow meek in his old age ? Bend the tree while it is young. (Italian.)* The old branch breaks if bent. (Danish.) "Bow down his neck while he is young." Ecclesiasticus xxx. 12.

This proverb emphasizes that habits, discipline, and character are best formed during childhood. If someone is not corrected or taught while they are young and flexible (like a sapling), they will become rigid and impossible to change once they grow older (like a sturdy tree). It is often used to stress the importance of early education and parenting.

There is a distance between this finger and that finger.

This expression is used to describe a lack of unity, harmony, or consensus between people, especially among family members or close associates. It signifies that even though individuals are close (like fingers on a hand), they remain divided or disconnected in their thoughts and actions.

Philosophy is that which neither the speaker nor the listener understands.

This is a humorous and satirical expression used to describe complex, abstract, or overly intellectual talk that lacks clarity. It suggests that when a conversation becomes so convoluted that neither the person speaking nor the person listening knows what is going on, it is often pretentiously labeled as 'Vedanta' (philosophy).

Inviting someone who won't come is a celebration.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone makes a grand or polite gesture knowing full well that it won't be accepted or fulfilled. It implies a sense of relief or hollow formality, where the host offers something for the sake of appearances because they are certain the other person will decline, thus saving the host from any real effort or expense.

The Kaluwayi that says 'yes', the Kaluwayi that shows a house with hummingbird tree leaves, the Kaluwayi that takes a rupee shaped like a steamed cake and tightens its grip.

This is a historical local saying or 'sameta' from the Nellore district regarding the village of Kaluwayi. It describes a deceptive practice where strangers were lured with hospitality ('saying yes' and showing a house), only to be swindled of their money (the silver rupee) through clever manipulation or 'ankutalu' (deception). It is used to caution people against being misled by outward appearances of friendliness that hide a motive to steal or cheat.