From the Great Books of Knowledge and Experience!

೧)
ವಿಶದಮಾದೊಂದು ಜೀವನಧರ್ಮದರ್ಶನವ
ನುಸುರಿಕೊಳೆ ತನ್ನ ಮನಸಿಗೆ ತಾನೆ ಬಗೆದು
ನಿಸದವಂ ಗ್ರಂಥಾನುಭವಗಳಿಂದಾರಿಸುತ
ಹೊಸೆದನೀ ಕಗ್ಗವನು ಮಂಕುತಿಮ್ಮ

DVG starts this masterpiece with a simple, humble confession of what is to come in the next few/several verses. What fascinates me is the subtle way of saying "how" it has evolved into what it is. There are several aspects in this verse that are key to the entire work.

First of all, DVG emphasizes here the thought process, the contemplative aspect of the revelation, derived from a careful assessment of the self revealing life experiences; like a puzzle that solves itself. What is to follow is not just a philosophical or theoretical treatise but a exposition of life experiences; work derived extensively from personal experiences and wisdom from the great books of knowledge.

"ಅನುಭವ" or "experience" can be mediocre or subjective, and the ಗ್ರಂಥ or scriptures or the great books of knowledge could be theoretical/idealistic. So, it is this magnificent blend extracted by a sincere exploration of life, living and wisdom (not just knowledge) from scriptures that makes kagga a masterpiece. Finally, he says that this work is not just a thought dump but one that is crafted by a careful selection (ಆರಿಸುತ, ಹೊಸೆದ) of these experiences and knowledge. So, every word seems to have gone through a micro filter, duly weighted.

In his conclusion, DVG again exhibits his humility and humor yet again with the use of his signature word mankutimma (ಮಂಕುತಿಮ್ಮ), probably tagging himself a "dumbo", or a brainless chap? Is this more of a self-instruction? An internal dialogue? Or is DVG thinking aloud? As the texts unveil the genius in DVG, it becomes evident that this is for all the dull minds (like us) who fail to understand the true essence of life and living.

DVG has always been considered a poetic genius but mankutimmana kagga reveals his amazing depth of knowledge and unbelievable talent of drawing examples/analogies that can leave anyone and everyone mesmerized. So, fasten your seat belts while you read through the verses, I am sure a few verses would leave you rechewing, ಮೆಲಕು ಹಾಕೋ ಹಾಗೆ ಮಾಡುತ್ತೆ ಗುರು :)

Shri KrishNaarpaNam!