Sumathi Sathakamu

"Sumathi Sathakamu - సుమతీ శతకము" is next most known collection of telugu poems after the Vemana Sathakamu. All poems here end with the word "Sumathi - సుమతీ" it means "one with a good character". Couple of these have had a very strong influence on my mind through my life and I guess several of us may have felt it too. So here they are:

"తన కోపమె తన శత్రువు
తన శాంతమె తనకు రక్ష దయ చుట్టంబౌ
తన సంతోషమె స్వర్గము
తన దుక్కమే నరకమండ్రు తధ్యము సుమతీ!

Thana Koopame Thana Sathruvu
Thana Santhame Thanaku Raksha Dhaya Chuttambow
Thana Santhoshame Swargamu
Thana Dhukkame Narakamandru Thadyamu Sumathi!"

O Good Hearted One! One's anger is his enemy, one's calmness is his protector and ability to forgive his realtive. One's state of bliss is his heaven, One's sorrow is hell! So keep away from anger and be considerate towards others. Do not worry about silly things and be happy and content with life and you will find it to be heaven.

"కనకపు సింహాసనమున
శునకము కూర్చుండబెట్ట శుభలగ్నమునం
దొనరగ బట్టము కట్టిన
వెనకటి గుణ మేల మాను వినరా సుమతీ!

Kanakapu Simhasanamuna
Sunakamu Koorchundabetta Subhalagnamunam
Donaraga Battamu Kattina
Venakati Guna Meyla Maanu Vinaraa Sumathi!"

O Good Hearted One! Though you bring a dog and place it on a golden throne and crown it in all pomp and glory in the most auspicious of times the basic character of the dog will never change. Similarly a rouge will always remain one, so do not befriend a rouge.

If any of you folks out there reading this have more to add on a similar note, go ahead and do so.. I will publish it for you..