Before philosophy becomes argument, before wisdom becomes doctrine, it often arrives as poetry — brief, piercing, and unforgettable. Adi Shankaracharya, Kabir, and Yogi Vemana each left behind verses that, in just a few lines, capture the essence of their entire worldview. Let us begin with one verse from each — not as ornament, but as foundation.

Bhaja Govindam bhaja Govindam Govindam bhaja mūḍhamate Samprāpte sannihite kāle Na hi na hi rakṣati ḍukṛñkaraṇe Essence: Worship Govinda, O deluded mind. When the final moment arrives, grammatical cleverness and intellectual vanity will not save you. Shankara strikes at scholarly pride and redirects the intellect toward ultimate reality.

Kabīrā khaḍā bāzār meṃ mānge sabkī khair | Nā kāhū se dostī nā kāhū se bair || Essence: Kabir stands in the marketplace, wishing well to all — with no friendship, no enmity. Kabir places realization in the midst of life, free from attachment, identity, and opposition.

Nikkamaina manchi nīlam okkaṭi chālu Tāḷuku beḷḷuku rāḷḷu taṭēdēla Chāṭu padyamilanu chālada okkaṭi Viśvadābhirāma vinura Vēmā Essence: One genuine good stone is enough — why strike countless shining pebbles? One true verse suffices; what need for many ornate poems? Vemana dismisses superficial brilliance and insists on authentic inner worth.

Together, these three verses ask the same question in different tones: What truly matters when all pretenses fall away? What is the value of knowledge without wisdom? How should one live — inwardly and outwardly? From these verses flows the comparison that follows.