Yogi Vemana speaks in the language of the common man. His verses are sharp, earthy, direct. He repeatedly attacks how wealth distorts: • justice • virtue • society • spirituality Vemana on Wealth and Respect Telugu పుత్తడిగలవాని కాలి పుణ్డియు వసుధలోన వార్త కెక్కును. పేదవాని ఇంట పెండ్లైన ఎరుగరు. విశ్వదాభిరామ వినుర వేమా॥ Meaning “Even the rich man’s minor wound becomes news in the world. But even a poor man’s wedding goes unnoticed. Listen, O Vishwadabhirama!” Commentary: Wealth Creates Visibility, Poverty Creates Silence Vemana exposes social reality: Money amplifies even trivial events. Poverty erases even joyful ones. Thus wealth becomes tyranny not only internally… But socially. Vemana: Wealth Without Virtue is Worthless Telugu ధనము గలిగిన యెడల ధర్మము గలుగదు ధర్మము గలిగిన యెడల ధనము నిలువదు. రెండియు కలిసిన చోట రారే రారమ్మా విశ్వదాభిరామ వినుర వేమా॥ Meaning “When wealth increases, righteousness decreases. When righteousness increases, wealth rarely stays. Both seldom live together. Listen, O Vishwadabhirama!” Commentary: Wealth Tests the Soul Vemana suggests wealth often corrupts: • greed replaces compassion • pride replaces humility • luxury replaces discipline Thus wealth becomes a spiritual test.