The Cycle of Giving: Purandara Dasa’s Timeless Lesson on Selflessness and Inner Peace

Purandara Dasa’s "Kereya Neeranu Kerege Chelli" beautifully illustrates the cycle of giving, emphasizing that what we take from the world must be returned with respect and purity. Through a simple yet profound analogy of drawing water from a lake and returning it, the song conveys a timeless lesson on selflessness, gratitude, and righteousness. It teaches that when we give back to nature, society, and humanity without selfish motives, our minds remain pure and at peace. However, if we hoard or misuse what we receive, we invite restlessness and dissatisfaction into our lives. This keertana serves as a powerful reminder that true inner peace and fulfillment come from acts of generosity and mindful living.

Lyrics and Meaning

Kereya neeranu kerege chelli

(Return the water you took from the lake back to the lake)

Varava paDisi bedavo manuja

(Do not expect a reward for doing this, O human)

This line conveys the essence of selflessness and detachment. It reminds us that whatever we receive in life is not entirely ours to keep but is meant to be given back without selfish motives. Just as taking water from a lake and returning it keeps the cycle going, giving back to society, nature, and humanity in the same way ensures balance and harmony.

Paravolu lokake tandu koduvudu dharma

(Bringing something from the divine world and sharing it is true righteousness)

Dharma yuktanade sulabhavemba moksha

(A righteous person attains peace and liberation easily)

Here, Purandara Dasa teaches that true dharma (righteousness) lies in sharing and giving. He implies that whatever we possess—whether wealth, knowledge, or resources—is not truly ours but is borrowed from the universe. If we hoard these or misuse them, our minds become restless and impure. However, when we give with a pure heart, we attain inner peace and spiritual liberation (moksha).

Hariya karunadoLage sariyadu nIti

(The true path lies in walking within God’s grace and kindness)

DoreyoLage nItigaLu vishwada

(Justice prevails when people act with fairness and honesty)

These lines reinforce the idea that true righteousness aligns with divine principles. When we act with honesty, fairness, and generosity, we walk in harmony with divine will, leading to a peaceful and content life.

Philosophical and Psychological Meaning

The deeper message of this song emphasizes the principle of gratitude and selflessness. Just as we take from nature, society, and even from the divine, it is our moral and spiritual duty to give back in the same purity and sincerity. If we fail to do so, our conscience remains disturbed, and we experience inner turmoil, greed, and restlessness.

1. Giving Back to Nature:

o Just as we receive air, water, and food from nature, we must protect and preserve them, ensuring sustainability for future generations.

2. Returning Goodness to Society:

o The knowledge and wealth we acquire should not be hoarded selfishly; they should be used to help others, educate, and uplift those in need.

3. Purity of Mind and Peace:

o If we misuse what we receive, we become mentally restless, dissatisfied, and burdened by guilt. But when we act selflessly and with gratitude, our mind remains pure, peaceful, and free from negative emotions like greed and arrogance.

Purandara Dasa’s "Kereya Neeranu Kerege Chelli" is a timeless lesson in selflessness, gratitude, and purity of mind. It teaches that what we take from the world must be returned with respect and in its purest form—whether it is wealth, knowledge, or natural resources. If we live with fairness, righteousness, and generosity, our minds will be at peace and free from restlessness. This profound wisdom remains highly relevant today, reminding us of the importance of balance and giving in life.