Verses of Vemana – 59
karnudokade kani ghanudevvadunu ledu
danasiludanchu dalapabadenu
talapa dhanamu karnu data jesenu sumi
viswadhabhirama vinura vema
Commentary: Wealth by itself is not evil. Hoarding it is evil. Misusing it is evil. Funding it to propagate hatred is evil. Yet, the same wealth when offered spontaneously to those who are in need brings honour. It earns name[1] and fame. Vemana cites the example of the illustrious Karna. He is honoured to be more generous than anyone else in the three worlds. Was not this distinction only due to wealth?
[1] A good name is more desirable than great riches.
