– By R.P. Sidgen
In a world often caught in the chaos of ambition and noise, we sometimes forget to pause and ask ourselves the most vital questions: Am I living rightly? Is my life aligned with what truly matters? My book, An Ethical Compass, was born from this very reflection.
At its heart, An Ethical Compass is a collection of poetic reflections drawn from the ancient yet relevant wisdom of Yogi Vemana, a revered Telugu poet-philosopher from the 17th century. His verses—simple, profound, and fearless—have survived centuries because they speak to our inner struggles, moral dilemmas, and the timeless pursuit of truth. Through this book, I have attempted to translate and interpret the essence of Vemana’s vision into accessible English poems, while threading in modern insights and heartfelt reflections for today’s reader.
Growing up in a culture where spiritual and moral values were often passed down orally or through ancient texts, I found myself drawn to Vemana’s verses. His poems—called Yogi Vemana Padyalu—are sharp in wit, rich in philosophy, and disarmingly honest. They expose hypocrisy, criticize ego, and guide individuals toward ethical living.
Yet many of these timeless treasures remain confined to Telugu-speaking audiences. My aspiration has been to bridge this gap—to present Vemana’s spirit through English poetry without losing his raw essence. I didn’t want to simply translate the lines; I wanted to make them breathe anew in a contemporary voice.
In doing so, I realized that the book wasn’t just about Vemana—it was also about us, our everyday choices, our yearning for peace, and our search for meaning in a world that changes faster than we do.
An Ethical Compass is not divided by chapters in the traditional sense. Instead, it is organized as a free-flowing collection of 100 poems, each accompanied by a moral reflection and a historical or philosophical illustration. The aim is not just to read poetry—but to engage with it, sit with it, and let it whisper to your conscience.
Each poem, though short in length, is deep in implication. Whether it deals with pride, greed, kindness, love, truth, or humility, every verse urges the reader to look inward.
Here’s are some example lines from the book:
These aren’t just poetic phrases—they are ethical checkpoints we can carry through our lives.
We live in an age dominated by speed, success, and surface-level validation. There’s information everywhere, but less transformation. We are taught to compete, compare, and consume—but rarely to contemplate. In such a time, I believe a book like An Ethical Compass can serve as a gentle, powerful nudge to realign ourselves.
Ethics, after all, is not about rules carved in stone—it’s about the spirit of right living, rooted in compassion, truth, and self-awareness. This book isn’t a sermon. It’s a companion. It doesn’t instruct—it invites. It doesn’t moralize—it mirrors.
While many verses draw direct inspiration from Vemana, the reflections that follow them are deeply grounded in modern contexts. I have referenced historical events, philosophical concepts, and contemporary dilemmas to show that ancient wisdom still has answers for today’s problems.
For example, when discussing the poem on materialism, I draw parallels to consumer culture and social media obsession. When addressing the idea of non-violence and kindness, I bring in the example of leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Mother Teresa. In many ways, this book is a conversation between then and now, between Vemana and us.
Whether you are well-read in philosophy or simply new to reflective reading, this book will meet you where you are. You don’t have to read it in one sitting. You can open any page, read a verse, and let it accompany your day.
Poetry has the power to simplify the profound. A single line can shatter illusions, stir emotions, or reveal a hidden truth. In An Ethical Compass, I’ve embraced the poetic form not just for aesthetic beauty—but as a tool for transformation.
Each poem here is like a droplet of wisdom distilled from the ocean of human experience. And when read with an open heart, these drops can become mirrors.
In An Ethical Compass, my hope is not just to celebrate Vemana—but to revive a style of thinking that prioritizes inner clarity over outer clutter. A life of ethics is not a life of denial—it is a life of balance, authenticity, and peace.
As you read these verses, I encourage you to reflect. Not to agree or disagree—but to ask: What does this mean for me?
And if even one line helps you pause, rethink, or realign a small part of your life, then this book has served its purpose.
