ತಲ್ಲಣಿಸದಿರು ಕಂಡ್ಯ ತಾಳು ಮನವೇ (Tallanisadiru Kandya Talu Manave)
by ಕನಕದಾಸರು (Kanakadasa)
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This 16th-century keertane by Kanakadasa (ankita: Kagineleyadikeshava) is a comforting devotional song of the Bhakti movement. Structured as a dialogue with his own restless mind, the poet repeatedly says 'Tallanisadiru Kandya Talu', do not tremble, do not panic, have patience. Using nature-based proofs, the watering of a tree on a barren mountain, the feeding of wild beasts, the colouring of the peacock's feathers, and the sustaining of a frog trapped inside solid rock, he argues that the Creator who made us will surely nourish and protect us, and calls us to shed anxiety and trust in divine providence.
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This keertane is an intimate dialogue between Kanakadasa and his own anxious mind (manave). He repeatedly reassures it: 'Do not tremble, do not panic; have patience.' He then offers a logical, nature-based argument that God's grace is universal and automatic.
Proofs from nature
The tree on the mountain: a great tree grows green and fruit-laden on a dry, rocky peak, though no human waters it, it is God's silent hand that nurtures it. The wild beasts of the forest: countless animals and birds neither farm nor store food, yet none starve, because the Creator provides for every creature in its habitat.
The beauty of the peacock: who painted the intricate eye-patterns on the peacock's feathers and made the coral vines bright red? This natural artistry shows God's care for beauty. The frog inside the stone: a frog born trapped in solid rock, with no light or water, still survives, proof that God provides sustenance into the deepest crevices of the earth.
The conclusion
From these examples Kanakadasa concludes that human beings should free themselves from constant material anxiety. Since Lord Kagineleyadikeshava has taken the responsibility of creating us, He will surely protect and guide us through every storm of life.