The hidden worth, gold and clay
Original Marathi from the Tukaram Gatha · About Sant Tukaram
मराठी मूळ
सोनियांचा कळस । माजी भरिला सुरारस ॥1॥
काय करावें प्रमाण । तुह्मी सांगा संतजन ॥ध्रु.॥
मृित्तकेचा घट । माजी अमृताचा सांट ॥2॥
तुका ह्मणे हित । तें मज सांगावें त्वरित ॥3॥
सेतावर - अभंग 3
Tukaram Gatha (Marathi Wikisource)
English Translation
A golden goblet filled with liquor. What measure of worth should one place on it? You tell me, O saints. An earthen pot filled with nectar. Says Tuka, tell me quickly what is truly beneficial.
We ask forgiveness for any inaccuracies in rendering Tukaram ji’s original Marathi.
In Plain Words
A golden goblet, but filled with liquor. What worth should one give it? Tell me, O saints. An earthen pot, but holding nectar. Tuka says: tell me quickly what is truly good for me.
What it means
Tukaram poses a riddle to the saints about where real worth lies. He sets two vessels side by side: gold filled with liquor, and plain clay filled with nectar. The outward value is reversed by the contents, so the costly cup is worth nothing and the humble pot holds what saves. The question is not idle; it is about himself, asking which to prize, the splendid surface or the life-giving inside. By handing the answer to the saints and asking them to be quick, he shows that this is the urgent thing he needs settled.
Worldly Metaphors
Poems using images from games, occupations, and daily life as spiritual teaching.
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