Original Marathi from the Tukaram Gatha · About Sant Tukaram
मराठी मूळ
परमार्थी तो न ह्मणावा आपुला । सलगी धाकुला हेळूं नये ॥1॥
थोडा चि स्फुलिंग बहुत दावाग्नी । वाढतां इंधनीं वाढविला ॥ध्रु.॥
पितियानें तैसा वंदावा कुमर । जयाचें अंतर देवें वसे ॥2॥
तुका ह्मणे शिरीं वाहावें खापर । माजी असे सार नवनीत ॥3॥
Tukaram Gatha (Marathi Wikisource)
English Translation
A person devoted to the Supreme Goal, however young or seemingly insignificant, should never be treated lightly on account of familiarity. A tiny spark can become a great forest fire when fed with kindling. Even a father should bow before the child within whom God dwells. Says Tuka, carry the earthen shard upon your head, for inside it lies the pure butter.
We ask forgiveness for any inaccuracies in rendering Tukaram ji’s original Marathi.
The Saints
The character and service of true saints: softer than butter, harder than diamond.
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