Prayer, lay down the load
Original Marathi from the Tukaram Gatha · About Sant Tukaram
मराठी मूळ
स्वामित्वाचीं वर्में असोनि जवळी । वाहों जावें मोळी गुणांसवें ॥1॥
काबाडापासूनि सोडवा दातारा । कांहीं नका भारा पात्र करूं ॥ध्रु.॥
धनवंत्याचिये अंगीं सत्ताबळ । व्याधि तो सकळ तोडावया ॥2॥
तुका ह्मणे आलें मोडएासी कोंपट । सांडव्याची वाट विसरावी ॥3॥
Tukaram Gatha (Marathi Wikisource)
English Translation
Though the secrets of mastery lie close at hand, we go on carrying bundles of qualities on our backs. Free us from this drudgery, O Benefactor; do not make us vessels for any more burdens. The wealthy one has the strength of authority to sever all afflictions. Says Tuka, a fresh shoot has appeared where the old was broken; let the old bypaths be forgotten.
We ask forgiveness for any inaccuracies in rendering Tukaram ji’s original Marathi.
In Plain Words
The secrets of mastery lie close by, yet I keep carrying bundles of my own virtues on my back. Free me from this drudgery, O Giver. Do not make me a vessel for one more burden. The rich one holds the power to cut away every affliction. Tuka says: a fresh shoot has come up where the old stem was broken; let the old bypaths be forgotten.
What it means
Tukaram sees that liberation is near at hand, yet he keeps hauling loads he made for himself, even the load of his own good qualities. He begs God, the true wealthy one with real authority, to release him from this labor instead of adding to it. The point is that even spiritual achievements can become baggage we carry with pride. He ends with hope: a new shoot has sprouted where the old growth snapped off, so the old detours can be let go.
Prayers
Direct appeals to God: for protection, guidance, strength, and mercy.
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