Experience, the soul come into its own
Original Marathi from the Tukaram Gatha · About Sant Tukaram
मराठी मूळ
सत्तेचें भोजन समयीं आतुडे । सेवन ही घडे रुचिनेसी॥1॥
वर्में श्रम नेला जालें एकमय । हृदयस्थीं सोय संग जाला ॥ध्रु.॥
कोथळीस जमा पडिलें संचित । मापल्याचा वित्त नेम जाला ॥2॥
तुका ह्मणे धणी ऐसा जालों आतां । करीन ते सत्ता माझी आहे ॥3॥
Tukaram Gatha (Marathi Wikisource)
English Translation
The feast of authority presents itself at the right moment, and the partaking happens with true relish. Through earnest effort, weariness has been overcome and oneness has been attained; the heart has found its union with the indwelling Lord. What has been measured and gathered is stored within; the accounting of what was apportioned is now settled. Says Tuka, I have become the master now; whatever I choose to do, that power is mine.
We ask forgiveness for any inaccuracies in rendering Tukaram ji’s original Marathi.
In Plain Words
When the hour comes, the feast of true power is set before me, and I eat it with real relish. The effort wore down the weariness; all has become one. In my heart I have found the way, and the company. What was stored up is gathered in the bag; the count of what was measured out is settled. Tuka says: I have become the owner now. Whatever I choose to do, that authority is mine.
What it means
Tukaram describes the moment when long practice ripens into possession. The hard work has finally consumed the weariness, the inner division has closed into oneness, and the heart has found both the path and the companionship it sought. He uses the plain images of a household ledger: the harvest is in the bag, the accounts are squared, nothing is still owed or pending. The bold last line is not arrogance but the report of an heir who has come into his inheritance. Having given himself fully to God, he now speaks as the master of his own house, the power to act at last truly his.
The Necessity of Experience
Why direct experience of God, not mere learning, is the only path.
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