The saints, fragrance by nature
Original Marathi from the Tukaram Gatha · About Sant Tukaram
मराठी मूळ
चंदन तो चंदनपणें । सहज गुणसंपन्न ॥1॥
वेधलिया धन्य जाती । भाग्यें होती सन्मुख ॥ध्रु.॥
परिसा अंगीं परिसपण । बाणोनि तें राहिलें ॥2॥
तुका ह्मणे कैंची खंती । सुजाती ते ठाकणी ॥3॥
Tukaram Gatha (Marathi Wikisource)
English Translation
Sandalwood is naturally rich in fragrance; it is blessed by its very nature. Those fortunate ones who come before it are transformed by the encounter. The philosopher's stone is permeated with its own miraculous quality; that power abides in it inherently. Says Tuka, where is the sorrow? A noble nature always finds its proper dwelling.
We ask forgiveness for any inaccuracies in rendering Tukaram ji’s original Marathi.
In Plain Words
Sandalwood is sandalwood; it is rich in fragrance by its very nature. Blessed are those who are drawn to it; by good fortune they come and stand before it. The philosopher's stone holds its power in itself; that quality has settled into it and stays. Tuka says: where is there any sorrow? A noble nature always finds its right place.
What it means
Tukaram describes the saints through two old images: sandalwood that is fragrant simply by being itself, and the philosopher's stone that turns iron to gold by an inborn power. The point is that goodness in such a one is natural, not put on, and it gives itself away to whoever draws near. Those who are fortunate enough to come before such a presence are changed by the mere encounter. He ends by dismissing all worry: a noble nature carries its blessing within and always comes to rest where it belongs.
The Saints
The character and service of true saints: softer than butter, harder than diamond.
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