The Name, costs nothing, pleases God
Original Marathi from the Tukaram Gatha · About Sant Tukaram
मराठी मूळ
जळों अगी पडो खान । नारायण भोक्ता ॥1॥
ऐसी ज्याची वदे वाणी । नारायणीं ते पावे ॥ध्रु.॥
भोजनकाळीं करितां धंदा । ह्मणा गोविंदा पावलें ॥2॥
तुका ह्मणे न लगे मोल। देवा बोल आवडती ॥3॥
Tukaram Gatha (Marathi Wikisource)
English Translation
Even if the food burns or falls into the fire, say 'Narayana is the enjoyer.' Whoever speaks thus reaches Narayana. At mealtimes, even amidst worldly work, say 'Govinda, we have received.' Says Tuka, it costs nothing at all, and God delights in such words.
We ask forgiveness for any inaccuracies in rendering Tukaram ji’s original Marathi.
In Plain Words
Even if the food burns or falls into the fire, say: Narayana is the one who eats. Whoever says this with his tongue reaches Narayana. While you work, even at mealtime, say: Govinda, it has come to us. Tuka says: it costs nothing at all, and God delights in such words.
What it means
Tukaram teaches the simplest practice of the Name woven into ordinary life. When the food is spoiled or lost, instead of complaint he says to name Narayana as the true enjoyer of all that is offered. Even in the middle of work and meals, a word given to Govinda turns the moment toward God. The point is that this remembrance asks no ritual, no payment, no special hour. It costs nothing, and yet God takes delight in these plain words spoken from the day's own tasks.
The Power of the Name
The supremacy of nama-smarana: God's name as the highest practice.
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