The saints, gratitude for the path shown
Original Marathi from the Tukaram Gatha · About Sant Tukaram
मराठी मूळ
भल्याचें कारण सांगावें स्वहित । जैसी कळे नीत आपणासी ॥1॥
परी आह्मी असों एकाचिये हातीं । नाचवितो चित्तीं त्याचें तैसें ॥ध्रु.॥
वाट सांगे त्याच्या पुण्या नाहीं पार । होती उपकार अगणित ॥2॥
तुका ह्मणे तुह्मी बहु कृपावंत । आपुलें उचित केलें संतीं ॥3॥
Tukaram Gatha (Marathi Wikisource)
English Translation
The duty of the good is to speak of what is beneficial, according to whatever understanding they possess. But we exist entirely in the hands of one Master; He moves the heart as He wills. The merit of one who shows the path is beyond measure; his acts of kindness are innumerable. Says Tuka, you are truly compassionate, O saints; you have done what was right and fitting.
We ask forgiveness for any inaccuracies in rendering Tukaram ji’s original Marathi.
In Plain Words
The good ones must speak of what helps, according to the understanding they have. But we are in the hands of one Master; He makes the heart dance as He pleases. The one who shows the way has merit beyond measure; his kindnesses are countless. Tuka says: you are full of compassion, O saints; you have done what was fitting and right.
What it means
Tukaram honors the saints who point others toward their true good, speaking from whatever light they are given. Yet he keeps the credit where it belongs: everyone, including the guide, rests in the hands of the one Master, who moves each heart as He wills. Even so, the one who shows the path earns merit past counting, his acts of help beyond number. The poem closes in gratitude, blessing the saints as deeply compassionate beings who have done exactly what was right and fitting toward him.
The Saints
The character and service of true saints: softer than butter, harder than diamond.
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