Experience, hearing is not knowing
Original Marathi from the Tukaram Gatha · About Sant Tukaram
मराठी मूळ
प्रगटलें ज्ञान । नारायण भूतीं तें ॥1॥
अनुभव च घेऊं व्हावा । विनंती देवा करूनियां ॥ध्रु.॥
देखोवेखीं वदे वाणी। पडिल्या कानीं प्रमाणें ॥2॥
तुका ह्मणे योगक्षेम । घडे तें वर्म साधावें ॥3॥
Tukaram Gatha (Marathi Wikisource)
English Translation
The knowledge of Narayana dwelling in all beings has come to light. One should take this experience within by making earnest prayer to God. The tongue speaks merely by repeating what the ears have heard. Says Tuka, pursue the secret that brings you well-being and security.
We ask forgiveness for any inaccuracies in rendering Tukaram ji’s original Marathi.
In Plain Words
It has come to light: Narayana lives in all beings. You must take this in as your own experience. Pray earnestly to God for it. The tongue only speaks what the ears have heard. Tuka says: pursue the secret that brings you real welfare and keeps you safe.
What it means
Tukaram states the truth, that Narayana dwells in every being, and then refuses to let it stay a piece of borrowed knowledge. The decisive line is that the tongue merely repeats what the ears caught; secondhand truth is not yet yours. So he tells the seeker to ask God in earnest prayer for the thing itself, the lived experience behind the words. The yogakshema he names is the soul's true welfare and safety, and his counsel is to chase the inner secret rather than rest in talk about it.
The Necessity of Experience
Why direct experience of God, not mere learning, is the only path.
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