Devotion as watchdog, won by affection
Original Marathi from the Tukaram Gatha · About Sant Tukaram
मराठी मूळ
सुनियांची आवडी देवा । घेत सेवा नाहीं कांहीं ॥1॥
सिकविलें जवळी बैसों । जेथें असों तेथें चि ॥ध्रु.॥
नेदी दुजें बोलों करूं । गुरुगुरु न साहे ॥2॥
तुका ह्मणे कृवािळतां । अंग सत्ता संगाची ॥3॥
Tukaram Gatha (Marathi Wikisource)
English Translation
The devotion of a faithful dog asks for nothing in return. It has been taught to sit close by, right where it is. It will not allow another to speak or act out of turn; it will not tolerate even a murmur. Says Tuka, when stroked with affection, the power of companionship works upon it.
We ask forgiveness for any inaccuracies in rendering Tukaram ji’s original Marathi.
In Plain Words
The dog's love is this, O God: it takes the service and asks for nothing. It is taught to sit close by, to stay right where it is kept. It lets no other speak or act out of turn; it will not bear even a growl. Tuka says: when it is stroked with kindness, the power of that nearness takes hold of its body.
What it means
Tukaram lets the watchdog reveal what devotion wants in return for its service: nothing. The dog serves and asks for no wage; it stays exactly where it is set, refusing to let any rival voice intrude. The last line names what actually rules it. It is not commanded by force but governed by affection: a single stroke of kindness, the touch of nearness to the master, holds its whole body. So the bond between soul and God is not bought or compelled; it is held fast by love alone.
Worldly Metaphors
Poems using images from games, occupations, and daily life as spiritual teaching.
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