Faith, courage over cowardice
Original Marathi from the Tukaram Gatha · About Sant Tukaram
मराठी मूळ
शोकें शोक वाढे । हिमतीचे धीर गाढे ॥१॥
येथें केले नव्हे काई । लंडीपण खोटें भाई ॥ध्रु.॥
करिती होया होय । परी नव्हे कोणी साह्य ॥२॥
तुका म्हणे घडी । साधिलिया एक थोडी ॥३॥
Tukaram Gatha (Marathi Wikisource)
English Translation
Grief only multiplies grief, but the courageous remain steadfast in their resolve. Nothing can be accomplished here through cowardice, O brother. Those who act with determination bring things into being, though no one else may come to help. Says Tuka, even one small moment, when seized with effort, is enough.
We ask forgiveness for any inaccuracies in rendering Tukaram ji’s original Marathi.
In Plain Words
Grief only makes grief grow; the courageous stay firm in their resolve. What cannot be done here by such means? Cowardice is false, brother. Those who keep saying yes, yes bring things to pass, though no one comes to help them. Tuka says: even one small moment, when it is seized, is enough.
What it means
Tukaram is rebuking despair and praising steady nerve. He observes that grief feeds on itself and only multiplies, while the courageous hold firm to their resolve and so get things done. Cowardice, he says plainly, is a lie, a false self-image that excuses inaction. He notes too that the determined act and bring things into being even when no one stands beside them to help. The closing turn is encouragement: you do not need endless time or perfect conditions, because even a single small moment, once it is truly seized, is enough to accomplish what matters.
Faith and Trust
The boldness of faith, steadfastness, and the security of trusting in God.
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