Faith, the reassured servant
Original Marathi from the Tukaram Gatha · About Sant Tukaram
मराठी मूळ
आश्वासावें दास । तरी घडे तो विश्वास ॥1॥
नाहीं चुकत चाकरी । पुट लाडे शोचे थोरी ॥ध्रु.॥
स्वामीच्या उत्तरें । सुख वाटे अभयें करें ॥2॥
न मगें परि भातें । तुका ह्मणे निढिळ रितें ॥3॥
Tukaram Gatha (Marathi Wikisource)
English Translation
When the master reassures his servant, then true faith takes root. The servant does not falter in his duty, for the master's appreciation nurtures great devotion. By the master's words, comfort and fearlessness arise. Says Tuka, the servant does not ask for wages, yet his forehead should not be left bare.
We ask forgiveness for any inaccuracies in rendering Tukaram ji’s original Marathi.
In Plain Words
When the master reassures his servant, then true faith takes root. The servant does not fail in his duty, for the master's praise feeds great love. The master's words bring comfort and a fearless hand. Tuka says: the servant asks for no wages, yet his forehead should not be left bare.
What it means
Tukaram describes how faith between servant and master actually grows. It is the master's reassurance, not the servant's effort, that lets trust take root and keeps the servant steady in his work. A word of appreciation does more than payment: it nourishes devotion and gives the servant a fearless heart. The closing line names what the servant truly wants. He does not ask for wages, but he asks that his forehead not be left bare, meaning the mark of belonging, the master's blessing and acknowledgment. So too the devotee serves God for recognition and grace, not reward.
Faith and Trust
The boldness of faith, steadfastness, and the security of trusting in God.
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