Faith, the child's claim on God
Original Marathi from the Tukaram Gatha · About Sant Tukaram
मराठी मूळ
बोलिलों उत्कषॉ । प्रेमरस दाशत्वें ॥1॥
साच करिता नारायण । जया शरण गेलों तो ॥ध्रु.॥
समर्थ तो आहे ऐसा । धरिली इच्छा पुरवी ॥2॥
तुका ह्मणे लडिवाळाचें । द्यावें साचें करूनियां ॥3॥
Tukaram Gatha (Marathi Wikisource)
English Translation
I have spoken boldly, intoxicated by the devotion of servitude. Narayana, to whom I have surrendered, makes it all come true. He is powerful enough to fulfill every desire one holds. Says Tuka, the longing of a loving child must be fulfilled in earnest.
We ask forgiveness for any inaccuracies in rendering Tukaram ji’s original Marathi.
In Plain Words
I have spoken boldly, drunk on the sweetness of being his servant. Narayana, the one to whom I surrendered, makes my words come true. He is strong enough for this; the desire I held, he fulfills it. Tuka says: what a fondly loved child asks for must be made to come true.
What it means
Tukaram is owning his bold speech and naming where its confidence comes from. He has spoken out daringly, drunk on the joy of being God's servant, and he is sure Narayana, the one he surrendered to, will make his words come good. The ground of that certainty is simple: God is powerful enough to fulfill any longing held before him. The closing image is intimate and almost demanding: a beloved child's wish has to be granted. Tukaram claims exactly that footing with God, the trusting boldness of a child who knows the parent will not refuse.
Faith and Trust
The boldness of faith, steadfastness, and the security of trusting in God.
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