Faith, God feeds the helpless
Original Marathi from the Tukaram Gatha · About Sant Tukaram
मराठी मूळ
पक्षीयाचे घरीं नाहीं सामुगरी । त्यांची चिंता करी नारायण ॥1॥
अजगर जनावर वारुळांत राहे । त्याजकडे पाहे पांडुरंग ॥ध्रु.॥
चातक हा पक्षी नेघे भूमिजळ । त्यासाटीं घननीळ नित्य वर्षे ॥2॥
तुका ह्मणे आह्मी पिप्पलिकांची जात । पुरवीं मनोरथ पांडुरंगा ॥3॥
Tukaram Gatha (Marathi Wikisource)
English Translation
The bird has no provisions in its home, yet Narayana takes care of its needs. The python and other creatures dwell in anthills, yet Panduranga watches over them. The chataka bird refuses to drink earthly water; for its sake the dark-hued Lord rains from the clouds. Says Tuka, we are of the race of ants. Fulfill our heart's desire, O Panduranga.
We ask forgiveness for any inaccuracies in rendering Tukaram ji’s original Marathi.
In Plain Words
The bird keeps no store in its nest, yet Narayana cares for its needs. The python and other creatures live in anthills, and Panduranga watches over them. The chataka bird will not drink water from the earth; for its sake the dark Lord rains from the clouds. Tuka says: we are of the race of ants. Fulfill our heart's desire, Panduranga.
What it means
Tukaram makes his case for trust from the plainest evidence in nature. The bird with no granary, the creatures hidden in anthills, are all provided for by a care they neither earn nor arrange. The chataka, which by legend drinks only rain and refuses standing water, is the sharpest image: for one creature's stubborn need, the very clouds are moved to pour. He then places himself lowest of all, among ants, and lets the argument finish itself. If God tends the smallest and most helpless, then his own heart's desire is safe to ask for.
Faith and Trust
The boldness of faith, steadfastness, and the security of trusting in God.
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