Devotion, intimacy without fear
Original Marathi from the Tukaram Gatha · About Sant Tukaram
मराठी मूळ
आहे तरिं सत्ता । ऐशा करितों वारता ॥1॥
अंगसंगाचीं उत्तरें । सलगीसेवेनें लेंकरें ॥ध्रु.॥
तरी निकटवासें । असों अशंकेच्या नासें ॥2॥
तुका ह्मणे रुची । येथें भिन्नता कैची ॥3॥
Tukaram Gatha (Marathi Wikisource)
English Translation
I speak with the authority born of closeness. Such are the tidings I declare. These are the words of bodily intimacy, like children through familiar service. We dwell in such nearness that there is no room for timidity. Says Tuka, where there is such relish, how can there be any separateness?
We ask forgiveness for any inaccuracies in rendering Tukaram ji’s original Marathi.
In Plain Words
If there is the right, I speak with such boldness. These are the words of bodily closeness, a child's freedom in familiar service. Living so near, let there be no timidity. Tuka says: where there is such relish, how can there be any separateness?
What it means
Tukaram explains the freedom behind his bold address to God. He speaks the way a small child speaks to its parents, with no formality, because long and intimate service has earned that nearness. Such closeness leaves no room for hesitation or fear. And where there is this much shared sweetness between devotee and God, the idea of two separate beings simply dissolves; intimacy itself has erased the distance.
Devotion to Vitthal
Poems of praise, invocation, and intimate address to Lord Vitthal at Pandharpur.
More in this theme →