II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

चित्ति नाही तें जवळी असोनी काय I
वत्स सांडी माय तेणे न्याये II
प्रीतीचा तो वायु गोड लागे मात I
जरी जाय चित्त मळोनिया II
तुका म्हणे अवघे फिके भावाविण I
मीठ नाही अन्न तेणे न्याये II

"It is said that "The feeling of closeness isn't about proximity, but of belonging, for invisible threads are the strongest ties."
In this composition Sant Tukaram Maharaj says, we may be together for a long time but a stranger is still a stranger. Illustrating with beautiful analogy he says, a cow doesn't feel motherly affection for her grown up calf even if tied in her vicinity. She kicks the calf away if it tries to suckle her.
On the other hand distance is not measured in miles but in affection. Two people can be right next to each other, yet miles apart.
Summing up Sant Tukaram Maharaj says, just like One cannot relish a well cooked food but lacking salt, the journey of Self Realisation cannot begin if we do not have a reasonless loving devotion to GOD."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरुचरणार्पणमस्तु IIn

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

उपदेश तो भलत्या हाती I
झाला चित्ति धरावा II
नये जाऊं पात्रावरी I
कवटी सार निराळी II
स्त्री पुत्र बंदीजन I
 नारायण स्मरविती II
तुका म्हणे रत्नसार I
परि आधार चिंधिचा II

"It is said that "Don't be fooled by appearance of the doors. You can meet extraordinary beauties behind a shabby door and a wonderful door can be opened to a dump"
In this composition Sant Tukaram Maharaj talks about the mistake we often make of judging someone based on their appearance, for looks can be deceiving. He says, well meaning advice is important, no matter from whom it comes, for many times great words of wisdom are spoken by most ordinary beings.
Illustrating with beautiful analogy Sant Tukaram Maharaj says, if One discards a coconut fruit only because of its woodlike outer shell then he will surely miss the sweetness of very essence of coconut which it holds within.
In another analogy Sant Tukaram Maharaj says, it doesn't matter who encourages us to pursue Name Worship of GOD, for what matters is Holy Ram Nam and nothing else.
Summing up Sant Tukaram Maharaj says, for a Gem wrapped in an ordinary cloth, Gem is a Wisdom and ordinary cloth is the ordinary man who speaks it, the Glory of Wisdom shines only when it is spoken and definitely not when it remains unsaid. In other words, Wisdom feels grateful to the One who speaks it and phrases it for the world to follow."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरुचरणार्पणमस्तु II

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

मित्र केला महा बळी I
कामा नये अंतकाळी II
आधी घे रे रामनाम I
सामा भरी हा उत्तम II
नाही तरी यम I
दांत खाती करकरा II
धन मेळविल्या कोड़ी I
काळ घेतल्या न सोड़ी II
कामा न ये हा परिवार I
सैन्य लोक बहु फार II
तंववरी तुमचे बळ I
जंव आला नाही काळ II
तुका म्हणे बापा I
चुकवी चौऱ्यांशीच्या खेपा II

"The Scriptures say that One has to step through the ladder of 8.4 million species to achieve the human birth, for only in human birth One can aspire for Liberation. In this composition Sant Tukaram Maharaj earnestly implores One to remain absorbed in Holy Ram Nam, for it is the only way to break free from the bondage of repeated sufferings. He says, nothing can save man from inevitable death which is on the prawl as soon as One is born.
Sant Tukaram Maharaj says, death will snatch even if One remains in the company of mighty and brave friends. He says, fear of death is for those who hold dearly "I am the body" idea. Absorbing in Holy Ram Nam slackens this grip slowly but steadily thus inculcating fearlessness.
Sant Tukaram Maharaj says, One comes into this world with a body but leaves it with nothing but ashes. There is utter vulnerability when death snatches everything that One treasures all his life knowing that there is no way of getting them back. The feeling of invincibility One feels because of wealth he possesses is robbed from him suddenly when death strikes.
Sant Tukaram Maharaj says, no refuge, be it worldly relations or a powerful army can save One when death knocks on his door. He says, all the talk of valour and doership crumbles when One comes face to face with death.
Summing up Sant Tukaram Maharaj says, a conscious effort to attain Self Realisation in this rare human birth is the only way to be free from the unending cycle of death and rebirth, for nothing but the Name Worship of Supreme Lord Shri Ram can make this wonder come true."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरुचरणार्पणमस्तु II

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

प्रारब्धचि जोड़े धन I
प्रारब्धचि वाढे मान II
सोस करिसी वायां I
भज मना पंढरीराया II
प्रारब्धचि होय सुख I
प्रारब्धचि पावे दुःख II
प्रारब्धचि भरे पोट I
तुका करीना बोभाट II

"Often GOD is worshipped to seek relief from the annoying circumstances of life. In this composition Sant Tukaram Maharaj shades light on this misconception. He says, One carries a baggage of Prarabdha Karma right from when he is born. It is the inevitability that has no escape. Prarabdha cannot be altered or changed, but can only be exhausted by being experienced. Even GODS in their incarnations were not the exceptions, for One who assumes body is not beyond the clutches of Prarabdha Karma.
Sant Tukaram Maharaj says, it is One's Prarabdha Karma that decides how much wealth he will accumulate or how much respect he will command. The quality of life One enjoys, be it of happiness or of hardships and sufferings is all predestined by individual Prarabdha Karma.
Sant Tukaram Maharaj says, worshipping GOD by assuming not we but only GOD is the Doer saves us from the constant accumulation in the basket of Sanchit Karma and in turn Prarabdha Karma. Prarabdha Karma has hold till One assumes the body. But the body is destined to perish. Hence worshipping GOD to seek relief from Prarabdha Karma will be a lost opportunity. One must worship GOD to be free from bondage of Prarabdha Karma rather than seeking relief from the challenges it poses.
Summing up Sant Tukaram Maharaj says, if One consciously gives up Doership then slowly but steadily the journey of Self Realisation will unfold, for Liberation is the only goal of this rare human birth."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरुचरणार्पणमस्तु II

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

धोंडयासवे आदळीता फूटे डोके I
तो तो त्याच्या दुःखे घामेजेना II
इंगळासी सन्निधान अतित्यार्ह I
क्षेम देतां काई सुख वाटे II
सप्रेमें कुरवाळी महाफणी व्याळ I
आपुली ते ढाळ जावू नेदी II
तुका म्हणे आम्हांसवे जो रुसला I
तयाचा अबोला आकाशासी II

"It is said that "Just as there is no division between a wave and ocean or a pot and clay, there is no division between an individual being and the Supreme Consciousness. The separateness appears to exist only due to the ignorance of the mind identifying itself as a different entity."
In this composition Sant Tukaram Maharaj talks about this Spiritual Ignorance which is the root cause of all our sufferings. He says, living the ignorance of "I am the body" idea, being aware of its futility, is an unpardonable sin because only in this rare human birth One has a chance of Liberation from the unending cycle of deaths and rebirths.
Sant Tukaram Maharaj has illustrated the futility of living with ignorance with beautiful analogies. He says, a stone doesn't reciprocate with feelings if One smashes his head on it, similarly One gets nothing by holding dearly the "I am the body" idea, for the body is destined to perish as time goes by.
Sant Tukaram Maharaj says, just like holding the fire with bare hands will burn the hands or venomous snake will not forget of its true nature even if One fondles it with love, "I am the body" idea will do its damage, for the inevitability of repeated sufferings will then be forever sealed.
Summing up Sant Tukaram Maharaj says, real knowledge is to know the extent of One's ignorance, for not ignorance but living with ignorance is the death of knowledge."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरुचरणार्पणमस्तु II

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

एकाचिये सोई कवित्वाचे बांधे I
बांधिलिया साधे काय तेथे II
काय हाती लागे भुसाचे कांडणी I
सत्यासी दाटणी करुनि काय II
कवित्वाचे रूढ़ी पायां पडे जग I
सुखावोनी मग नरका जाय II
तुका म्हणे देव् केल्याविण साहे I
फाजिती ते आहे लटिक्या अंगी II

"It is said that Blessed is the soul whose words emanate fragrance of Divinity, for his compositions are nothing but an overflowing of his inner ecstasy. Poetry simply happens to him, for it is not his volitional act. On the other hand, mere repetition or imitation of words may influence the reader temporarily but soon reveal the truth, for they are the words devoid of experience. In this composition Sant Tukaram Maharaj says, just like words without experience sound hollow, so is the futility of living this breath without acknowledging the Grace of GOD without whom we would not have opened our eyes this morning.
He says, only a human being is rewarded with a sense of discrimination by which One knows that it is worthless to get anything out of chaff of grain, for it is prudence to leave the chaff and take the grain.
Sant Tukaram Maharaj says, a poet may get social acclaim for his work. Power of his words may influence masses to make him most revered One. All this however inflates the "I-ness" which makes it sure that he will forever be in the bondage of repeated sufferings.
Summing up Sant Tukaram Maharaj says, just like One can get nothing from chaff of grain  we must identify the futility of "I am the body" idea whose powerful influence drags us away from our journey of Self Realisation. He says, just like words of a crafted poetry are empty of the essence, a life lived  forgetting GOD is nothing but deviating from the true purpose of this rare human birth, the Self Realisation."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरुचरणार्पणमस्तु II

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

चंचळी चंचळ निश्चळी निश्चळ I
वाजवी खळाळ उदकासी II
सोपे वर्म परि मन नाही हाती I
हा हा भूतचित्ति भ्रम गाढ़ा II
रविबिंब नाही तुटत उदका I
छायेची ते नका सरी धरु II
तुका म्हणे भय धरले रज्जुसाठी I
नाही साच पोटी कळले तो II

"The world is only as real as the image that is seen in a mirror. What is seen, what is heard, what is thought by mind and felt by the heart are all because of enchanting spell cast by Maya, the Cosmic Illusion. Due to Maya or That Which Is Not, all this appears as Truth when it is not.
In this composition Sant Tukaram Maharaj says, One Supreme Consciousness is reality while plurality is illusion. This illusion of multiplicity is created by veiling power of Maya which creates the illusion of me and mine or you and yours. He says, this ignorance is the root cause of all sufferings.
Illustrating Maya, the Cosmic Illusion which hides the Essence of Supreme Reality Sant Tukaram Maharaj says, water is still on a  plane surface but becomes noisy when it flows over a slopy, rocky terrain. In other words the ever stable Supreme Consciousness comes under the spell of Maya as soon as One is born. The noisiness of water or Individual Consciousness is nothing but the Supreme Consciousness painted in shades of grey.
Sant Tukaram Maharaj says, just like reflection of Sun in water is but an image of Sun in water and nothing else, One must make a conscious effort not to get trapped in the web of deception of Maya which compels us to identify illusion as the Truth.
In another analogy Sant Tukaram Maharaj says, the illusory identification of rope as a snake creates fear in the mind of the seer. He says, due to some preconceived ideas our mind sees snake in the ordinary rope and panicks.
Summing up Sant Tukaram Maharaj says, Illusion or That Which Is Not is all a mind game initiated by unstable mind. He says, mind never remains idle and hence if One consciously subjects his mind to Name Worship of GOD then slowly but steadily Godliness will start seeping into his mind, for stillness of mind is nothing but perfect Godliness.
Sant Tukaram Maharaj says, the Self Realisation can be attained by anyone without discrimination. What One needs to do most is to consciously train the mind of not getting disturbed by illusory entanglements of Maya or That Which Is Not."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरुचरणार्पणमस्तु II

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

निंदा स्तुती करवी पोट I
सोंग दाखवी बोभाट II
जटा राख विटंबना I
धीर नाही क्षमा मना II
शृंगारिले मढे I
जीवेविण जैसे कूड़े II
तुका म्हणे रागे I
भलते चावळे वाउगे II

"It is said that "He who is slave to his stomach seldom worships GOD."
In this composition Sant Tukaram Maharaj talks about a religious hypocrite whose GOD is not yet known. All his endeavors, be it cheating or praising, are aimed at satisfying his earthly needs and nothing more. He says, a hypocrite madly in love of "I am the body" idea may walk around with his long hair hanging in wild abandonment and ash rubbed all over his body. He may cheat others by pretending to be an ascetic, being unaware that wearing a mask of what he are not, he is subjecting his body to shameful mutilation.
Sant Tukaram Maharaj says, religious discourses by a hypocrite who is bereft of courage and compassion are as disgusting as embellishing a corpse by ornaments.
Summing up Sant Tukaram Maharaj says, One enticed in the web of hypocrisy forgets that his angry ramblings will soon expose his true nature, for pretention is a very short lived phenomenon."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरुचरणार्पणमस्तु II

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

भरला दिसे हाट I
अवघी वाढली खटपट I
संचिताचे वाट I
वाटा होउनि फांकती II
भोगा ऐसे ठाया ठाव I
कर्मा त्रिविधाचे भाव I
द्रष्टा येथे देव् I
विरहित संकल्पा II
दिला पाडोनिया धड़ा I
पापपुण्याचा निवाड़ा I
आचरती गोडा I
आचरणे आपुलाल्या II
तुका म्हणे पराधीने I
झाली ओढ़लिया ऋणे तुटतीं वंधने I
जरि देवा आळविति II

"In this composition Sant Tukaram Maharaj talks about how to clear our Karmic Debt and hence set the soul free so that it can soar and merge with the Supreme Divine. He says, clearing the Karmic Debt is nothing but Liberation. So long as there is a Karmic Debt owed by you or owed to you, there is no escape from the inevitable cycle of Karmas where every action carries within it the seed of consequences.
Sant Tukaram Maharaj says, this vast universe is like a marketplace crowded by beings. Just as an accountant opens his books every new year, and carries forward the assets and liabilities of the past year, a soul upon taking birth carries with it a basket of Sanchit Karma, a cumulative effect of all his actions in past lives. When the soul incarnates, it carries with it Prarabdha Karma which is a  part of Sanchit Karma. The Prarabdha Karma is inevitable and cannot be altered. Kriyaman Karma or One's present actions and experiences are directed  by the nature of Prarabdha Karma with which One is born. Sant Tukaram Maharaj says, Karma is chaining of soul to the earthly body and hence if Bad Karma is like an iron chain then Good Karma is like a gold chain. But both are chains nevertheless. The soul is still bound by either. While Good Karma may bring happiness, the Bad Karma bring suffering.
Sant Tukaram Maharaj says, as soon as a soul incarnates, it is a puppet in the hands of Prarabdha Karma. One cannot choose whether to experience it or not. However he says, though it is true that we have no control over Prarabdha Karma, what we can surely do is how we handle it and respond to it.
Summing up Sant Tukaram Maharaj says, though Prarabdha Karma is inevitable, we can surely work on our Kriyaman Karma. In other words if we perform all our present actions assuming that not we but GOD alone is the Doer, then the constant refilling of Sanchit Karma basket will halt, for only when the basket of Sanchit Karma will empty, the Karmic Debt will be neutralized and One will become free from the endless cycle of deaths and rebirths. He says, if our Karma is the disease then it is a remedy in itself. All depends on how we live our Kriyaman or present, for key to Liberation lies very much Here and Now."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरुचरणार्पणमस्तु II

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

समुद्रवलयांकित पृथ्वीचे दान I
करिता समान न ये कामा II
म्हणऊनि कोणी न करावा आळस I
म्हणा रात्रंदिवस रामराम II
सकळही शास्त्रे पठण करिता वेद I
सरी न ये गोविंद नामे एकें II
सकळही तीर्थे प्रयागादी काशी I
करितां नामासी तुळेति ना II
कर्वती कर्मरी देहासि दंडण I
करितां समान न ये कामा II
तुका म्हणे ऐसा आहे श्रेष्ठाचार I
नाम हेचि सार विठोबाचे II

"The Holy Ram Nam if recited with devotional love, has the power to bring upon the eager aspirant the Grace of GOD. If One absorbs in the Name Worship of GOD ShriRam, a great flood of happiness wells up within his mind. In this composition Sant Tukaram Maharaj talks about Name Worship of GOD which must come from the depths of feeling. He says, GOD looks for the True Inner Feelings rather than the Outward Appearance.
Sant Tukaram Maharaj says, One must not let his mind wander away from the Holy Ram Nam for it should constantly dwell on the sweetness the Name connotes. It should ruminate on the beauty of the form which it recalls, the fragrance which it spreads. He says, the Holy Ram Nam is more valuable than what One gets by donating the entire earth enveloped by seven seas. He says, One must practice to recite the Holy Ram Nam with every breath, for life of man is a momentary flash, a tiny wavelet, that rises and falls.
Sant Tukaram Maharaj says, the Holy Ram Nam is more potent than mere oral discourse of Scriptures. The Scriptures propound that in the present age of materialism, the Holy Ram Nam is the only hope.
Sant Tukaram Maharaj says, GOD is deaf to the prayers if they are with the tongue and not with the heart. One is rewarded by the Grace of GOD by the Trueness of his feelings and not by the number of temples he visits or the quantity and cost of his offerings at the pilgrimages. Sant Tukaram Maharaj says, the purpose of visiting pilgrimages is served wholly by reciting Holy Ram Nam, for it is the journey to the Supreme Indweller who resides within.
Sant Tukaram Maharaj says,  the practices at pilgrimages such as self inflicted pain or disfigurement are futile attempts to seek GOD, for He can be attained only by Selfless Love.
Summing up Sant Tukaram Maharaj says, for the bird in the mid ocean flying over the dark blue waters, the only resting place is the mast of a ship that sails across. In the same way, GOD is the only refuge for a man who is swept by storms over a restless sea. The Holy Ram Nam is the mast for him. However far the bird may fly, it knows where it can rest. Similarly  the Holy Ram Nam gives One the confidence, for he will surely not wander away from his goal, the Self Realisation "

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरुचरणार्पणमस्तु II

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

वेंचावें ते जीवे I
पूजा घड़े ऐशा नांवे II
बिगारीची ते बिगारी I
साक्षी अंतरींचा हरी II
फळ बीजाऐसे I
कार्यकारणासरिखे II
तुका म्हणे मान I
लवणासरिखे लवण II

"It is said that "Everything you do, everything you say, every choice you make, sooner or later comes back around. You are free to make whatever choice you want, but you are not free from the consequences of the choice."
In this composition Sant Tukaram Maharaj says, you cannot fool GOD, so don't make a fool of yourself. You will harvest what you sow. If you follow selfish desires, you will harvest destruction, but if you follow the path of Self Realisation, you will harvest eternal life.
Sant Tukaram Maharaj says, the unconditional surrender to GOD is the True Worship, for surrender is like a fish finding the current and going with it.
Sant Tukaram Maharaj says, Worship of GOD is not for changing the course of destiny with which we are born and which is inevitable, but it is to keep our moral high so that we live our destiny without getting deviated from the path of humbleness and humility, for we worship GOD best when we resemble His goodness.
Sant Tukaram Maharaj says, the measure of who we are is what we do with what we have. Just like salt imparts saltiness, virtues give happiness and vices give pain.
Summing up Sant Tukaram Maharaj says, believing in GOD in itself is inculcating humbleness from within, for GOD is always looking for a humble heart of faith that trusts Him unconditionally."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरुचरणार्पणमस्तु II

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

धनवंता घरी I
करी धनचि चाकरी II
होय बैसल्या व्यापार I
न लगे सांडावेचि घर II
रानी वनी द्वीपी I
असती ती होती सोपी II
तुका म्हणे मोल I
देतां काही नव्हे खोल II

"It is said that "Glory follows virtue as if it were it's shadow."
In this composition Sant Tukaram Maharaj has compared the devotee absorbed in the Name Worship of GOD with a man of great material wealth. He says, the riches accumulated by a wealthy man enable him to get whatever he wants in the comfort of his home without bothering to go anywhere seeking it. Similarly One absorbed in the Name Worship of GOD has riches of Divine presence all around him. The Name Worship of GOD is a journey within and hence he doesn't need to go anywhere to seek it, for Name Worship of GOD is GOD Himself, the True Nature of our Self.
Summing up Sant Tukaram Maharaj says, here and now is all we have, and if we play it right, it's all we will need. He says, Self Realisation is not impossible if One believes that life is a miracle and every breath we take is a gift from GOD, for the Name Worship of GOD with every breath is a True Blessing."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरुचरणार्पणमस्तु II

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

कथा देवाचे ध्यान I
कथा साधनां मंडण I
कथे ऐसे पुण्य I
आणिक नाही सर्वथा II
ऐसा साच खरा भाव I
कथेमाजी उभा देव् II
मंत्र स्वल्प जना I
उच्चारिता वाचे मना I
म्हणतां नारायणा I
क्षणे जलती महा दोष II
भावें करितां कीर्तन I
तरे तारी आणिक जन I
भेटे नारायण I
संदेह नाही म्हणे तुका II

"It is said that "Worship is adoring Contemplation of GOD, for what man takes in Contemplation, that he pours out in love."
In this composition Sant Tukaram Maharaj talks about spiritual teaching through storytelling which emphasizes pure glorification of GOD and GODLY acts. He says, we become what we think, for GODLINESS seeps in slowly in the One absorbed in the devotional discourse of GOD. The Contemplation is nothing else but a peaceful and loving infusion of GOD, if attained, sets a soul on fire with Divine Love.
Sant Tukaram Maharaj says, narrating the story of GOD is nothing but a prayer which can be either a quiet, blessed Contemplation of GOD in which eye meets an eye in restful meditation or it can be deep sighs or sudden exclamations of wonder, joy, gratitude or adoration.
Sant Tukaram Maharaj says, the story of GOD emanates the Divine presence which permeates only goodness in all listeners. The silent Contemplation of GOD through His Name Worship is a dialogue with Self and everyone can do it without discrimination. He says, the Name Worship of GOD is the only way to inculcate GODLINESS which in itself is freedom from undesirable habits.
Summing up Sant Tukaram Maharaj says, blessed is the One who practices Contemplation of GOD through Name Worship of GOD, for only he can persuade the masses to follow suit. He says, One can be hypocrite before man, but not before GOD. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before Him. He knows our every thought and intention. The blessed is he, who leaves everything in GOD'S HAND, for only he will eventually see GOD'S HAND in everything."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरुचरणार्पणमस्तु II

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

गुरुशिष्यपण I
हे तो अधमलक्षण II
भूती नारायण खरा I
आप तैसाचि दूसरा II
न कळता दोरी साप I
राहु नेदावा तो कांप II
तुका म्हणे गुणदोषी I
ऐसे न पडावे सोसी II

"It is said that vivid imagination creates the presence of snake in a rope and the imagination is so strong that a person can die from an imaginary snake bite. In this composition Sant Tukaram Maharaj talks about the inexplicable wonder of Maya, the Divine play of illusion, That Which Is Not. He says, despite being not at all, Maya seems to achieve the impossible. It makes that which is never existent and never real appear to truly exist and be real.
The Rope Snake analogy reveals both the wonder and preposterousness of this trick of Maya. The piece of rope lying on the man's path tricks him to think of it as snake.
Sant Tukaram Maharaj says, just like misconceiving one thing for another is an illusion so is distinguishing One as a Master and other as his disciple. To do so is utterly despicable, for there is nothing but all pervading GOD Consciousness encompassing the world entire.There cannot be superior or inferior in the Kingdom of GOD.
Summing up Sant Tukaram Maharaj says, behind all multiplicity of this manifold universe, the One Supreme Reality persists in all its splendour. He says, GOD is not external to anyone, but is present in all things, though they are ignorant that He is so."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरुचरणार्पणमस्तु II

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

विषमाची चिंता वाटे I
सारिखे भेटे तरी सुख II
म्हणऊनि चोरिले जना I
आल्या राना एकांती II
दुजियासी कळो नये I
जया सोय नाही हे II
तुका म्हणे मोकळे मन I
नारायण भोगासी II

It is said that "Solitude is more than a place. It is a sacred space for GOD and man to dwell, joined heart to heart."
In this composition Sant Tukaram Maharaj talks about solitude and contemplative silence which is the journey of the soul into an eternal destination with the Divine. He says, only in contemplative prayer we experience GOD's presence within us, closer than breathing, closer than thinking and closer than the consciousness itself.
Sant Tukaram Maharaj has illustrated this thought with the beautiful analogy of cow-herd girls in Vrindavan, who exemplify the highest form of unconditional and unwavering love for Lord Krishna. He says, the cow-herd girls remain absorbed in the deep meditation of GOD, for only in solitude their stirs the feeling of infinite where we are least alone.
Summing up Sant Tukaram Maharaj says, worship of GOD is a dialogue with Self and need to be done in silence, for GOD's first language is silence. Everything else is a poor translation. In order to hear that language, we must learn to be still and to rest in GOD.  He says, One must practice the Name Worship of GOD silently, seeking solitude of mind and consciously refrain from doing its pompous display, for nothing in all creation is so like GOD as Stillness."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरुचरणार्पणमस्तु II

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

क्षमा शस्त्र जया नराचिया हाती I
दुष्ट तयाप्रति काय करी II
तृण नाही तेथे पडिला दावाग्नि I
जाय तो विझोंन आपसया II
तुका म्हणे क्षमा सर्वांचे स्वहित I
धरा अखंडित सुखरूप II

It is said that " To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you. "
In this composition Sant Tukaram Maharaj talks about forgiveness as the only lethal weapon which can destroy all evil. He says, One that cannot forgive others, breaks the bridge over which he himself must pass if he would ever reach heaven, for everyone has need to be forgiven.
Illustrating with beautiful analogy Sant Tukaram Maharaj says, just like roaring flames of inferno are short lived if there is no grass in its vicinity, forgiveness quenches the smouldering fire of enmity. In other words, the evil doer feels frustrated if his evil doings are countered by forgiveness, for no confrontation survives without response.
Summing up Sant Tukaram Maharaj says, you can give the evil doers another chance, or you can forgive, let go, and give yourself a better chance, for forgiveness is the fragrance the rose sheds on the heel that crushed it. "

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरुचरणार्पणमस्तु II

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

शिजल्यावरी जाळ I
वायां जायचे ते मूळ II
ऐसा वारावा तो श्रम I
अतिशयी नाही काम II
सांभाळावे वर्म I
उचिताच्या काळे धर्म II
तुका म्हणे कळे I
ऐसे कारणाचे वेळे II

In this composition Sant Tukaram Maharaj says, Self Realisation is a journey that unfolds over several lifetimes. And hence doing haste in worshipping GOD serves no purpose. He says, when One realises the fleeting and unpredictable nature of life, there is a feeling of urgency to do something. In this state of mind there is an inclination of overdoing things.  Sant Tukaram Maharaj says, just like heating an already cooked food spoils it's taste, overdoing the worship remains only a ritual and takes One nowhere.
Summing up Sant Tukaram Maharaj says, practicing devotion is doing the right thing at right time, for none other but the rare human birth is the most auspicious occasion to seek Liberation, the freedom from bondage of repeated sufferings. "

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरुचरणार्पणमस्तु II

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

साकरेच्या गोण्या बैलाचिये पाठी I
तयासी सेवटीं करबाड़े II
मालाचे पै पेटे वाहाताती उंटे I
तयालागी कांटे भक्षावया II
वाउगा हा धंदा आशा वाढविती I
बांधोनिया देती यमाहाती II
ज्यासी असे लाभ तोचि जाणे गोडी I
येर ती बापुड़ी सिणली वायां II
तुका म्हणे शाहणा होई रे गव्हारा I
चौऱ्यांसीचा फेरा फ़िरो नको II

"It is believed that soul goes through many transformations through 8.4 million species to get a human birth. Yet despite this, most waste this rare human birth to chase material pursuits rather than to seek Self Realisation. However for this to happen One must be aware of what he has, else he will lose the precious opportunity despite being given a fair chance. In this composition Sant Tukaram Maharaj talks about this unawareness or ignorance which may prove to be very damaging if One spends his rare human birth for mere sleeping, eating and procreating than seeking Liberation which is its true purpose.
Illustrating with beautiful analogies Sant Tukaram Maharaj says, an ox, the beast of burden, carries on its back a sack packed with sugar. However being unaware of what the sack holds, the animal just carries it from one place to other. He eats fodder and not the sugar. Similarly despite having human birth if One is unaware of what significance it holds then in all likelihood he will live mundane life thus wasting this precious opportunity to just survive rather than to seek Liberation. Since the reward One gets depends on what he aspires, mere survival will make sure that he will never go beyond the endless cycle of deaths and rebirths.
In another analogy Sant Tukaram Maharaj says, just like a camel carrying on its back the boxes full of riches is unaware of the preciousness of the goods, One unaware of the golden chance he has of having rare human birth, will absorb himself in sense gratification than pursuing the highest goal, the Self Realisation.
Sant Tukaram Maharaj says, death abruptly puts full stop to One's life and suddenly all the riches he has earned chasing his desires all through his life become useless to him. Not he but all those who survive him are benefitted by his wealth. Being ignorant of the worthlessness of  the burden of desires he carried for whole of his life, he becomes only a loser at the end, for the betrayal of the body to whom he calls as Self is the most harsh of all.
Summing up Sant Tukaram Maharaj says, One must understand the worth of this rare human birth as a conduit to Self Realisation so that then only he will act accordingly to seek the end result, the Self Realisation. He says, everything depends on how One makes use of  his sense of discrimination, for it is the only way to be rid of the ignorance which is the root cause of all the sufferings."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम Ii

II श्रीसद्गुरुचरणार्पणमस्तु II

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

कल्पतरुअंगी इच्छिले ते फळ I
अभागी दुर्बळ भावें सिद्धि II
धन्य त्या जाती धन्य त्या जाती I
नारायण चित्ति साठविला II
बीजाऐसा द्यावा उदके अंकुर I
गुणाचे प्रकार ज्याचे तया II
तुका म्हणे कळे पारखिया हिरा I
ओझे पाठी खरा चंदनाचे II

"In this composition, Sant Tukaram Maharaj elucidates the thought that the quest of the Divine Lord is the quest of real happiness. He says, One must apprehend the Divine in all things, for He is in all things. One who leaves everything in Divine's hand will eventually see His hand in everything .
Kalpataru, the mystical tree in Hindu mythology is said to possess an ability to fulfill seeker's wishes and desires. In a way Kalpataru tree bestows upon One the energy to imbibe the right intention. It is symbolic for the mind. The mind is abode of thoughts.The thoughts create your heaven or thoughts create your hell. What matters most is the intention of the seeker which is reflected in his wish.
Sant Tukaram Maharaj says that One whose within is enveloped by Supreme Lord Narayan is the most blessed of all.
Sant Tukaram Maharaj has illustrated this with a beautiful analogy. He says that every seed flourishes when watered. But the character of seed determines it's destiny. In another analogy Sant Tukaram Maharaj says that only a gemstone expert knows the real worth of a diamond.
A bundle of Sandalwood loaded on the back of a donkey is worthless for it, but its divine fragrance is much appreciated by One who knows it's worth."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरुचरणार्पणमस्तु II

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

नव्हती ते संत करिता कवित्व I
संतचि ते आप्त नव्हती संत II
येथे नाही वेश सरते आडनाव I
निवड़े घावडाव व्हावा अंगी II
नव्हती ते संत धरिता भोपळा I
करिता वाकळा प्रावर्णासी II
नव्हती ते संत करिता कीर्तने I
सांगता पुराणे नव्हती संत II
नव्हती ते संत वेदाच्या पठणे I
कर्मआचरणे नव्हती संत II
नव्हती संत करिता तप तीर्थाटण I
सेविलिया वन नव्हती संत II
नव्हती संत माळामुद्रांच्या भूषणे I
भस्म उधळणे नव्हती संत II
तुका म्हणे नाही निरसला देहे I
तोवरी हे अवघे संसारिक II

In the present age when Pseudo Spiritual Masters are rampant, this discourse by Sant Tukaram Maharaj enlightens us on recognising a True Spiritual Master. He says,
The Spiritual Master often is gifted with a poetic sense. But mere poetry doesn't make One a Spiritually Wise.
Sant Tukaram Maharaj says, One does not become Spiritually Awakened just by being in the vicinity of a Self Realised Soul or by dressing like him or by assuming his name. He says, just like One who has fought on the battlefield is the true brave, the Spiritual Master must be able to carry his bearing of Divinity effortlessly.
Sant Tukaram Maharaj says, mere holding a Tambura in hand or wearing a quilt is not enough to become a Spiritual Master, so is equally futile to become One with narrating mythological stories or by musically narrating the  story of GOD.
He says, it's not mere parroting of Vedic Scriptures or following stringent religious discipline has anything to do to be a Self Realised Soul so is equally uncalled for to live in the forest or visit the pilgrimages. He says, neither prayer beads nor ritualistic gestures has anything to do with a genuine Spiritual Master.
Summing up Sant Tukaram Maharaj says, One who is free from the bondage of " I am the body" idea is a Truly Self Realised Soul who doesn't need accolades to pronounce what he is, for genuinely needs no promotion. "

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरुचरणार्पणमस्तु II

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

देव राखे तया मारील कोण I
न मोड़े काटा हिंडता वन II
न जळे न बुडे नव्हे काही I
विष तेही अमृत पाही II
न चुके वाट न पड़े फंदी I
नव्हे कधी यमबाधा II
तुका म्हणे नारायणा I
येता गोळ्या वारी बाण II

"It is said that "He who dwells in the shelter of GOD will rest in His shadow and no harm will befall him."
In this composition Sant Tukaram Maharaj talks about the Blessed, protected by umbrella of GOD's love and to whom no evil happens, for if GOD is with us then who can be against us?
Illustrating with beautiful analogies Sant Tukaram Maharaj says, a Blessed will be saved from thorn in his foot despite walking on the thorny path. Neither he can be immolated nor will he get drowned. The poison fed to the Blessed will become a nectar of immortality by GOD's Grace. He may deviate from his path temporarily but GOD will save him from getting lost. The Blessed, who is free from the bondage of "I am the body" idea has consciously eradicated his ignorance and hence is beyond the realm of unending cycle of deaths and rebirths. GOD shields him from the arrows and bullets fired by his enemies.
Summing up Sant Tukaram Maharaj says, we have but one saviour, and that saviour is Supreme Lord Narayan. Nothing that we are and nothing that we can do makes any sense. Only GOD does it all. He says, GOD doesn't give us what we can handle, but He helps us handle what we are given."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरुचरणार्पणमस्तु II

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

आहाच तो मोड़ वाळलियमधी I
अधीराची बुद्धि तेणे न्याये II
म्हणऊनि संग न करी दूसरे I
चित्त मळीन द्वारे द्वाड पड़े II
विषासाठी सर्पा भयाभीत लोक I
हे तो सकळीक जाणतसां II
तुका म्हणे काचें राहे कुळांकुड I
अवगुण तो नाड ज्याचा तया II

It is said that "No one is born without faults. He is the best who is plagued by the fewest."
In this composition Sant Tukaram Maharaj talks about our inherent shortcomings which become major hurdles on our journey of Self Realisation. He says, just like a budding shoot becomes useless if not watered, so is the worthlessness of the One who lacks patience and grit which are so necessary on the path of Self Quest. Hence the seeker of his True Self must follow the footsteps of a Spiritually Wise, to save him from otherwise aimless wandering.
In a meaningful analogy Sant Tukaram Maharaj says, just like a snake is feared due to poison inherent in it, the ingrained faults in us block our path to self improvement. He says, just like wood of a partially grown tree doesn't impart required strength to it, the unimproved faults in us remain as major roadblocks on our journey of Self Realisation.
Summing up Sant Tukaram Maharaj says, never blame the heart for your shortcomings. The heart never demands anything, it beats for each thing you desire. The choices remain yours."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरुचरणार्पणमस्तु II

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

संसाराचे धांवे वेठी I
आवडी पोटी केवढी II
हागो जाता दगड सांची I
अंतरीही संकल्प II
लाज तेवढी नारायणी I
वाकडी वाड़ी पोरांपे II
तुका म्हणे बेशरमा I
श्रमावरी पड़िभरु II

"In this composition Sant Tukaram Maharaj talks about the One immersed so deeply in his worldly chores that he remembers everything else but GOD. He says this loss of memory however costs him dearly of which he remains unaware until its too late to do anything about it.
He says, one of the foremost things that happens to the One who forgets GOD is that he considers himself as the Doer, when he is not. The sense of Doership instills the illusion that everything is in his hands and he is the master of his destiny, when in reality he is merely a puppet dancing to the tune of his destiny or Prarabdha which is inevitable.
Sant Tukaram Maharaj says, the spell cast by Maya, the Mistress of Illusion is so enchanting that One's mind lingers long on even the trivialities of worldly living. Day and night he remains absorbed in making plans about his life, forgetting that life is what happens to us while we are making other plans.
Sant Tukaram Maharaj says, as soon as One is born, he comes in the grip of "I am the body" idea which is itself an illusion or That Which Is Not. The root cause of all our sufferings is this ignorance which makes us believe in everything related to our body as real, when it is not.
He says, one of the great paradox is that when on one side One feels ashamed of uttering GOD's Name who is the Real Doer, the Eternal Truth, he addresses his son as " My Son", thus drowning him in the self created abyss of attachment which is an illusion.
Summing up Sant Tukaram Maharaj condemns One who assumes himself as master of his fate, when he conveniently forgets that in reality nothing is in his hands. He says, the only thing we can do is not forget to pray tonight because GOD didn't forget to wake us up this morning."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम Ii

II श्रीसद्गुरुचरणार्पणमस्तु II

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

ढेकणाचे संगे हिरा जो भंगला I
कुसंगे नाडला साधु तैसा II
ओढाळाच्या संगे सात्विक नासली I
क्षण एक नाडली समागमे II
डांकाचे संगती सोने हीन झाले I
मोल ते तुटले लक्ष कोड़ी II
विषाने पक्वाने गोड कडू झाली I
कुसंगाने केली तैसी परी II
भावें तुका म्हणे सत्संग हा बरा I
कुसंग हा फेरा चौऱ्यांशीचा II

It is said that "Nothing perhaps affects man's character more than the company he keeps."
In this composition Sant Tukaram Maharaj cautions the seeker on the journey of Self Realisation to be wary of the company he keeps, for they are the reflection of who he is, or who he wants to be.
Illustrating with beautiful analogies he says, a diamond may not fall apart if struck by a hammer but crumbles much easily if touched by the blood of a bed bug. In other words bad company corrupts good character.
He says, a morally upright woman may get swayed from her ideals if she keeps a company of an unchaste woman.
In another analogy Sant Tukaram Maharaj says, impurities significantly reduce the  purity of gold thus fetching much lesser value to it than otherwise.
He says, just like sweetness of delicacy lessens if it is mixed with poison, the mind of a good man is muddled in the company of an evil minded person.
Summing up Sant Tukaram Maharaj says, bad company needs to be always shunned, for that which has bad beginning will most likely have bad ending. He says, only if One follows the footsteps of a Self Realised Soul, there is a ray of hope in the otherwise gloom of endless suufferings, for a pious company and a good discourse are the very sinews of virtue."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरुचरणार्पणमस्तु II

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

बहु प्रकार गव्हाचे I
जिव्हा नाचे आवडी II
सरले तरी आवडी नवी I
सिंधु दावी तरंग II
घेतले घ्यावे वेळोवेळा I
माय बाळा न विसंबे II
तुका म्हणे रस वचनी I
पड़ताळूनि सेवितसे II

"It is said that "The repeatitive recitation of GOD's Name is like the chisel stroke that releases the image of GOD imprisoned in marble bit by bit."
 In this composition Sant Tukaram Maharaj talks about the incessant Name Worship of GOD, for like sugar, it's sweetness never fades and contentment that emanates from its every next recital is as unique as when One uttered it the first time. He says, it never happens that we refuse to eat sugar just because we know that it is sweet, for every next time is a new experience which is as enjoyable as before. More than substance, it is our longing to it that gives every next experience the novelty
Illustrating with beautiful analogy Sant Tukaram Maharaj says, though variety of delicacies are made from wheat, each is known by its unique taste. Similarly every next utterance of GOD's Name induces a desire to experience the Truth, to glimpse the beauty that is GOD and to taste the Bliss that is Self.
In another analogy Sant Tukaram Maharaj says, just like a mother cradles her child again and again and rejoices the babble of child with joy without getting tired of it, the incessant Name Worship of GOD is an attempt to comprehend the incomprehensible, for nothing is impossible if One holds intense longing to GOD from within."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरुचरणार्पणमस्तु II

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

उचिताचा काळ I
साधावया युक्तिबळ I
आपले सकळ I
ते प्रसंगी पाहिजे II
नेम नाही लाभ हानी I
अवचित घड़ती दोनी I
विचारुनि मनी I
पाहिजे ते प्रयोजावे II
जाळा जाळा काळे I
करपो नेदावे आगळेे  I
जेविता वेगळे I
ज्याचे त्याचे तेथे शोभे II
पाळी नांगर पाभारी I
तन निवडुनि सोकरी I
तुका म्हणे धरी I
सेज जमा शेवटी II

"One is not truly rewarded unless he does right thing at the right time in the right way. In this composition Sant Tukaram Maharaj says, as such if we keep waiting for the ideal time, chances are that there will never be. And hence we must make the best use of what we have when we still have it. He says, through multitude of lifetimes of innumerable species, getting a human birth is a rare occasion. It offers a unique opportunity for One to seek Liberation. He says, our life is like a rollercoaster ride full of twists and turns, which will end abruptly without giving us any chance to know what exactly happened. Our life is half spent before we know what it is. Life rarely works according to plan. Surprises often await us and appear catching us unawares. He says, taking appropriate measure conducive to the circumstances is the call of the day so that then only there is no danger of deviating from One's chosen path. Ilustrating with beautiful analogy Sant Tukaram Maharaj says, there is no substitute to fire for cooking food, however once cooked One must refrain from heating it further to avoid it from charring. The sense of when One should apply heat to cook the food and when he should withdraw it is the sense of discrimination which makes us human beings ideal to seek Liberation, for it is the key to make use of our limited earthly resources for the Highest Reward.
Illustrating the importance of timing and accordingly the appropriate action he gives analogy of sequence of events during farming, each step having a significance of its own, yet a vital part in the overall process of farming. He says, seeds are sown in a well ploughed field. One needs to cut the unwanted grass accompanying the crop for it to flourish. Reaping the harvest at the appropriate time and storing the grains safely for future use gives a farmer fulfillment from within. Similarly One must walk on the path of Self Realisation slowly but steadily, understanding the worth of each of his step, for big things happen when One does the little things right."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम Ii

II श्रीसद्गुरुचरणार्पणमस्तु II

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

भांडवल माझे लटिक्याचे गाठी I
उदिमासी तुटी यावी हेचि II
कैसी तुझी वाट पाहो कोणा तोंडे I
भोवताले भांडे गर्भवास II
बहु खाणिचिया रंगलोसे रंगे I
सुष्ट दुष्ट अंगे धरुनिया II
बहुतांचे बहु पालटलो साळे I
बहु आले काळे रंग अंगा II
उकलुनी नये दाविता अंतर I
घडिचा पदर सारुनिया II
तुका म्हणे आता करी गोळ्या साठी I
आपणा पालटी संगे देवा II

"In this composition Sant Tukaram Maharaj implores GOD to accept him as he is, with all his inconsistencies.
He says, he is aware that "I am the body" idea which he holds dearly is itself an illusion and will never give him true happiness. But its grip is so powerful that he is unble to resist it despite being aware of its futility.
He says, he is aware that unless he makes a conscious effort, he cannot break free from the vicious circle of deaths and rebirths. These repeated sufferings are the culmination of effects of his actions in his past lives. He says, his present life has subtle undertones of his personalities in his past lives and the changes he has undergone in his past lives. Their cumulative effect is that certain negative traits assert on him more prominently in his present life. He says, the filth he carries inside is so obnoxious that he doesn't want GOD to see it, for if revealed he is sure he stands no chance of being accepted by GOD.
Summing up Sant Tukaram Maharaj says, just like One is unable to get  inner feel of a neatly folded rich garment by unfolding just one of its folds, he implores GOD to show him the right path without bothering to look inside his bodily garment which is full of filth though appears attractive superficially. He says, realisation that he has nothing to offer but a genuine urge to do so is a way to seek GOD's mercy, for GOD never forsakes the One who surrenders to Him unconditionally."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरुचरणार्पणमस्तु II

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

आपुल्याचा भोत चाटी I
मारी करंटीं पारख्या II
ऐसे जन भुलले देवा I
मिथ्या हेवा वाढवी II
गळ गिळी आमिषे मासा I
प्राण आशा घेतला II
तुका म्हणे बोकड मोहो I
धरी पहा हो खाटिकाचा II

"The Illusion of Duality makes us believe that there is a separate world all around us. We are bewitched by Maya, the Mistress of Illusion, to become slave of worldly attachments. It is like being compelled to believe in "That Which Is Not." In this composition Sant Tukaram Maharaj talks about our false notion of seeking perpetual happiness from "That Which Is Not."
Illustrating with meaningful analogies he says, the maternal Attachment makes a cow lick the straw stuffed skin of her dead calf assuming life in it while the same cow resists a calf of some other cow ferociously. Be it her dead calf or an other alive one, it's the play of her Attachment that compels her to react accordingly. Sant Tukaram Maharaj says, Attachment points to Two-ness which is in itself an illusion in the Eternal Oneness of Supreme Consciousness. And hence we cannot get true happiness from "That Which Is Not."
In another analogy Sant Tukaram Maharaj says, more than the bait at the end of fishing rod, it is the Temptation that does the most damage. The desire of fish to get "That Which Is Not" becomes it's death warrant.
Sant Tukaram Maharaj says, a goat is unaware of real intentions of his master who has nourished him and loved him for different purpose. However it is the reciprocating Attachment of the animal to his master that becomes the reason of his downfall. In other words it is the Attachment in different perspectives that becomes the root cause of all our sufferings.
Summing up Sant Tukaram Maharaj says, desire is like a two edged sword. It is up to us how we wish to make use of it. The sword edge of material pursuits will keep us forever in the bondage of repeated sufferings, while if we use the edge of Desire of GOD, it will surely drive us on our journey of Self Realisation. The choice is ours in every moment."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरुचरणार्पणमस्तु II

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

साकरेच्या योगे वर्ख I
राजा कागदाते देखे II
तैसे आम्हा मनुष्यपण I
रामनाम केण्यागुणे II
फ़िरंगीच्या योगे करी I
राजा काष्ट हाती धरी II
रत्नकनक योगे लाख I
कंठी धारिती श्रीमंत लोक II
देवा देवपाट I
देव्हाऱ्यावरी बैसे स्पष्ट II
ब्रम्हानंदयोगे तुका I
पढवितां जन लोकां II

"In this composition Sant Tukaram Maharaj talks about what makes an otherwise ordinary, an extraordinary.
Illustrating with beautiful analogies he says, a King cares little for the silver foil that decorates food, but the same silver foil gets his attention when he savours a sugar coated delicacy wrapped in it.
Sant Tukaram Maharaj says, among innumerable species only human being possesses a sense of discrimination which makes him realise the importance of reciting Holy Ram Nam, for it is the Name Worship of GOD which gives his humaneness an extraordinary touch above all.
He says, an otherwise ordinary wood which a King will not even glance at, becomes valuable when it makes his grip firm while holding the hilt of his sword.
Sant Tukaram Maharaj says, an otherwise ordinary Lacquer (लाख) gets the limelight when rich flaunt their gold and diamond jewellery coated with it.
He says, an otherwise ordinary wooden or metal platform used in the inner sanctum of temple where GOD is worshipped, doesn't remain untouched by Divinity.
Summing up Sant Tukaram Maharaj says, the thing which makes a Self Realised Soul distinct from those living mundane life is that, an Ecstasy of being One with GOD makes a Self Realised Soul free from biases and hence liked by all."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरुचरणार्पणमस्तु II

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

अनुभवे वदे वाणी I
अंतर ध्यानी आपुले II
कैची चिका दूधा चवी I
जरी दावी पांढरे II
जाती ऐसा दावी रंग I
बहु जग या नांव II
तुका म्हणे खद्योत ते I
ढुंगाभोवतें आपुलिया II

"In this composition Sant Tukaram Maharaj says, just like blessings pronounced without love are worthless so is the devotion to GOD without contemplation. He says, colostrum is milk fluid produced by cow after giving birth to her newborn, before the true milk appears. Though both are white in colour, the subtle taste of colostrum stands nowhere compared to genuine sweetness of milk.
Sant Tukaram Maharaj says, just like all that glitters is not gold, not everything that looks precious or true turns out to be so. It is the experience that gives the thing its real worth and not merely its looks.
Illustrating with beautiful analogy he says, every firefly has its night, but it never has its day.
Summing up Sant Tukaram Maharaj says, the essence of devotion is contemplation of GOD. He says, we know Him by love and when we experience Divine love, we know who and what He is."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरुचरणार्पणमस्तु II

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

क्षणक्षणा हाचि करावा विचार I
तरावया पार भवसिंधु II
नाशवंत देह जाणार सकळ I
आयुष्य खातों काळ सावधान II
संतसमागमी धरावी आवडी I
करावी तांतड़ी परमार्थी II
तुका म्हणे इहलोकिंच्या वेव्हारें I
नये डोळे धुरे भरूनी राहों II

"Among the innumerable species, this rare human birth is in itself a unique blessing in the arduous journey through countless births. In this composition Sant Tukaram Maharaj implores us to exercise caution of not wasting this precious human birth, an opportunity to seek Liberation, by chasing frivolous material pursuits. He says, the human being is rewarded with a unique ability of sense of discrimination which allows him to differentiate between what is good and what is hazardous on his journey of Self Realisation.
Sant Tukaram Maharaj says, the cumulative effects of all our actions in our past lives, positive or negative, are believed to be accumulated in Sanchit Karma. He calls it an Ocean of Karma. The mind of the seeker needs to be preoccupied by the thought of finding the ways to stop the constant refilling of the basket of Sanchit Karma, for there is no way out of the endless cycle of deaths and rebirths till One transcends across this Ocean of Oceans.
Sant Tukaram Maharaj says, we say we understand that life is fleeting, but we act as though it is endless. He says, the trouble is we think we have time when we do not. This rare human birth is like a passing mist, like trying to catch hold of a breath, for all vanishes like a vapour and it is absolutely unforgiven when One wastes his rare human birth on mere material aquisitions.
Sant Tukaram Maharaj says, the seeker must feel the need to be in the vicinity of a Spiritual Master, a Self Realised Soul who will initiate him on spiritual path and without whom there will be only aimless wandering.
Summing up Sant Tukaram Maharaj says, a conscious effort to make this precious human birth worthwhile is all that matters on the journey of Self Realisation. And hence he says, be not afraid of going slowly, but be afraid only of standing still."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरुचरणार्पणमस्तु II

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

देह मृत्युचे भातुके I
कळो आले कवतुके II
काय मानियेले सार I
हेचि वाटते आश्चर्य II
नाना भोगांची संचिते I
करुनि ठेविलें आहते II
तुका म्हणे कोड़ी I
उगवू न सकती बापुड़ी II

"In the cacophony of worldly living we tend to forget that our most valuable resource, our body, which we proudly address as "I" is dwindling with every passing moment. But the spell cast by Maya, the Mistress of Illusion compels us to pamper our body consciousness so much that we succomb to its enticements even when we know from within that it is a trap. It is like we know but we are compelled to act otherwise. In this composition Sant Tukaram Maharaj talks about inevitability of endless cycle of death and rebirth unless we make a conscious effort to break free from this vicious circle. He says, Death, the predator is on the prowl and will swallow our body anytime, most likely catching us unawares. We understand this but still get carried away by the powerful pull of sense gratification as if it is beyond our control.
Sant Tukaram Maharaj says, the effects of all our Karma, positive or negative, from our past lives is believed to be stored in the basket of Sanchit Karma. We will continue to take birth again and again till all the Sanchit Karma is expended. In other words, our bodily birth has no end till we make a conscious effort to stop the constant accumulation of Sanchit Karma. Doing everything assuming that not we, but only GOD is the Doer is the only way to stop the incessant refilling of basket of Sanchit Karma. In other words reciting GOD's Name with every action is a slow but steady way to be free from the bondage of "I am the body" idea which further leads to Liberation.
Summing up Sant Tukaram Maharaj says, there is no way out of the labyrinths of repeated sufferings  unless One makes a conscious revolt against the oppressing regime of "I am the body" idea."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरुचरणार्पणमस्तु II