The Poet-Saints of Maharashtra

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Saint Tukarama of Maharashtra (1598 - 1650), a Light as well as Sound

Mystic

 

From, "Mysticism In India - The Poet-Saints of Maharashtra," R.D. Ranade,

SUNY Press:

 

LIGHT

 

Tukarama was a photic as well as an audile mystic, like all the other

great mystics of the world. This is evident from the way in which he

describes his Light and Sound experiences. "The whole world has now become

alight, and darkness is at an end. There is no space for me to hide

myself........The

day of Truth has come, and its spread is now beyond measure. For the

sake of his life, says Tuka, he has won his goal." (Abg. 2556) "God,"

he says, "shines like the Light of a million moons..........Tuka says

that his vision is now satisfied, and refuses to return from its cynosure."

(Abg. 4026) It is impossible for him, says Tukarama elsewhere, to describe

the bliss of unceasing illumination. "Thou art our kind and affectionate

Mother, O God, and bearest all our burdens. We know no fear, nor any

anxiety......I cannot know the night from day, and the unceasing illumination

exists at all times. How shall I be able to describe the great bliss

I enjoy? I have worn the ornaments of Thy Names, and by Thy power nothing

is lacking to me." (Abg. 4083)

 

SOUND

 

Tukarama also describes how he was hearing the Mystic Sound all the while.

"God has really favored me" he says. "My doubts and delirium are at an

end. God and Self are now lying on the same bed within me. Tukarama now

sleeps in his own Form, and Mystic Bells lull him to sleep." (Abg. 3252)

"I have been in tune with the Infinite......I can hardly find words to

describe the happiness.........Both my exterior and interior are filled

with Divine bliss, says Tuka." (Abg. 1039)

 

 

 

 

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