Tukaram’s Shop is Looted
One day, as usual, Tukaram’s shop was looted by miscreants while he was away with a group of pilgrims to Pandharpur. His wife, Jijabai, gave him some jewels and asked him to mortgage them to restock their provision store. He did so, collected the money, and was returning home when he encountered a group of beggars singing about Vitthal. Feeling moved, he distributed the money to them and returned home empty-handed.
Tukaram’s Devotion and Jijabai’s Struggle
Tukaram was deeply devoted to Vitthal and was always absorbed in chanting, singing, and dancing with tears in his eyes. He did not care for materialistic matters. Knowing this, Jijabai, understanding her husband’s nature, took up household work in the locality to feed their children.
One morning, Tukaram saw Jijabai leaving for work and asked where she was going. She explained the financial situation and her need to earn money. Feeling bad, Tukaram promised to find work and support the family. He set out to find a job but faced a peculiar challenge. Everyone he approached recognized him as a saint and offered him free provisions, considering it an honor to serve him. Tukaram, however, did not want to accept charity.
Tukaram Finds Work
Realizing it was difficult to find work in Dehu, he decided to seek employment in a neighboring village. There, he met an old man with a large field and asked for work. The old man, liking Tukaram, asked him to guard the field from birds and animals for the next two months. Tukaram agreed and was given some grains to take home to his family.
Tukaram’s Devotion Leads to Problems
Tukaram, lost in devotion, saw every animal and bird as a manifestation of Vitthal and did not chase them away. He spent his time singing abhangs, oblivious to the damage being done to the crops.
After two months, the old man returned to find his field destroyed. Angry, he confronted Tukaram, who sincerely apologized, explaining that he hadn’t noticed the destruction. The old man demanded compensation for the Rs. 2000 loss. Tukaram, having no money, begged the old man not to take him to the king, as the king was Shivaji, his disciple, who would pay the debt on his behalf.
The Old Man’s Realization
The old man, upon realizing he was speaking to the great saint Tukaram, prostrated before him and apologized for his harsh words. He then gave Tukaram a load of sugarcane to sell and support his family.
Tukaram’s Generosity
Tukaram, happy with the sugarcane, set off for home. Jijabai, delighted to hear that her husband had earned something, asked him to go to the market and buy provisions. On the way, Tukaram visited the temple, where children eagerly asked for the sugarcane. Moved by their requests, he distributed all the sugarcane to the children and joined them in singing and dancing.
Jijabai’s Frustration and Realization
When he returned home empty-handed, Jijabai asked if he had sold the sugarcane. Tukaram explained that he had given it to the children. Angry, Jijabai scolded him, but he smiled and gave her the last remaining sugarcane.
In a fit of frustration, Jijabai hit him with the sugarcane, breaking it into two. Tukaram smiled and said that Vitthal had divided the sugarcane equally between them using her hands and his back. This made Jijabai realize the depth of Tukaram’s devotion and saintliness. She prostrated before him, apologized, and recognized his divine connection with Vitthal.
Reflection on the Story
Unwavering Devotion and Spiritual Priorities:
- Tukaram’s actions reflect his unwavering devotion to Vitthal, prioritizing spiritual matters over material concerns. His life is a testament to the transformative power of sincere devotion.
Challenges of Worldly Responsibilities:
- Jijabai’s struggle highlights the challenges faced by those living with deeply spiritual individuals who may not conform to societal norms and responsibilities. It shows the balance needed between spiritual devotion and worldly duties.
Divine Intervention and Support:
- The story demonstrates that divine intervention and support come to those who are sincerely devoted. Tukaram’s unwavering faith in Vitthal brings about solutions in unexpected ways.
Generosity and Selflessness:
- Tukaram’s generosity, giving away the mortgaged money and sugarcane, teaches the importance of selflessness and trust in divine providence. His actions show that material possessions are secondary to spiritual fulfillment.
Transformation through Understanding:
- Jijabai’s eventual understanding and acceptance of Tukaram’s nature reflect the journey from frustration to spiritual insight. It underscores the importance of recognizing and respecting the spiritual path of loved ones.
Lessons to Be Learned
- The Power of Devotion:
- Sincere devotion and faith in God can lead to divine intervention and support in times of need.
- Balancing Spiritual and Worldly Responsibilities:
- While deep spiritual devotion is admirable, it is essential to find a balance with worldly responsibilities to ensure the well-being of oneself and one’s family.
- Generosity and Selflessness:
- True spirituality involves generosity and selflessness, trusting that divine providence will take care of material needs.
- Understanding and Compassion:
- It is important to understand and respect the spiritual journeys of others, recognizing that their actions, though seemingly impractical, may have deeper significance.
- Trust in Divine Providence:
- Trusting in divine providence can lead to unexpected solutions and blessings, even in challenging situations.
Conclusion
In summary, this story of Tukaram and the sugarcane teaches us about unwavering faith, the importance of balancing spiritual and worldly duties, the power of generosity, and the transformative impact of understanding and compassion in relationships. Tukaram’s life and actions serve as a profound example of how devotion, humility, and practical wisdom are interwoven on the path to spiritual realization.
