Sant Tukaram Bhakti Teachings
Journey of Surrender: The profound spiritual devotion that continues to inspire seekers worldwide
The Journey of Surrender
Life’s journey can feel like a long, winding road of burdens and distractions. In such times, the teachings of Sant Tukaram Maharaj shine like a guiding light. This 17th-century poet-saint encourages us to surrender to God (Hari Sharanagati) as the path to true peace.
His abhangs—soulful devotional songs—speak of life as it is: full of loss, longing, love and the quiet grace of surrender. Tukaram’s words remind us that real peace and spiritual transformation often begin when we lay down our ego and trust the Divine.
For modern people plagued by anxiety and busyness, his message is more relevant than ever: surrendering to God turns turmoil into tranquility. In essence, Tukaram says, “Instead of wrestling with life, flow with God.” When we drop our ego and lift our hearts to God, our inner burdens become unexpectedly lighter.
Sant Tukaram: A Life of Loss and Love
Sant Tukaram Maharaj’s life was marked by deep tragedy and deep devotion. Born into a farming community in Maharashtra, he worked the land, raised a family, and carried an ordinary man’s dreams. But fate dealt harsh blows: a crippling famine of 1629 destroyed his farm and bankrupted him, even claiming the lives of his beloved first wife and young son.
Instead of allowing grief to harden his heart, Tukaram transformed his pain into praise. In other words, he saw that clinging to the ego only creates suffering; letting go is what makes the heart spacious.
Rather than dwelling on loss, Tukaram opened his heart wider. As he wrote, “My cart is light now. I have thrown away all but love.” This beautiful image shows that once anger, greed and fear fell away, only love remained.
The Power of Surrender (Hari Sharanagati)
In Tukaram’s Bhakti yoga, surrender is not defeat but liberation. To surrender to God (Hari Sharanagati) means “Let go of all forms of duty and fully surrender yourself.” This teaching from the Bhagavad Gita promises that giving up self-will will bring liberation from fear and sin.
Tukaram lived this truth. In one poignant abhang he offered himself at God’s feet as a final offering, shouting out “Harihar!” with relief. He wrote, “O Lord, I have offered myself as Pinda…I am now released from the ancestral debt…my burden is now lightened.”
Psychologically, this switch from “I must handle everything” to “I trust God’s plan” brings immediate relief. Tukaram likens it to releasing a clenched fist: only when we un-clench (let go of ego-grip) do our palms open to receive divine blessings.
The Transformative Naam Japa
Another jewel in Tukaram’s path is Naam Japa – the repetition of God’s Name. Tukaram was a passionate practitioner. After his life’s crises, he received a simple mantra in a dream: “Rama Krishna Hari.” He clung to this Name like a drowning man to a life raft.
Tukaram taught that constant remembrance of the Divine Name was more potent than any ritual or study. He considered nama-smarana (recollection of the Name) one of the quickest routes to God. He explained that hearing or chanting God’s Name “saves one from evil company, curbs the ego and brings one closer to Him.”
Each repetition is like a steady breath of devotion entering the heart. Psychologically, Nama Japa shifts our focus. It is akin to a mantra therapy: the simple act of repeating a sacred word can calm the nervous system, block anxious thoughts, and center the mind on something pure.
The Grace of Satsang (Holy Company)
Bhakti is rarely a solitary journey. Tukaram strongly taught the value of satsang – keeping company with saints, seekers, and scripture. Sat-sang literally means “association (sang) with truth (satya).”
Tukaram urged seekers to take the “company of saints” as a key practice. In his day, he attracted villagers to sing abhangas of Lord Vitthala together at the Pandharpur temple. Tukaram saw that this collective devotion lifted everyone’s spirit.
Psychologists note this too: like-minded company gives us strength. Just as a struggling climber is bolstered by a cheering group, a sincere seeker is emboldened by satsang. In grief or doubt, recalling a verse sung in satsang or a saint’s counsel can bring comfort and clarity.
Practical Steps: Living the Teachings
Morning Surrender
Begin each day by mentally offering your plans and concerns to God. A simple prayer like “Thy will, not mine” sets a tone of trust.
Nama Japa Routine
Dedicate a few minutes each day to chanting a sacred Name. Use a mala (prayer beads) to help maintain focus during repetition.
Regular Satsang
Join a devotional community (in person or online). Attend temple bhajans, kirtans, or scripture study groups consistently.
Seva (Selfless Service)
Offer your time or skills without expecting reward. Each act of kindness surrenders a bit of ego and opens us to grace.
Grace Flows Abundantly
Sant Tukaram’s heartfelt path shows us that divine grace is ever-present—especially when our ego steps aside. By surrendering to God, we find burdens lifting and hearts filling. In his songs, Tukaram proclaims, “I asked for nothing. He gave me everything. Now I live in His joy.”
In practice, surrender is a paradoxical gain. We might think we’re losing control, but actually we’re joining hands with a more powerful Guide. Tukaram’s life is a living example: he stopped struggling and started singing, and his soul took flight.
Embrace these teachings by making small shifts—trusting that God is with you even in the smallest tasks. Over time, you’ll discover that surrender does not leave you empty; it fills you with peace, clarity and lasting joy.
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