Hinduism

Tukaram, Poem 1306

He sets the two sides opposite each other, Jiva and Siva, Diversity and Unity; so they meet on common ground. One player cries “Sututu”; he looks back to his friends for help; see if there is a strong fellow behind you; break away from those before you. A good player looks out for the line; a rash player is tossed down to hell. A strong stout boy plays well; he goes on while his breath lasts; a drone gets caught; one whose breath lasts well is a good player. He wins who keeps looking round him; one who trusts to weak support gets caught. Play on, brother, in your own strength, never heeding the help of others. Tuka says, I am no player; wherever I go, I put up with what I meet.

Source The Poems of Tukârâma, trad. J. Nelson Fraser et K. B. Marathe, 3 vol., 1909-1915, archive.org · Contents