Tukaram, Poem 1308

If you play with one earnest impulse, you will not fall into the snare; if you attend to two things at once, you will be taken in, my brother! You will be wearied out by the whirl of the three qualities, so attach yourself to these four! Finish the play and stand aloof, for you must give up the passion for pleasures. This is how to be leader in the game, be assured, my brother! There was a tailor’s boy, Nama, who played in it; Vitthala made him a leader. He taught his playmates how to play well together, so he kept his side unconquered; a side that plays well together never loses; the saints honour it. Dnyaneshwar, Muktabai, Wateshwar, Wasangadeva, Sopana, these all play rejoicing. The cowherds made Kanho a leader; they dance around him joyfully. Those who play well together, Brahma and the other gods fall at their feet! Rama was a leader, Kabir a player, a stout pair they were! His five companions formed one group; in that company an excellent music was devised; Brahma and the other gods, in agreement with each other, chose this game. Eka, the Brahmana’s boy, was a devout player; he made the people fond of the game; he made Janardana his leader; he brought together a band of Vaishnavas. He plays with one steady impulse, so men have made him their leader. Other players have passed away; I have no speech to describe them. Tuka says, O comrades, play skilfully, thinking of service to those who will follow you; he who fails to play this game well will fall into the gambling games of the world.