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One Hundred Poems of Tukaram
Seeker of Spirituality? Lover of Exquisite Poetry? Look No Beyond "One Hundred Poems of Tukaram"!
This book is a collection of selected poems of Tukaram, the greatest poet from India, who finely blends worldly wisdom with spirituality.
Though written in the seventeenth century, Tukaram's poetry hold its
relevance in our own twenty-first century that is facing so many
self-created evils! These poems will heal your bruised mind with their
spiritual touch and at the same time enrich it with their worldly
wisdom! Much needed fine balance indeed!!!
Tukaram was a seventeenth century Indian poet who challenged the norms of the day, whether literary, social or religious in his poems that not only energized a decaying society but also influenced the centuries to come. Tukaram's poetry hold its rejuvenating powers even in the turbulent times of our own twenty-first century. One Hundred Poems of Tukaram is a translation of selected poems of this visionary poet who makes his reader see every aspect of life in a new light, enabling them to rethink the whole world in more positive terms.
While reading Tukaram, one gets an eerie feeling that Tukaram is a contemporary poet, that the content of his poems is of the present times, that he writes for the current generations. Thus we come across in his poems all that angst that we today experience on seeing innocent people suffering at the hands of the terrorists, when he
"Eyes cannot bear to see
Such is the devastation
Pains of others grieve
My heart"
It hardly matters that Tukaram is writing in this poem about the horrific droughts of his times that wiped out an entire generation; this becomes an expression of my heart writhing in pain seeing the images of the thousands of Nigerians killed in the Boko Haram attack. It hardly matters that Tukaram is talking about a nature-inflicted calamity, while our miseries today are self-inflicted. Tukaram's words catch hold of our aching nerve like no contemporary of ours can.
This book is a collection of selected poems of Tukaram, the greatest poet from India, who finely blends worldly wisdom with spirituality.
Though written in the seventeenth century, Tukaram's poetry hold its
relevance in our own twenty-first century that is facing so many
self-created evils! These poems will heal your bruised mind with their
spiritual touch and at the same time enrich it with their worldly
wisdom! Much needed fine balance indeed!!!
Tukaram was a seventeenth century Indian poet who challenged the norms of the day, whether literary, social or religious in his poems that not only energized a decaying society but also influenced the centuries to come. Tukaram's poetry hold its rejuvenating powers even in the turbulent times of our own twenty-first century. One Hundred Poems of Tukaram is a translation of selected poems of this visionary poet who makes his reader see every aspect of life in a new light, enabling them to rethink the whole world in more positive terms.
While reading Tukaram, one gets an eerie feeling that Tukaram is a contemporary poet, that the content of his poems is of the present times, that he writes for the current generations. Thus we come across in his poems all that angst that we today experience on seeing innocent people suffering at the hands of the terrorists, when he
"Eyes cannot bear to see
Such is the devastation
Pains of others grieve
My heart"
It hardly matters that Tukaram is writing in this poem about the horrific droughts of his times that wiped out an entire generation; this becomes an expression of my heart writhing in pain seeing the images of the thousands of Nigerians killed in the Boko Haram attack. It hardly matters that Tukaram is talking about a nature-inflicted calamity, while our miseries today are self-inflicted. Tukaram's words catch hold of our aching nerve like no contemporary of ours can.
135 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 4, 2015
7 people are currently reading
107 people want to read
About the author
Chandrakant Kaluram Mhatre
7 books39 followersChandrakant Kaluram Mhatre (MA, BEd, MPhil, PGDT, ST, NET) is a professional translator from Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra. His book One Hundred Poems of Chokha Mela is a prescribed text for MA (Hon) in English programme of the University of Mumbai. Some of his other books include One Hundred Poems of Tukaram, The Autobiography of Sant Bahinabai & Niwadak Sant Chokha Mela (Marathi). Presently, apart from translating Marathi Bhakti Poetry into English, he is leading a team of proofreaders working on Sitaram Mhatre Foundation’s “Bhakti Literature in Unicode” Project. For more information, please visit: https://www.sitarammhatre.foundation/...
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
May 19, 2015
The destitute and the downtrodden
Who considers as his own
He alone is to be recognised as Saint
God is to be experienced only there with
Chandrakant Kaluram Mhatre has done a commendable job by creating an easy to understand yet poetically beautiful translation of the works of Tukaram.
I am deeply grateful to the author who has introduced me to the world of Varkari Sants, Marathi segments of Bhakti movement and to the life and poems of Sant Tukaram. I applaud the author in taking up so huge a responsibility of translating and making these beautiful poems from Tukaram available for those who cannot read Marathi.
The detailed introduction section by the author made it possible for me to learn about the Varkari religious movement, the social environment that prevailed Maharashtra during this time period and the ways in which Sant Tukaram questioned the evils of then society like caste hierarchy and untouchability with his beautiful little gems of poems.
The poems that are chosen by the author in this compilation for translation focuses on various aspects of our life and are varying on their theme and this gives the reader a chance to enjoy the range and depth of Tukaram's poetry. The only suggestion i have to the author is that a simple commentary on each poem from the author added as a footnote would have given us more insights into the inner meanings that Tukaram has packed into each of his poems.
Reading Tukaram will make the reader enjoy his life more by making him love everything that surrounds him. Tukaram's poems were created with the intent of defying the passage of time and this translation will be adding to that mission.
Footnote: The book had me so hooked to the topic that it induced me to know more about the time period and made me research more about the 17th Century Maratha, the life of the farmers during that period, the terrible famine of the 1620s and the political upraising under Shivaji.
Who considers as his own
He alone is to be recognised as Saint
God is to be experienced only there with
Chandrakant Kaluram Mhatre has done a commendable job by creating an easy to understand yet poetically beautiful translation of the works of Tukaram.
I am deeply grateful to the author who has introduced me to the world of Varkari Sants, Marathi segments of Bhakti movement and to the life and poems of Sant Tukaram. I applaud the author in taking up so huge a responsibility of translating and making these beautiful poems from Tukaram available for those who cannot read Marathi.
The detailed introduction section by the author made it possible for me to learn about the Varkari religious movement, the social environment that prevailed Maharashtra during this time period and the ways in which Sant Tukaram questioned the evils of then society like caste hierarchy and untouchability with his beautiful little gems of poems.
The poems that are chosen by the author in this compilation for translation focuses on various aspects of our life and are varying on their theme and this gives the reader a chance to enjoy the range and depth of Tukaram's poetry. The only suggestion i have to the author is that a simple commentary on each poem from the author added as a footnote would have given us more insights into the inner meanings that Tukaram has packed into each of his poems.
Reading Tukaram will make the reader enjoy his life more by making him love everything that surrounds him. Tukaram's poems were created with the intent of defying the passage of time and this translation will be adding to that mission.
Footnote: The book had me so hooked to the topic that it induced me to know more about the time period and made me research more about the 17th Century Maratha, the life of the farmers during that period, the terrible famine of the 1620s and the political upraising under Shivaji.
February 18, 2015
a good read. no better book than this to read Tukaram's Abhang in English. not just abhangs but the book also contains better insights of Tukaram and his contemporary.
May 19, 2015
Reviewed by Nandita Keshavan for Readers' Favorite
One Hundred Poems of Tukaram, translated by Chandrakant Mhatre, is a wonderful collection of poetry by a famous Indian saint, Tukaram. The book features an introduction which describes the style, context, and language of Tukaram's poetry. The context covers the deity he worshipped, main events in his life, and the events leading to him becoming a saint. In many poems, Tukaram praises and longs for his beloved deity, Vittal, a form of Krishna.
However, his poetry is unique since he wrote in the colloquial language of his region, rather than in Sanskritized Marathi. In doing this, he removes the impression of being learned, and his verses achieve a more down to earth style. His depth of love for God is widespread in his poetry, and this contrasts with his distaste for those who accumulate wealth, avoid spirituality and harbour a restless mind (“greatly wrongful excess is”/ “mind's restlessness makes even sandalwood scald body”).
Tukaram's verses are short but effective. Even in English, they carry an aphoristic power which would capture audiences if spoken aloud. There are universal truths in his verses which are laid bare for all to appreciate, since Tukaram was heavily opposed to class divisions and sincerely believed in a two-pronged approach to spirituality (“Protection of Dharma/ refutation of diabolism”). Aside from the world, Tukaram's devotion is about the individual soul merging with the Supreme soul, and this is beautiful to see expressed in verse (Fire and camphor coupling, does there remain any soot?). The poem “So much better O Lord” captures effectively the response of a devotee to losses and poverty. It's difficult to do justice to the depth and breadth of Tukaram's poetry in a short review. I highly recommend it to people interested in aphoristic spiritual poetry with true devotion.
One Hundred Poems of Tukaram, translated by Chandrakant Mhatre, is a wonderful collection of poetry by a famous Indian saint, Tukaram. The book features an introduction which describes the style, context, and language of Tukaram's poetry. The context covers the deity he worshipped, main events in his life, and the events leading to him becoming a saint. In many poems, Tukaram praises and longs for his beloved deity, Vittal, a form of Krishna.
However, his poetry is unique since he wrote in the colloquial language of his region, rather than in Sanskritized Marathi. In doing this, he removes the impression of being learned, and his verses achieve a more down to earth style. His depth of love for God is widespread in his poetry, and this contrasts with his distaste for those who accumulate wealth, avoid spirituality and harbour a restless mind (“greatly wrongful excess is”/ “mind's restlessness makes even sandalwood scald body”).
Tukaram's verses are short but effective. Even in English, they carry an aphoristic power which would capture audiences if spoken aloud. There are universal truths in his verses which are laid bare for all to appreciate, since Tukaram was heavily opposed to class divisions and sincerely believed in a two-pronged approach to spirituality (“Protection of Dharma/ refutation of diabolism”). Aside from the world, Tukaram's devotion is about the individual soul merging with the Supreme soul, and this is beautiful to see expressed in verse (Fire and camphor coupling, does there remain any soot?). The poem “So much better O Lord” captures effectively the response of a devotee to losses and poverty. It's difficult to do justice to the depth and breadth of Tukaram's poetry in a short review. I highly recommend it to people interested in aphoristic spiritual poetry with true devotion.
February 21, 2015
The book gives in depth knowledge about the life of Sant Tukaram and his contribution to Marathi Literature. The main focus of the book is to reach across the readers by simplifying the complex abhangs composed by Tukaram into a beautiful piece of poetry which could be understood even by the Layman. The selection of abhangs is aptly done as they focus on various aspects of life. The book well connects the reader with the Marathi Literature which encourages one to take up further reading of this kind.
April 23, 2015
Spiritually Enlightening Poetically Delightful
One Hundred Poems Tukaram is such a book that made me think for days after i had done reading it. That made me to reread it. And reread it again. And every single time i found something new in the book, that too on so many levels: spiritual, poetic, philosophical and so on. I could simply not keep the book out of my conscious mind even for a moment. And every time i revisited the lines of one poem or another, newer chambers of treasure got opened in front of me. This is simply THE book that one must read at least once in a day!
One Hundred Poems Tukaram is such a book that made me think for days after i had done reading it. That made me to reread it. And reread it again. And every single time i found something new in the book, that too on so many levels: spiritual, poetic, philosophical and so on. I could simply not keep the book out of my conscious mind even for a moment. And every time i revisited the lines of one poem or another, newer chambers of treasure got opened in front of me. This is simply THE book that one must read at least once in a day!
March 10, 2015
This is remarkably the best Tukaram’s translation I have ever read. Each Abhang has its own essence of spiritual touch and notably captures our minds. Despite the Abhang being of Tukaram’s times, I could very well relate it and apply to the current times and the situations of our society. It gives a strong message of metanoia for today’s modern life to each one of us in not just one way but Hundred ways!
February 26, 2015
As the first time reader of Tukaram's Abhang, One Hundred Poems of Tukaram was easy for me to understand. It not only gives information of Tukaram alone but widens our knowledge of Tukaram's life and writings and his contemporaries and Bhakti Literature as a whole. Any student interested in knowing about Tukaram does not have to look for a secondary source if they own this book.
March 18, 2015
It was a privilege to read this book. Glad to know that there are authors who can revive our land's culture and bring out the best for the young generations to live in. This book is so much better than any music could do to your soul. Such spirited Abhang of Tukaram would surely keep up the spirit of our land alive.
March 2, 2015
A very reliable book and handy to read Tukaram's Abhang in day to day life.
March 5, 2015
Best translated book of Tukaram's abhangs.
April 29, 2015
This is the BEST book that I have ever read on Sant Tukaram. The book gives very beautiful insights into Tukaram's life which are expressed exceptionally through all his abhangs. The book also helped me in growing as an individual, it taught me to care and nuture about the biotic and abiotic things in the nature. The poems are selected in such a fashion that they target every aspect of human nature, spirituality and the ecosytem.
March 19, 2015
Had a blissful journey of Indian Literature and Indian Spirituality while reading this book. Loved the way the word TUKA RAM has been depicted putting forth deeper meaning as the reader begins to read. The morning sunrise on the coverpage is also the ray of hope that one would receive after reading this book. For truly 'Words are Jewels' here!
March 2, 2015
This book made Tukaram more interesting and would love to read more of it. Not a fan of Indian Literature much but this book got me interested in reading more about Bhakti literature in particular. Great Work!
March 8, 2015
First few abhang of this book grasped my attention and I didn't know when I reached the last page of the book. Some of the abhang are quite musical and I kept humming them all through the day. Would like to have it everyday with me and keep Abhang of the day daily.
February 24, 2015
Superb book!
i loved the way author has presented the thoughts of Sant Tukaram.
i loved the way author has presented the thoughts of Sant Tukaram.
March 2, 2015
So far the best translation!
February 27, 2015
THE BEST BOOK!Though Tukaram has written four hundred years ago, the content of his work relates to present times and it will remain same for longest period of time which is a sign of great writing.Sometimes reading Tukaram's Abhangs in Marathi itself is difficult.Hats off to the efforts made for translation.In such writings,one has to work on both languages in order to develop content which is very challenging.There is less information written on Tukaram today.Thanks to the author for conveying Tukaram's greatness of thought through the book
May 2, 2015
I am glad to read this book. On the first page of the book its said that Tukaram wrote in common man's language which is Marathi instead of Sanskrit. Similarly the author also translated the beautiful poems of great Sant Tukaram in such simple and easy words that every common man can understand the abhangs. Reading this book not only upgraded my positive energy but also changed my perspective about my people. It is great to see that the author thought of spreading this Marathi Literature over millions of people across the globe. Eager to read more like this from the author...
March 6, 2015
Its a very good book to start to know more about Marathi Literature and the revolutionising Bhakti Movement. Translated perfectly in keeping mind the common crowd.
March 2, 2015
I was searching for a book like this. Thanks to the author who made Tukaram's Abhang easily accessible for those who cannot read in Marathi. Would love to read more of Tukaram's translated Abhang
March 2, 2015
Real essence of Tukaram's Abhang has been captivated in these translations. Surely recommended to all looking out to learn and know more about Tukaram.
March 2, 2015
A good book to read....
March 8, 2015
Happy to read Tukaram's Abhang. More worthy than any quotes could serve for today's life.
May 17, 2015
When I was in college I read several books of international literature but never anything from India, so when I received a request to review ONE HUNDRED POEMS OF TUKARAM (Translated and with an Introduction by Chandrakant Kaluram Mhatre) I didn't know what to think. But now after having read it, I can say that I really enjoyed learning about this old Saint of literature from India. The first part of the book tells about the times of Tukaram's life, including politics, society, economy and art in India in the 1600s. Surely things were very particular regarding religious beliefs and social conventions, however the author introduces the notion that even though times were different, there are many elements of the human spirit that are universal. And this was the key that unlocked this volume of poems for me. As I read the poems I realized that Tukaram was talking about Indian society 400 years ago, but he was also talking about the human condition which knows no time and is hemmed in by no borders. Saint Tukaram's poems are deceptively simple. He's talking about agriculture, love, war, family, God, Illness, hunger, and family. As I read the poems (most are short) Iit became clear to me that they apply today. For example, his thoughts about loss of a family member, being hungry with nothing to eat, class struggles, all of these things are just as relevant today as they were 400 years ago. I give this book 5-stars because it was so easy to read and full of fresh air and space that it was simple to see that Tukaram's words are still alive today.
May 6, 2015
An excellent read to nourish both soul and mind. The book took me on a spiritual journey where I could actually FEEL Tukaram singing the abhangs. Each abhang very well connects Sant Tukaram and his thoughts to Today's world. Through the poems one can feel that Tukaram's perspective about Life and Human Nature are so strong that they are applicable in today's life too!
April 30, 2015
Read about Sant Tukaram in school and only heard his abhangs in Marathi. "One Hundred Poems of Tukaram" is a gem . Though its originally written in Marathi its skillfully translated in English. The abhangs of Tukaram takes you one step closer to spirituality and also teaches you about humanity. The translation has undoubtedly preserved the richness and essence of the original Tukaram abhangs. The 100 abhangs in this book is like a diet that should be taken daily to purify our thoughts and soul. Anybody who is dejected, lonely, misguided from his/her path, this book is a medicine to get relief from all inner and outer troubles of life.
Recommend it for everyone. Read at least once.
Recommend it for everyone. Read at least once.
January 7, 2019
These poems of Tukaram inspire devotion to the Lord in the reader's heart, therefore it's a beautiful collection from one who is looking to advance in the bhakti path of devotion.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews