Dharma Kshetra

Choose compassion over condemnation

When Tukaram became a well-known devotee of the Lord, many people began to visit his home daily to hear harikatha — narrations about the pastimes of the Supreme Lord. His sweet words, filled with devotion, touched everyone's heart. Gradually his reputation spread far and wide, and the village began to honor him as a saintly man.

Living near Tukaram was a scholarly brahmana who also had a few disciples. When he saw that his followers were leaving him and going instead to hear Tukaram's discourses, he became filled with envy. Day by day his jealousy increased until it turned into hatred.

One night, unable to tolerate the praise that others gave to Tukaram, the brahmana decided to take revenge. He took a thick, thorny stick, hid himself in the darkness, and waited for Tukaram to pass by. When the saint appeared, walking peacefully and chanting the names of the Lord, the brahmana suddenly leaped out and began to beat him mercilessly. Thorns pierced Tukaram's flesh, and blood flowed, but he uttered not a single harsh word. When the brahmana's anger was spent, he returned home, leaving the injured saint lying in the dust of the road.

Tukaram could not move for a long time. At last, he dragged himself home, his body bleeding and sore. He lay awake the whole night, unable to sleep because of the pain — not the pain of his wounds, but the pain in his heart. He thought, "Why did that brahmana beat me? Surely I must have hurt him somehow. Otherwise, why would he act in this way?"

The more he thought about it, the more he became convinced that the fault was his own. "I must have offended him without realizing it," he reasoned. "Therefore he punished me for my own good." In his pure humility he concluded, "I am the offender, not he." He resolved that when morning came, he would go to the brahmana's house, fall at his feet, and beg for forgiveness.

When dawn arrived, Tukaram struggled to his feet and went to the brahmana's home, calling out gently for him. The brahmana, on the other hand, had spent the night in deep remorse. His conscience tormented him for attacking such a holy man. Opening the door, he saw Tukaram standing there, bruised and bleeding. Before the brahmana could speak, Tukaram fell to the ground and cried out, "O respected sir! I am the lowest of all beings, a fool. I must have committed an offense against you; otherwise, why would you have beaten me? Surely you wished my welfare. Please, my master, tell me what wrong I have done so that I may correct it. Be merciful and forgive my offense."

Seeing Tukaram's humility and hearing his tearful words, the brahmana's heart melted. Overwhelmed with shame, he fell at the saint's feet and said, "O brother Tuka! It is I who have committed the offense. You are a great devotee, and I have hurt you out of envy. Please forgive me; otherwise, I have no hope of deliverance." Both men wept and embraced, their hearts purified by forgiveness and divine love.

This story reveals the true nature of a pure devotee's heart. Even when unjustly attacked, Tukaram did not blame his aggressor but searched within himself, thinking only of his own faults. Such humility attracts the Lord's grace more than any austerity or learning.

Source: "Obstacles in Bhakti" by Vinod Bihari Das Babaji.

"One who patiently tolerates all circumstances, knowing them to be the Lord's mercy, and continues to offer service and praise — such a soul is fit for liberation." (Srimad Bhagavatam (10.14.8)