As I'm planning for an upcoming retreat to India in 2016, I came across this beautiful painting of Saint Tukaram & Lord Vitthala (painting by Vijay Adagale) and it reminded me of a beautiful poem by Tukaram. Thought I'd share
Two is Better Than One
Can water quaff itself?
Can trees taste of the fruit they bear?
He worships God must stand distinct from Him.
So only shall he know the joyful love of God.
For if he says that God and he are one
That joy, that love, shall vanish instantly away.
Pray, no more for utter oneness with God:
Where is the beauty, if Jewel and setting were one?
The heat and the shade are two--
If not, where is the comfort of shade?
Mother and child are too, if not where is their love?
When after they are separated they meet what joy they feel, the mother and child!
Where is that Joy, if the two were one?
Pray then, talk no more of utter oneness with God.
Tukaram, 17th Century Marathi poet
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