A Disciple’s Prayer

O mind, let me not cherish any remembrance
  that would take me away from the Lord’s divine feet.
May my tongue repeat only the Lord’s Nam
  and my ears hear only the divine melody of Nam.
Let me not bear ill will towards anyone;
  it benefits no one and causes misery.
Let my mind always be calm, says Tuka;
  through forgiveness and peace one gains inner strength.
Just as a fish writhes in agony when out of water,
  so my soul suffers in agony without you.
Just as a person’s mind becomes agitated
  when he cannot find his buried treasure
  even after a thorough search,
  and a child becomes distraught
  when separated from his mother,
O Lord, please know that this separation from you
  is causing the same anguish in my heart.
In how many ways can I tell you of my pain?
Refuge at your feet is the only remedy for my affliction.
Gripping my heart is a gnawing fear
  that you may have forgotten me.
Says Tuka: you know my condition, O Lord!
Shower your mercy on me now.
Saints, you are ever gracious and merciful –
  pray, grant me one boon:
  remind the Lord about me, plead for me
  and tell him about my deplorable condition.
_{Saint Tukaram, as quoted in Voice of the Heart}