Abhanga 3588
Once you have given your word, hold to it firmly, a person who keeps changing their commitment is really just being deceptive.
The verse
सुलभ कीर्तनें दिलें ठसावूनि । करितां धरणी उरी कोण ॥१॥
आतां न टळावें केलिया नेमासी । उदाराचा होसी हीन काय ॥ध्रु.॥
एका नेमें कोठें दुसरा पालट । पादिर तो धीट म्हणती त्यासी ॥२॥
तुका म्हणे किती बोलसी उणें । एकाच वचनें खंड करीं ॥३॥
Literal translation
Kīrtana-imprinted-it-no-urī-when-held. Don't-deviate-from-nēma — would-udāra-become-hīna. One-nēma-no-second-pālaṭa — called-dhīṭa. Tukā: how-much-uṇa-spoken — break-with-one-vachana.
What it means
A 3-verse firmness-petition. Kīrtana has imprinted (the truth) easily; don't turn-away from the vow you made — an udāra-one becoming hīna would be a cheat; break it off with one vachana.
For someone today
Tukārām: one-vow, one-pālaṭa, one-vachana — break-it-off.
Where this applies
- When you are tempted to go back on a promise you already made and need to hold firm instead
- When someone keeps changing their commitment and you recognize that as a form of dishonesty
- When you want to settle a matter with one clear, direct word instead of endless negotiating
- When you have generously given your word and worry that backing out now would make you unreliable