Saint Tukaram (1608-1650) while remaining totally absorbed in devotion to God was a family man throughout. References to experiences in life of common people are very frequent in his Abhangs. He preaches a philosophy in which he tells how salvation is attained even in family life. In Indian philosophy four stages (Ashrams) of life, viz., learning as a student, shouldering family responsibilities, detached/retired life and ascetic’s life, are considered in succession. The fourth stage, asceticism, is described to be the stage of the highest value having great power and proximity to God. In the Abhang presented here, Saint Tukaram proclaims that the power of asceticism can also be attained in family life itself, if the person leads it righteously.

जोडोनिया धन | उत्तम वेव्हारे |
उदास विचारे | वेच करी ||१||
उत्तमचि गति | तो एक पावेल |
उत्तम भोगील | जीवखाणी ||२||
पर-उपकारी | नेणे परनिंदा |
परस्त्रिया सदा | बहिणी माया ||३||
भूतदया गायी | पशुंचे पालन |
तान्हेल्यां जीवन | वनामाजी ||४||
शान्तिरूपे नव्हे | कोणाचा वाईट |
वाढवी महत्त्व | वडिलांचे ||५||
तुका म्हणे हेचि | आश्रमाचे फळ |
परमपद बळ | वैराग्याचे ||६||
                  ~ संत तुकाराम

जोड़कर धन |उत्तम वेव्हार से |
उदास विचार से | खर्च करे ||१||
उत्तम ही गति | सो एक पाएगा |
उत्तम भोगेगा | जीवन सुख ||२||
पर-उपकारी | ना जाने निंदा |
परस्त्रियॉं सदा | बहना माता ||३||
भूतदया गौ | पशुओं का पालन |
प्यासे को जीवन | घनबन में ||४||
शान्तिरूप ना करे | किसी से बुराई |
गरिमा बढ़ाई | पिता पुरखों की ||५||
तुका कहे यही है | गृहस्थी का फल |
परमपद बल | मिले जो बैराग से ||६||
                  (हिंदी अनुवाद ~ डॉ. सुषमा जोग)

(One who) earns by righteous means and spends by selfless thought
Will attain salvation and experience happiness in life.
He is helpful to others. He does not vilify others. For him other women are sisters and mothers.
He has compassion for all the beings. He takes care of cows and other animals. He offers water to a thirsty trapped in a forest.
He is an epitome of peace. He does not do ill to anyone. (Through his good deeds) he elevates the name and fame of his ancestors.
Tuka says that fruit and power of the highest position attainable by adopting asceticism is obtained in family life (led in this way).