The portrayal of hindu mysticism in rabindranath tagore’s gitanjali

Abstract

This paper aims to analyse Tagore’s Gitanjali which thrives on Hindu mysticism and presents complex of thoughts. Rabindranath Tagore is an eminent scholar, writer, artist, poet, philosopher and social reformer. The opening lines of Gitanjali reveals Tagore as a mystic. Gitanjali is a collection of lyrics in which man is continuously in converse with the eternal, in tune with the Infinite. Mysticism is a different experience which gives joyful mood and eternal bliss rather than a doctrine or philosophy of life. The mystic’s experience expresses that the Supreme Soul and God is one and the same, but it takes various forms. In Gitanjali, Tagore attempts to establish a bond between the Individual Soul and Great Soul-God. He portrays the intense yearning of the human soul for reunion with the Infinite-God. This deep yearning makes the Gitanjali, a masterpiece of prayer, pleading and exaltation. The human body is the temple of the soul and the human soul is the temple of God. In the long history of men, there have been great poets and great mystics. The mystical life is a different life in which an individual feels a complete detachment from all worldly matters and pursuits. But a mystic does not need to renounce the world completely but a detached attitude is necessary. The main objective of this research is to examine and explore the Hindu Mysticism in Rabindranath Tagore’s Gitanjali. Analysis of collected data is used to bring out the descriptive and analytical study of this research. The qualitative methodology of this research will be carried out through texts, journals and articles written by scholars. Tagore perceives the presence of God in the nature around him. He addresses God by praising the beauty of nature which is the reflection of God Himself. Tagore’s mysticism is seen in his principle of love, unity, oneness, peace and harmony.