Mysticism in Tagore’s Gitanjali

Abstract

Mysticism categorically lacks an authority and anything and everything that is related to God is put under the term mysticism. This research paper focuses Gitanjali which is classified under mystic poetry. The endeavor here is to look for the mystical elements in the poem and how it qualifies to be a mystical poetry. An analysis of words and ideas reveals that it is the love for nature and God that made Tagore enter the realm of mysticism. However, his mystical experiences are quite different from those of the experiences of enlightened saints of India. Saints’ mysticism is a result of the union achieved through deep meditation, but in Tagore’s case it is only love and desire for the union. As a result of this, his Gitanjali can be considered as Nature Mysticism rather than Soul or God Mysticism only which enlightened saints and poets like Kalidasa or Auribindo can achieve.

Keywords: Mysticism, Mystic, Karma, Tagore, Kalidasa, Aurobindo, Vivekananda, Upanisheds, Indian spirituality