"Leave this chanting and singing and telling of beads!' By Rabindranath Tagore
Leave this chanting and singing and telling of beads!
By Rabindranath Tagore
Leave this chanting and singing and telling of beads!
Whom dost thou worship in this lonely dark corner of a
temple with doors all shut?
Open thine eyes and see thy God is not before thee!
He is there where the tiller is tilling the hard ground
and where the path maker is breaking stones.
He is with them in sun and in shower,
and his garment is covered with dust.
Put off thy holy mantle and even like him come down on the
dusty soil!
Deliverance?
Where is this deliverance to be found?
Our master himself has joyfully taken upon him the bonds of
creation;
he is bound with us all for ever.
Come out of thy meditations and leave aside thy flowers and
incense!
What harm is there if thy clothes become tattered and
stained?
Meet him and stand by him in toil and in sweat of thy brow
Summary,
"Leave This Chanting and Singing and Telling of Beads" is a poem by Rabindranath Tagore that critiques superficial religious practices and emphasizes the importance of engaging with the real world to find spiritual fulfillment.
The poem begins with an admonishment of those who engage in outward religious rituals like chanting, singing, and counting prayer beads, suggesting that these acts alone do not lead to true spiritual enlightenment. Tagore argues that God cannot be found solely within the confines of temples or through repetitive rituals.
Instead, the poet urges seekers to look for the divine in the everyday world, among the common people and the laborers who work tirelessly. He highlights that true spirituality lies in serving others and being part of the human experience. God, according to Tagore, is present in the midst of life’s activities—in the fields, in the workshops, and in the sweat of honest labor.
The poem encourages readers to abandon the comfort of isolation in temples and to participate actively in life’s struggles. Tagore’s message is that spiritual realization comes from working for the welfare of humanity and embracing life’s challenges, not from escaping them.
The poem suggests that God is present not in the isolation of temples but in the midst of life’s activities—in fields, workshops, and the daily struggles of ordinary people. Tagore encourages active participation in the world, advocating for a spirituality rooted in compassion, service, and engagement with life’s realities. He calls on individuals to abandon the comfort of secluded worship and immerse themselves in the challenges and joys of life, finding spiritual fulfillment through service to humanity and the embrace of life’s practical aspects.
Themes:
Critique of Ritualism: The poem critiques the reliance on outward religious rituals such as chanting, singing, and counting prayer beads. Tagore suggests that these practices are superficial and do not lead to genuine spiritual fulfillment.
Spirituality in Everyday Life: Tagore emphasizes that true spirituality is found in the everyday world, among ordinary people and their daily activities. He argues that divine presence can be experienced through engagement with life’s practical realities, not just within the confines of temples.
Service to Humanity: A central theme of the poem is the idea that serving others and participating in the struggles of humanity is a path to spiritual enlightenment. Tagore highlights the importance of empathy, compassion, and active involvement in the betterment of society.
Unity of the Material and Spiritual: The poem underscores the interconnectedness of the material and spiritual worlds. Tagore suggests that spirituality is not separate from worldly life but is deeply embedded in it, particularly in honest labor and human relationships.
Rejection of Isolation: Tagore calls for abandoning the isolation often associated with religious practices. He advocates for immersion in the world’s challenges and joys, suggesting that spiritual growth comes from active participation in life rather than withdrawal from it.
Divine Presence in the worldly activities: The poem conveys the idea that God is present in the mundane, everyday aspects of life. By seeking the divine in ordinary work and human interactions, one can achieve a deeper understanding of spirituality.
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