Tagorean Wisdom in These Volatile Times

By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam 7 May 2025 Rabindranath Tagore's 164th birth anniversary falls on May 7 (as per Gregorian calendar) and May 9 according to the Bangla calendar. In these times of jingoism, obscurantism and fanaticism, Tagore's universal philosophy that epitomises Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam (the whole world is a family) is all the more relevant. Tagore was a mystic whose mystical poetry is aphoristic. Read his 103 poems in Gitanjali, which won him the Nobel in Literature in 1913, you'll find that every poem carries an aphorism in its womb. Influenced by the Persian mystics, esp. Hafiz and Jami, Tagore embellished his writings with profound musings and aphorisms like these two gems: "The small wisdom is like water in a glass: clear, transparent, pure. The great wisdom is like the water in the sea: dark, mysterious, impenetrable " AND " By plucking its petals, you do not gather the beauty of the flower." In the first quote by Rabindranath Tagore, he alludes to the contrasting nature of small wisdom and great wisdom. He compares small wisdom to water in a glass, emphasizing its clarity, transparency, and purity. Small wisdom refers to the straightforward, easily attainable knowledge that is readily available to us. It encompasses the basic truths of life that can be understood without much effort or contemplation. On the other hand, Tagore describes great wisdom as the water in the sea, symbolizing its vastness and depth. Great wisdom represents the profound knowledge and insights that lie beyond the surface level understanding. It elicits a sense of mystery, darkness, and complexity, suggesting that the depths of great wisdom are impenetrable and require extensive contemplation, reflection, and exploration. Tagore's quote urges us to recognize the limitations of small wisdom, encouraging us to dive deep into the abyss of great wisdom to truly unravel the profound truths of life. This quote is an elucidation of Jami's famous maxim (Qamihat Dastnaaz in Persian): True wisdom always has a ring of deep mystery to it. In the second quote, Tagore beautifully expresses the essence of appreciating the inherent beauty and essence of something rather than trying to possess or control it. The act of plucking the petals of a flower may seem like an attempt to gather its beauty, but in reality, it diminishes the true essence and beauty of the flower. True beauty lies in the harmony, delicacy, and interconnectedness of all the elements of nature. Tagore's quote reminds us to cherish and admire the beauty around us without tampering with or disrupting its natural state, for it is in its entirety that something truly shines. Beauty and love need deft handling. 'Sirf Ehsaas Hai Ye Rooh Se Mahsoos Karo, Pyaar Ko Pyaar Hi Rahne Do Koi Naam Na Do.' A mere touch can desecrate love and beauty. Tagore's thought may seem and sound too gossamer, it's the essence of love, life and beauty. Bahut Hi Talkh Tajurbon Ka Naam Hai Chaahat/ Jo Tum Ko Acchha Lage Uss Se Pyaar Mat Karna. The main reason for all the conflicts that are going on at the moment is because humans are possessed by an overwhelming sense of possessiveness. A Persian proverb articulates it so well, " You always get less when you try to possess." ---- A regular columnist for New Age Islam, Sumit Paul is a researcher in comparative religions, with special reference to Islam. He has contributed articles to the world's premier publications in several languages including Persian. URl: https://www.newageislam.com/spiritual-meditations/tagorean-wisdom-volatile/d/135451 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism