Gitanjali. By Rabindranath Tagore FULL Audiobook
Gitanjali, a collection of poetry, stands as the most celebrated work by the eminent Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore. Originally published in India in 1910, it was later translated into prose poems in English under the title "Gitanjali: Song Offerings" and introduced to the world in 1912 with an insightful preface by the renowned poet William Butler Yeats.
The poems in Gitanjali draw inspiration from medieval Indian lyrics of devotion, which served as Tagore's model. The central theme revolves around love, but it also delves into the internal conflict between spiritual yearnings and earthly desires. Here are some key aspects of this remarkable collection:
1. Nature Imagery: Tagore masterfully weaves imagery from nature into his verses. The landscape becomes a canvas for expressing profound emotions. Whether it's the moon, the sun, or the wind, each element contributes to the emotional tapestry of the poems.
2. Spiritual Longings: The poems in Gitanjali explore the human soul's yearning for a deeper connection with the divine. Tagore's words resonate with seekers who seek solace beyond the material world.
3. Conflict and Surrender: The poet grapples with the tension between spiritual aspirations and earthly attachments. The struggle to transcend mundane desires and surrender to a higher purpose permeates the collection.
4. Music and Devotion: Tagore, a prolific musician, composed music for these lyrics. His poems echo the melodic strains of devotion, inviting readers to experience the divine through sound and rhythm.
5. Nobel Prize Recognition: In 1913, Tagore was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature for Gitanjali. This prestigious honor recognized his exceptional contribution to world literature and his ability to evoke universal emotions through his verses.
6. Minor-Key Mood: The dominant mood in Gitanjali is often minor-key and muted. It reflects the bittersweet longing, the ache of unfulfilled desires, and the simultaneous joy of spiritual communion.
7. Criticism and Legacy: While the collection helped Tagore secure the Nobel Prize, some later critics questioned whether it represented his finest work. Nevertheless, Gitanjali remains an enduring testament to the human spirit's quest for meaning and transcendence.
In summary, Gitanjali is a poetic journey that invites readers to explore the depths of their own souls, to seek beauty in both the mundane and the divine, and to find solace in the language of love and longing. Tagore's lyrical brilliance continues to resonate across cultures, making Gitanjali a timeless treasure in the world of literature ..
More: Gitanjali, Rabindranath Tagore, Audiobook
poetry, love, spirituality
human experience, Bengali poet, self-discovery
divine connection, lyrical prose, literary gem
Rekhta Foundation, English translation, original language
00:00:00 Introduction
00:13:56 Gitanjali