Gitanjali · Chapter
CII explained
The poet boasts of knowing the Divine, but when asked by others to reveal the Divine's identity or the meaning of his songs, he cannot answer.
What happens
The poet boasts of knowing the Divine, but when asked by others to reveal the Divine's identity or the meaning of his songs, he cannot answer. The Divine sits smiling as the poet's secret pours out in his songs, yet he remains unable to explain it to the scornful world.
Themes in this chapter
Divine Love and Devotion
The poet's intimate knowledge of the Divine and his inability to articulate it to others reflects deep personal devotion.
The Pain of Separation and Longing
The poet's secret gushes out in songs, yet he cannot fully express or share the Divine presence, leading to a sense of isolation and longing.
Characters to notice
- The Poet
Boasts of knowing the Divine, but cannot answer when asked to reveal the Divine's identity or the meaning of his songs.
- The Divine
Sits smiling as the poet struggles to explain the secret that gushes from his heart.
Key passages
“I boasted among men that I had known you. They see your pictures in all works of mine. They come and ask me, "Who is he?" I know not how to answer them. I say, "Indeed, I cannot tell."”
I proudly claimed to know you, and others see traces of you in everything I create. When they ask who you are, I am unable to reply and admit I cannot say.
The poet's inability to name the Divine despite claiming intimate knowledge.
“I put my tales of you into lasting songs. The secret gushes out from my heart. They come and ask me, "Tell me all your meanings." I know not how to answer them. I say, "Ah, who knows what they mean!"”
I turn my stories of you into enduring songs, and the hidden truth flows from my heart. When people ask for the full meaning, I cannot explain and say no one knows what they mean.
The poet's songs reveal the Divine, but he cannot interpret them for others.