Gitanjali · Chapter
LXXIX explained
The poet expresses a deep longing for the divine, preferring the pain of separation over forgetfulness, and acknowledges that worldly gains and pleasures are empty without the divine presence.
What happens
The poet expresses a deep longing for the divine, preferring the pain of separation over forgetfulness, and acknowledges that worldly gains and pleasures are empty without the divine presence.
Themes in this chapter
The Pain of Separation and Longing
The entire poem is a meditation on the sorrow of not meeting the divine, with repeated pleas to remember the absence.
Surrender and Egolessness
The poet accepts his lowly state and the emptiness of worldly achievements, surrendering to the divine will.
Characters to notice
- The Poet
The speaker who yearns for the divine and feels the sorrow of separation.
- The Divine
The absent yet longed-for presence that the poet fears missing in this life.
Key passages
“If it is not my portion to meet thee in this life then let me ever feel that I have missed thy sight—let me not forget for a moment, let me carry the pangs of this sorrow in my dreams and in my wakeful hours.”
If I cannot see you in this life, let me always be aware of your absence and never forget the pain of missing you.
The poet chooses conscious sorrow over obliviousness to the divine.
“As my days pass in the crowded market of this world and my hands grow full with the daily profits, let me ever feel that I have gained nothing—let me not forget for a moment, let me carry the pangs of this sorrow in my dreams and in my wakeful hours.”
Even as I accumulate worldly gains, let me feel they are worthless without you.
Worldly success is meaningless without spiritual connection.
“When my rooms have been decked out and the flutes sound and the laughter there is loud, let me ever feel that I have not invited thee to my house—let me not forget for a moment, let me carry the pangs of this sorrow in my dreams and in my wakeful hours.”
In times of celebration and joy, let me remember that you are not present.
Earthly festivities are hollow without the divine guest.