Gitanjali · Chapter
XXXIV explained
The poet prays to retain just enough of his own will and self to be able to fully name the Divine as his all, to feel the Divine in everything, and to offer love every moment.
What happens
The poet prays to retain just enough of his own will and self to be able to fully name the Divine as his all, to feel the Divine in everything, and to offer love every moment. He asks that only the fetter of divine love remain, binding him to the Divine's will and purpose.
Themes in this chapter
Surrender and Egolessness
The poet asks to be left with only a little of his own will, so that he may be bound by the Divine's will and purpose.
Divine Love and Devotion
The poet desires to offer his love every moment and to be bound by the fetter of divine love.
Characters to notice
- The Poet
The speaker who prays for a minimal self so that the Divine may be his all.
- The Divine
The beloved presence to whom the poet offers his love and will.
Key passages
“Let only that little be left of me whereby I may name thee my all.”
Let me retain just enough of my own being so that I can call you my everything.
The poet asks for a minimal self that enables complete devotion.
“Let only that little of my fetters be left whereby I am bound with thy will, and thy purpose is carried out in my life—and that is the fetter of thy love.”
Let only the chain of your love remain, binding me to your will so that your purpose is fulfilled in my life.
The only bond the poet wishes to keep is the loving tie to the Divine.