Transcendentalism-Thinking Activity

Hello Everyone 😊,

This blog is prepared as a part of a thinking activity assigned by Vaidehi Ma'am.

 In this blog I'm going to deal with the topic Transcendentalism, Transendentalism in India and About the essay "The Great Lawsuit" by Margaret Fuller.

Q. 1.) Transcendentalists talk about the Individual’s relation with Nature. What is Nature for you? Share your views.

Answer:

 Transcendentalism is a philosophical movement that emerged in the 19th century, and it emphasizes the importance of individual intuition and spiritual connection with nature. Transcendentalists believe that nature is a source of inspiration and wisdom, and they encourage people to seek a deeper understanding of themselves and the world through their relationship with nature. They view nature as a reflection of the divine and believe that by immersing themselves in nature, they can tap into a higher truth and achieve a sense of transcendence. Transcendentalists like Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau wrote extensively about these ideas, encouraging people to embrace the beauty and spiritual significance of the natural world. They believed that by connecting with nature, individuals could find their true selves and live more fulfilling lives. It's a really fascinating perspective on nature and our place in the world! 

Let's try to understand it with video.

My View:

Nature, for me, is like a magical blanket that wraps around us. It's the beautiful colors of a sunset, the calming sound of raindrops, and the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze. Being in nature brings me peace, inspiration, and a feeling of wonder. 

VbIt reminds me that we're part of something bigger. When I'm in nature, I can escape the busy world, breathe in fresh air, and appreciate the beauty all around. 

  It renews my spirit and teaches me important lessons. Whether I'm hiking in the mountains, walking on the beach, or just sitting in a park, nature grounds me and reminds me of the amazing things in this world..

So, for me, nature is a sanctuary, a teacher, and a reminder of our place in the grand tapestry of life. It's a constant source of wonder and inspiration that I cherish and seek to protect.

पंचमहाभूत (Five great elements) :

 Panchmahabhut is all about the five great elements that make up the universe: 

Earth,

Water, 

Fire,

Air, and 

Space. 

Transcendentalism is a philosophy that believes in the unity of humans and nature.

 So, just like Transcendentalism teaches us to appreciate our connection with nature, Panchmahabhut reminds us that we are made up of the same elements as the earth, water, fire, air, and space. It's like recognizing that we're all part of this big, beautiful universe together.

Q. 2.) Transcendentalism is an American Philosophy that influenced American Literature at length. Can you find any Indian/Regional literature or Philosophy that came up with such similar thoughts?

Answer:

Just as Transcendentalism had a profound impact on American literature, there are Indian philosophies and regional literature that share similar thoughts and ideas. One such philosophy is Advaita Vedanta, which originated in ancient India.

Advaita Vedanta, founded by Adi Shankara, emphasizes the concept of non-dualism. It teaches that there is a fundamental unity in all existence, where the individual self (Atman) and the ultimate reality (Brahman) are essentially one and the same. This philosophy encourages individuals to transcend the limitations of the ego and recognize their true nature as divine and interconnected with the entire universe.

In Indian regional literature, we can find echoes of these transcendental ideas. For example, the poetry of Rabindranath Tagore, a prominent figure in Bengali literature, often explores themes of oneness with nature and the spiritual interconnectedness of all beings. His works, such as "Gitanjali" (Song Offerings), beautifully express a deep appreciation for the natural world and the unity of the individual with the larger cosmos.

Similarly, the Tamil literary tradition, including the works of poets like Thiruvalluvar and Subramanya Bharathi, often delve into philosophical concepts of unity, harmony, and the pursuit of higher truths. Their writings celebrate the interconnectedness of humanity with nature and the importance of introspection and self-realization.

These Indian philosophies and regional literature offer profound insights into the relationship between the individual and the natural world, emphasizing the spiritual and intellectual growth that can be achieved through recognizing our inherent connection to the universe.

So we can say , just as Transcendentalism influenced American literature, Indian philosophies like Advaita Vedanta and regional literature from India have also explored similar thoughts, highlighting the unity of the individual with the larger cosmos.

Akho:

Akho, a 17th-century Gujarati poet, is often associated with the Bhakti movement and is considered a mystic poet. While he may not fit neatly into the American Transcendentalist framework, some aspects of his poetry share similarities with Transcendentalist ideas.

Let's see how can we connect him Transendentalism.

1. Connection with the Divine:

 Transcendentalist Connection:

 Transcendentalists believed in the inherent goodness of people and nature, seeking a direct connection with the divine without the need for intermediaries.

Akho's Example:

  Akho's poetry often reflects a deep personal connection with the divine, expressing a longing for direct communion with God without the necessity of rituals or external forms.

 "મારા રે પ્રભુ મારા રે પ્રભુ, એમના ચરણોં મારા પાગે છે રજ, દીધે છે પદ."

• Translation:

 "Oh my Lord, oh my Lord, your feet are like a pleasing dance on my heart; they have imprinted their mark on my being."

2.  Unity of All Beings:

• Transcendentalist Connection:

 Transcendentalists emphasized the interconnectedness of all beings and nature, rejecting artificial boundaries

• Akho's Example:

Akho's verses often express the idea of unity and oneness with the divine, transcending the distinctions between individuals.

 "સગાઇ સાથ બેરાઈ જાને, મારા સાંગાને જોયાં ને મારા સાંગાને."

 Translation: 

"Seeing with the eyes of unity, I have seen myself in others, and others in myself."

While Akho's poetry may not align entirely with the specific tenets of American Transcendentalism, the thematic elements of spiritual connection, oneness, and a direct relationship with the divine show resonances with the broader Transcendentalist spirit. It's essential to appreciate these similarities while acknowledging the distinct cultural and philosophical contexts of Akho's work within the Bhakti tradition.

We can say that, Akho's poetry often reflects a mystical and transcendental outlook, emphasizing a direct connection with the divine and expressing profound spiritual insights. Here are more examples of his verses that align with transcendentalist views:

1. Transcendence of Material World:

 Transcendentalists believed in the idea of transcending material concerns to attain a higher, spiritual understanding.

   Akho's Example:

 "મારો સતત ચિંતન હોય તો મારા, નાનાં રૂપને હોય તો મારા."

  Translation:

  "If my constant contemplation is of anything, then let it be of my own Self, transcending various forms."

2. Nature as a Source of Inspiration:

Transcendentalists found inspiration in nature, viewing it as a manifestation of the divine.

   Akho's Example:

 "સરોવર જોઈને દરેક જીવને, હરણ મૂર્છા તારેક જીવને."

 •   Translation:

 "Seeing the lake, every being feels like a deer, and each life becomes a star."

3. Seeking Inner Truth:

 Transcendentalists advocated for the pursuit of inner truth and individual intuition.

• Akho's Example:

   " મનને રાખજો ખૂબ સારો, એવા સંજય સારો."

  •  Translation:

  "Keep the mind pure, Sanjay (a term of endearment), in such a way that it becomes a beautiful mirror."

These examples showcase Akho's inclination towards themes of spiritual introspection, the transcendence of worldly concerns, and a deep connection with the self and the divine. While his poetry is rooted in the Bhakti tradition, the underlying spiritual essence resonates with transcendentalist ideals.

Q. 3.) Write in short about your understanding of the following essays according to the topics given:

"The Great Lawsuit by Margaret Fuller"

Answer:

Margaret Fuller's essay, "The Great Lawsuit," challenges traditional gender roles and societal expectations, advocating for women's independence and urging both men and women to reassess their roles in relationships and society. In promoting women's autonomy, Fuller also encourages men to recognize and accept women as equals, fostering a collaborative effort in reshaping societal norms. Her essay can be seen as a call for a broader cultural shift towards equality, prompting not only women to assert their independence but also encouraging men to embrace and support this transformation.

Margaret Fuller's essay "The Great Lawsuit: Man versus Men, Woman versus Women" from her book "Woman in the Nineteenth Century" is indeed a thought-provoking and significant piece of writing. In this essay, Fuller dives into the complexities of gender roles and the societal expectations placed on both men and women.

One of the strengths of this article is how Fuller challenges traditional notions of masculinity and femininity. She argues that societal constructs limit both men and women from fully expressing their true selves. By questioning these norms, Fuller encourages readers to critically examine the roles they play in perpetuating gender inequality.

We can also say that , Fuller's essay serves as a call to action for gender equality. She emphasizes the importance of women's rights and their ability to contribute to society in meaningful ways. Her words inspire us to recognize the inherent worth and capabilities of all individuals, regardless of their gender.

Overall, "The Great Lawsuit" is a powerful and progressive article that challenges social norms and advocates for a more inclusive society. It encourages us to reflect on our own biases and work towards creating a world where everyone is treated with equal respect and opportunity. We can say that It's definitely worth reading and discussing to gain a deeper understanding of gender dynamics and the ongoing fight for equality.