I Know Not ………
by
Rabindranath Tagore
(Poem & Summary)
This
is the 46th poem of Tagore’s Gitanjali. The poem captures the
anticipation and longing for an unknown presence that draws closer with each
passing day. The speaker acknowledges the inability of celestial bodies to
conceal this presence, which continually approaches. The footsteps and messages
of this mysterious entity have reached the speaker's heart, beckoning them in
secrecy. Today, the speaker's life is filled with a vibrant sense of excitement
and joyful trembling. They sense a subtle fragrance of this enigmatic being in
the air, as if the moment has arrived to conclude their endeavors. The poem
exudes a sense of profound expectation and an ineffable connection to an unseen
force.
I know not from what
I
know not from what distant time thou art ever coming nearer to meet me. Thy sun
and stars can never keep thee hidden from me for aye.
In
many a morning and eve thy footsteps have been heard and thy messenger has come
within my heart and called me in secret.
I
know not why to-day my life is all astir, and a feeling of tremulous joy is
passing through my heart.
It
is as if the time were come to wind up my work, and I feel in the air a faint
smell of thy sweet presence.
Summary
The
poem delves into the notion of God's omnipresence once more. The poet
acknowledges that he cannot determine when God began visiting him, emphasizing
that even the magnificence of God's creations, like the sun and stars, cannot
obstruct his perception of the divine.
During
numerous mornings and evenings, the poet has discerned God's footsteps, and
even His messenger has whispered the message of unity directly into his heart,
in secrecy. Perplexed, the poet finds himself unusually exhilarated on this
particular day, his heart brimming with immense delight and anticipation. It
appears to the poet that the moment has arrived to conclude his work, sensing
the gentle aroma of God permeating the air.
Once
again, Tagore revisits the theme explored in the preceding poem. He delves into
the continuous presence of God among His devotees, emphasizing that God is
always with humanity, both in the past and the future, transcending time and
space. In accordance with Hindu religious beliefs, Tagore asserts that the
pursuit of God through external means is futile; instead, one should seek God
within oneself, as the divine resides within each individual. Tagore also
extols the magnificence of God as the creator of nature, asserting that even
the grandeur of celestial bodies like the sun and stars cannot obscure God's
presence or deceive the seeker.
The
poet, having heard God's calling on numerous occasions, has experienced immense
joy and contentment. He feels compelled to complete his work in order to enter
into communion with God. The underlying message conveyed is that humans must
relinquish worldly attachments to attain a spiritual union with God.
In
this poem, the doctrine of humanism reaches its pinnacle. The poet highlights
the significance and greatness of humanity, asserting that man is an embodiment
of God. It is not solely man who seeks to meet God, but God also yearns for
man's love, care, and affection. In Hinduism, it is believed that the worship
and devotion of man enhance God's power. However, Tagore presents a different
interpretation, acknowledging that when God was alone, He could not truly
perceive Himself. The aspirations of both man and God intertwine, for in the
absence of man, the purpose of God's creation remains unfulfilled. Thus, it is
not solely man who repeatedly reincarnates to achieve perfection and reunite
with the divine, but from time immemorial, God has been drawing closer to man,
seeking to meet him. The sun and stars, rather than concealing God, serve as
His gifts to mortals. He has illuminated the celestial lights of the sun, moon,
and stars for the sake of beholding humanity.
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