The Code of Ecomysticism in Rabindranath Tagore’s Works: A Critical Appraisal

Abstract

Religion was our first attempt at literature, cosmology, ecology, making sense of where we are in the universe. All religions are inherently predisposed to mystical experience-a harmonious and balanced existence and substantiation of Nature and manman, who is conscious of his existence both in the material and the spiritual realm, as man is the highest spirit and the lowest matter linked by mind. Ecomysticism embraces the idea that all life is sacred and hence revered. This paper discusses the ecological philosophy which enunciates God's presence in every being that surround us and tries to evaluate the holistic spiritual ecology launched by Tagore. The unity of being in his works teaches that everything in the universe arises from the One, emanates from Him; deduces that the Supreme, humans and the environment form one ecosystem and recognizes the mutually augmenting relationships with the natural world-an understanding of the unity and interdependence of the bio-network. It elicits that the manifest is on voyage to the Unmanifest together with our pilgrim souls.

Eco-Mysticism in Pablo Neruda’s Selected Poetry

“…The concept of ecomysticism can be traced in all spiritual or mystical teachings and world religions which is a reflection of the cosmos and nature as an essential part of God and the sacredness of life and nature. Samantaray and Patro (2018) illustrate that mysticism and ecology apparently belong to different fields; mysticism is linked with the philosophical quest for finding meaning, religious tradition as well as spirituality, while ecology may be demarcated as a scientific method fighting for the protection and safety of the environment. Rajasekaran and Alphonsa (2018) examined St. Francis of Assisi from Italy and Hadewijch of Belgium as thirteen-century poets from an eco-mystical perspective.…”

“…Therefore, in ecological mysticism or ecomysticism, we attempt to search for our connection with the entire cosmos. According to (McDaniel, 1990, p. 182) Ecological mysticism "is shaped by a distinctive way of thinking and feeling: one that emphasizes the interconnectedness of all things, the intrinsic value of all life, the continuity of human with nonhuman life, and the compassion of God for all life" (cited in Samantaray & Patro 2018). Subsequently, they continue that ecomysticism covers mankind to be all-inclusive and identify reciprocally improving their connection with the natural world.…”

“…Hence, a human being needs to realize that the prime principle of deep ecology is harmony. If harmony is maintained within the physical and the spiritual realms, so those who live on earth experience enlightenment, friendship, and peace (Samantaray & Patro 2018). Both ecomysticism and eco-spirituality emphasize experience.…”