Recommended Reading: Gitanjali by Rabindranath Tagore

Some time ago in a random book order through Thrift Books, I added Gitanjali by Rabindranath Tagore, which I tucked up on my bookshelf and promptly forgot about.

I came across this very thin tome when packing for my recent two-week vacation in the Caribbean, thinking a meditative verse book that did not weigh much was the perfect addition to my reading list for the trip.

I am thrilled that I had it with me because the depth of his verse needs a little thoughtful time to digest, which I had plenty of on this trip.

Gitanjali is a collection of more than 100 poems, in which he explores pastoral, relationship and spiritual themes, including a series of verses towards the end that explore the subject of our death.

Many of the verses could easily be used as daily prayers:

– Give me the strength to lightly bear my joys and sorrows,
– Give me the strength to make my love fruitful in service,
– Give me the strength never to disown the poor or bend my knee before insolent might.

Others provide fodder for a life manifesto in our later years:

I thought that my voyage had come to its end at the last limit of my power – that the path before me was closed, that provisions were exhausted and the time come to take shelter in a silent obscurity.

But I find that thy will knows no end in me. And when old words die on the tongue, new melodies break forth from the heart; and where old tracks are lost, new country is revealed with its wonders.

At a total of 37 pages, this tiny spiritual treasure could be read in one sitting. But don’t be tempted to do so. Each verse should be read slowly and meditated upon to find the rich meaning and pearls of wisdom in its depths.

Enjoy!

~ Syndie Eardly