“Let my thoughts come to you, when I am gone, like the afterglow of sunset at the margin of starry silence.”
~Rabindranath Tagore~
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The first time I read the words of this great poet I knew I had found a kindred spirit. Never before or since have I identified so much with another person’s words. The fact that this man was born and passed many years before me and came from a completely different and unknown culture from me mattered not.
His words show a deep and profound connection to nature and spirituality: a connection that I have always instinctively felt for as long as I can remember. My upbringing as a lapsed Catholic couldn’t be further from this, but it is this very sentiment I have felt most deeply.
Tagore seemed to have an understanding of the world and a profound love for the smallest of the small lives mixed with a delightful childlike whimsy that has intrigued me. In my ignorance I thought I was the only one who felt that way and now that I know he lived I don’t feel so alone in my feelings.
As a typical American in that regard, I have not been exposed to or do I know much of other cultures, especially non-Christian ones. I consider this a deficit and I have recently been dipping my toe into the deep waters of the beautiful art and literature of wonderful India. I have been drawn to what I consider a wildly exotic and ancient culture that impresses me greatly.
Rabindranath Tagore in my opinion is the perfect first teacher. I have discovered his works not very long ago and I can’t seem to get enough. What follows are some of my favorite quotes by this amazing poet and fascinating individual.
credit: SBI
“Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add color to my sunset sky.”
credit: public domain
“If you cry because the sun has gone out of your life, your tears will prevent you from seeing the stars.”
credit: publicphoto.com
“Faith is the bird that feels the light and sings when the dawn is still dark.”
credit: SBI
“Reach high, for stars lie hidden in you. Dream deep, for every dream precedes the goal.”
credit: SBI
“By plucking her petals you do not gather the beauty of the flower.”
credit: public domain
“Let your life lightly dance on the edges of time like dew on the tip of a leaf.”
credit: SBI
“The same stream of life that runs through my veins night and day runs through the world and dances in rhythmic measures. It is the same life that shoots in joy through the dust of the earth in numberless blades of grass and breaks into tumultuous waves of leaves and flowers.”
credit: public domain
“Perhaps the crescent moon smiles in doubt at being told that it is a fragment awaiting perfection.”
credit: public domain
“Let us not pray to be sheltered from dangers but to be fearless when facing them.”
credit: public domain
♦ ALL QUOTES BY RABINDRANATH TAGORE ♦
Tagore was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913 “because of his profoundly sensitive, fresh and beautiful verse, by which, with consummate skill, he has made his poetic thought, expressed in his own English words, a part of the literature of the West.”
H A P P Y J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 3
Strawberryindigo.
Rabindranath Tagore and Gandhi in 1940. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
you’ve chosen the perfect person to embark on a beautiful journey of India. Tagore’s words are such that every time you read them you are stuck by their beauty and you may find a new meaning in them. lovely post.
Yes, let’s not pluck her petals … this is really a great discovery Nancy :). I am glad to see your life imbued with colours, and I must say … I really like your new gravatar photo 🙂
What I like about Tagore is that he is a teacher of timeless wisdom and a poet at the same time.
Thanks for posting this, Nancy!
with Love, Peace and Joy for 2013!
Tomas
Thank you so much for introducing Tagore to us. I had never read his words, but what treasure to find at the beginning of the new year. Thank you for your open-mindedness that lead you to this wonderful discovery, Nancy.
Thanks so much for your kind words Kozo! Also thanks for starting the Bloggers for Peace–I am almost ready with my first post for peace and I am excited!
I so enjoyed my intro to the thoughts of Tragore with your post. I’d heard of him but never read anything by him. He is a definite kindred spirit. So, will you believe that I was also raised Catholic? Though I do not consider myself lapsed – I was misplaced in the Catholic church from the start, via being born to my Catholic mother. Instead, I view myself as an escaped Catholic, and a lucky one at that.
Oh Janet…we have so much in common. I think the Catholics scared me as a child…I had a tough time with all the negativity and sinning and “going to hell” stuff. YIKES!
Yikes, indeed! Seven year old children should not be terrified that they are going to hell, as I was. The priests and nuns in my church and school totally lacked any expression of the God-Is-Love concept. It’s taken most of my adult life to develop a healthy spirituality and trust in a higher power (or the Great Who-Who as I like to refer to the whatever-it-is out of which creation is manifested.)
Janet, I had the same experience and I am only now just coming to terms with any sort of spirituality at all. The reason I feature The Grotto in so many of my posts is because it is a peacefully beautiful natural area and I live about 5 blocks away. I have been looking for a non-religious church to go to because I like the community part with a touch of spiritual–this is very tricky for me because I get uncomfortable with all this Jesus talk. I suppose I am in a transitional part in my life–it seems I never stop searching…or seeking…
I understand completely. I would like to have the connection with and support of a spiritual community that doesn’t talk about Jesus or God, because that triggers too many old feelings and fears. Haven’t found it yet…I guess most churches think that they are there to talk about God, after all. Like you, being outside in the Creation is my connection to the spiritual.
On New years Eve I went to a church called Unity. The ad that prompted me to go there said it was a place that was not religious but spiritual. I enjoyed the service. It was full of postivity and I left feeling good. Circumstances prevented me from returning last Sunday but I plan on returning soon to see what a regular Sunday consists of.
We have a lot in common Janet..I feel the closest to God or whatever you want to call it, outside, close to the Earth.
I like to think that God is not some guy on a throne in the sky or some such nonsence but I think it is all of us…humankind, animalkind whatever…all of us together on the wing of an eagle..at least I like to think that…in a poetic kind of way. I feel it is an energy that we all are part of.
I know that sounds crazy but I guess I am a bit nuts…
Well then, we are both nuts. I feel the same way…that we and everything in Creation are manifestations of a cosmic energy or force or something that can’t really be named. I like the image of all being carried on the wing of an eagle. I went to a Unity church many years ago. I liked it until the minister and wife separated and sides were taken and I left the conflict zone. There were a lot of “beliefs” that went along with the church but they didn’t bother me. Perhaps it will be a good fit at this point in your journey.
Beautiful and inspiring images. This is wonderul, ““Faith is the bird that feels the light and sings when the dawn is still dark.” We had our share of heartaches for 2012 but faith and hope gave us the strength to move on and fly. Happy New Year!
Beautiful, meaningful quotes. He certainly resonates with me, too. I love how he writes about nature and the world. A very wise man, indeed. I can see why you enjoy reading his works. Thank you for introducing him to me! I’d like to read more….
Happy New Year to you dear !
Many best wishes !
May You enjoy the Best Health, Pure Happiness, True Relations, Sweet Memories, Success and Peace in the moments of life !
Like this very much, Nancy. I believe there is much we can learn from other cultures. Though I see a tension where India (and other cultures) are being subsumed by our consumerism and materialism. It’ll be interesting to see which influence prevails, or if remains the struggle it is today.
Hey Gunta: I like the way you think. I too am interested on how our western ways influence other cultures. Hopefully we can help ourselves see the light and then we’ll be able to light the way for others.
Life Is Color 
Reblogged this on Serendipity 13 and commented:
A popular piece from my other blog featuring one of my all-time favorite poets Rabindranath Tagore.
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Thank you – I very much appreciate it!
Kindly support me on Facebook Fanpage. Appreciate if you could please ‘like’ my page :
https://www.facebook.com/MihranKalaydjianPianoMelodies
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Those quotes are so insightful. I just added him and his works to my to-read list.
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Hi Annarose, I have developed a recent fondness for poetry written in another language and translated into English. Tagore is one of the best.
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Thanks so much for following my blog–and I am a HUGE fan of Tagore and Rumi, so I am in your fan club, too! Glad we connected. 🙂
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Wow! Very cool Ermigal. I am glad we connected too. You seem like a lot of fun and I am always out for that! 🙂
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Hello to another Tagore fan. His words are beautiful, as is your post. Thank you!
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Hello Theresa: When I first discovered his words I knew I had found a treasure.
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What a treasure chest of Tagore quotes– I love him, too. Thanks for this gathering of some of his most beautiful thoughts.
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Tagore is a favorite of mine, thanks for the kind words Stockdale.
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Thanks for the pingback!
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Thank you for the pingback!
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you’ve chosen the perfect person to embark on a beautiful journey of India. Tagore’s words are such that every time you read them you are stuck by their beauty and you may find a new meaning in them. lovely post.
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Thanks so much Hemadamani: You are so right about Tagore.
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thanks for the pingback
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Yes, let’s not pluck her petals … this is really a great discovery Nancy :). I am glad to see your life imbued with colours, and I must say … I really like your new gravatar photo 🙂
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Hey Paula: Thank you and thank you. You are a gem. it is nice to see you here! 😀
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Hey Paula: Thank you and thank you. You are a gem. it is nice to see you here! 😀
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Thank u for having such a beautiful understanding about sree Rabindranath Tagore.
Wonderful article, heart touching
with regards
advocatemmmohan
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Thank YOU Advocatemmmohan: I appreciate your kind words.
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Thanks for visiting my recent post. It gave me an opportunity to visit your blog and start my morning reading this wonderful poetry.
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Hello Marylou: Thanks for stopping by…Tagore is a wonderful way to start the day…like a warm breath of Spring! 🙂
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Reblogged this on poet4justicedotwordpressdotcom.
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Thanks for the reblog Gita! 🙂
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What I like about Tagore is that he is a teacher of timeless wisdom and a poet at the same time.
Thanks for posting this, Nancy!
with Love, Peace and Joy for 2013!
Tomas
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Thank you for thanking me Tomas. I was happy to share my recent “discovery”. 😀
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Thank you so much for introducing Tagore to us. I had never read his words, but what treasure to find at the beginning of the new year. Thank you for your open-mindedness that lead you to this wonderful discovery, Nancy.
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Thanks so much for your kind words Kozo! Also thanks for starting the Bloggers for Peace–I am almost ready with my first post for peace and I am excited!
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I consider this post about Tagore a post for peace, so technically it will be your second post. haha.
Thank you for your contributions. {{{Hugs}}}
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I like your thinking Kozo! ((Hugs back!))
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I so enjoyed my intro to the thoughts of Tragore with your post. I’d heard of him but never read anything by him. He is a definite kindred spirit. So, will you believe that I was also raised Catholic? Though I do not consider myself lapsed – I was misplaced in the Catholic church from the start, via being born to my Catholic mother. Instead, I view myself as an escaped Catholic, and a lucky one at that.
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Oh Janet…we have so much in common. I think the Catholics scared me as a child…I had a tough time with all the negativity and sinning and “going to hell” stuff. YIKES!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yikes, indeed! Seven year old children should not be terrified that they are going to hell, as I was. The priests and nuns in my church and school totally lacked any expression of the God-Is-Love concept. It’s taken most of my adult life to develop a healthy spirituality and trust in a higher power (or the Great Who-Who as I like to refer to the whatever-it-is out of which creation is manifested.)
LikeLike
Janet, I had the same experience and I am only now just coming to terms with any sort of spirituality at all. The reason I feature The Grotto in so many of my posts is because it is a peacefully beautiful natural area and I live about 5 blocks away. I have been looking for a non-religious church to go to because I like the community part with a touch of spiritual–this is very tricky for me because I get uncomfortable with all this Jesus talk. I suppose I am in a transitional part in my life–it seems I never stop searching…or seeking…
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I understand completely. I would like to have the connection with and support of a spiritual community that doesn’t talk about Jesus or God, because that triggers too many old feelings and fears. Haven’t found it yet…I guess most churches think that they are there to talk about God, after all. Like you, being outside in the Creation is my connection to the spiritual.
LikeLike
On New years Eve I went to a church called Unity. The ad that prompted me to go there said it was a place that was not religious but spiritual. I enjoyed the service. It was full of postivity and I left feeling good. Circumstances prevented me from returning last Sunday but I plan on returning soon to see what a regular Sunday consists of.
We have a lot in common Janet..I feel the closest to God or whatever you want to call it, outside, close to the Earth.
I like to think that God is not some guy on a throne in the sky or some such nonsence but I think it is all of us…humankind, animalkind whatever…all of us together on the wing of an eagle..at least I like to think that…in a poetic kind of way. I feel it is an energy that we all are part of.
I know that sounds crazy but I guess I am a bit nuts…
LikeLike
Well then, we are both nuts. I feel the same way…that we and everything in Creation are manifestations of a cosmic energy or force or something that can’t really be named. I like the image of all being carried on the wing of an eagle. I went to a Unity church many years ago. I liked it until the minister and wife separated and sides were taken and I left the conflict zone. There were a lot of “beliefs” that went along with the church but they didn’t bother me. Perhaps it will be a good fit at this point in your journey.
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Thank you so much for introducing Rabindranath Tagore. Thank you for sharing his wisdom quotes and beautiful photos!
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Thank YOU Amy! 🙂
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Beautiful and inspiring images. This is wonderul, ““Faith is the bird that feels the light and sings when the dawn is still dark.” We had our share of heartaches for 2012 but faith and hope gave us the strength to move on and fly. Happy New Year!
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Thanks Island Traveler: I appreciate your kindness and thank you for all the RT’s over the year…and of course..Happy New Year! 🙂
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I love Tagore’s body of work… 🙂
Glad to reconnect with you this year …
•.★♥★Happy New Year to You & Yours!★♥★.•
Eliz
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Hey Eliz: Thanks…nice to see you! Happy New Year to you as well–It’s going to be a great one! 😀
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Beautiful, meaningful quotes. He certainly resonates with me, too. I love how he writes about nature and the world. A very wise man, indeed. I can see why you enjoy reading his works. Thank you for introducing him to me! I’d like to read more….
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Hey Judy: Thanks…I was happy to share my recent “discovery” of him. 🙂
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Always inspiring and great photos too.Thanks Nancy 🙂
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Thank you Udoji! 🙂
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Wonderful post, Tagore was a wise man… 🙂
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Hey Drake, Yes he was and so are you….thanks for stopping by! 😀
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Some very wise and true words. Thanks for sharing.
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Thanks Cathy! 🙂
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Happy New Year to you dear !
Many best wishes !
May You enjoy the Best Health, Pure Happiness, True Relations, Sweet Memories, Success and Peace in the moments of life !
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Hello Land of Fun! Happy New Year to you as well! Thanks for your kind and encouraging words. 🙂
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Wonderful introduction to Tagore.
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Thanks Mahesh! 🙂
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Like this very much, Nancy. I believe there is much we can learn from other cultures. Though I see a tension where India (and other cultures) are being subsumed by our consumerism and materialism. It’ll be interesting to see which influence prevails, or if remains the struggle it is today.
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Hey Gunta: I like the way you think. I too am interested on how our western ways influence other cultures. Hopefully we can help ourselves see the light and then we’ll be able to light the way for others.
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