Transcendentalism
"It is not the length of life, but the depth"
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Greetings,
This blog is part of thinking activity assign by Vaidehi ma'am. In this blog I am answering questions according to my personal point of you. For further reading about transcendentalism you can check teacher's blog, here.
As a general definition of nature, something that is not artificial is natural, which is made of atoms. In nature, some are non-living things and others are living entities. Rivers, mountains, trees, water, and hundreds of millions of organisms are all a part of nature.
As transcendentalists talks about the relationship between nature and individual being. My personal interpretation of nature is something that is pure, which has a soul and, with the help of meditation and introspection, we can have its assistance in our lives. An individual being can connect to nature with profound introspection and focus. According to my understanding of transcendentalism, I think if one creates a connection between nature and itself, then that person has a different view towards life and human relationships.
It is a common realization that materialistic things are illusions created by society and cannot bring true peace. Pursuing these materialistic things often leads to sacrificing one's peace. In my view, nature is a divine soul that can guide us and provide true direction in our lives. When I use the term 'introspection,' I refer to spirituality. I believe introspection is the core process of spirituality.
It is a profound truth that connecting with nature leads one to gradually abandon materialistic pursuits and the sheer greed for possessions. Transcendentalism, in my understanding, aligns with this same perspective.
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?
Buddhism and The Teaching of Kabir shares similarities with transcendentalism, both emphasizing spiritual connection, self-discovery, and harmony with nature, fostering a profound understanding of existence and individual enlightenment.
A very brief introduction about Buddhism:
Buddhism started in ancient India around 2,500 years ago. A man named Siddhartha Gautama began it. He became the Buddha after finding enlightenment, or deep understanding, under a tree. The main teachings focus on Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. They guide people on how to live ethically, think wisely, and end suffering. Buddhism began in India and then spread to many other places in Asia and beyond, becoming a significant and lasting spiritual belief.
Similar Ties with Buddhism:
In Buddhism, the practice of mindfulness encourages individuals to be fully present in the moment, fostering a heightened awareness of the interconnected nature of all living things. Similarly, Transcendentalism promotes the idea of self-discovery, urging individuals to explore their inner wisdom and trust their intuition. Despite the cultural and historical distinctions between the two, these shared themes suggest a universal resonance in certain philosophical ideas, transcending diverse cultures and time periods. This mutual emphasis on personal experience and exploration contributes to a broader understanding of the human experience and the interconnected fabric of existence.
A brief introduction of Kabir-
Kabir, also known as Kabir Das, was a 15th-16th century mystic poet and saint whose influential teachings transcended religious boundaries. Revered by Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs alike, Kabir's life and work remain shrouded in legend, with conflicting accounts of his birth and upbringing.
Similar Ties with Teaching of Kabir-
Transcendentalism and Kabir's teachings converge on finding spirituality within oneself. Transcendentalism, an American philosophical movement, advocates simplicity, connection with nature, and self-discovery. Similarly, Kabir, a medieval Indian poet, echoes these themes, emphasizing simplicity, devotion, and recognizing the intrinsic connection among all beings. Both philosophies underscore the significance of inner exploration, sharing a belief in individual enlightenment and a universal connection. Whether through Ralph Waldo Emerson's American transcendentalism or Kabir's mystical poetry, the common thread is the pursuit of truth, spiritual harmony, and recognizing the divine within ourselves and the interconnected world we inhabit.
3.)Write in short about your understanding of the following essays according to the topics given:
Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882) was an American essayist, lecturer, and poet who became a central figure in the transcendentalist movement in the 19th century. Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Emerson was known for his profound influence on American literature and philosophy.
Emerson's writings, including essays like "Self-Reliance" and "Nature," conveyed his transcendentalist beliefs, emphasizing individualism, self-reliance, and a deep connection with nature. He encouraged people to trust their intuition and think independently.
Aside from his literary contributions, Emerson was a prominent lecturer and delivered speeches that addressed various social and philosophical issues of his time. His ideas played a significant role in shaping American intellectual and cultural thought during the 19th century.
"Self-Reliance" by Ralph Waldo Emerson is a strong essay that talks about being yourself and trusting what you think. Emerson says it's important not to just follow what everyone else does and be true to your own ideas. He doesn't like the idea of doing things just because everyone expects it.
Emerson really thinks listening to your own feelings and depending on yourself is crucial for personal growth. He believes everyone has a unique way of seeing things, and it's good to trust your inner voice instead of always listening to what others say.
The essay also says it's not a good idea to always follow old ways or what others think. Emerson wants people to think for themselves and come up with their own ideas. He believes that if you just do what everyone expects, it stops you from being creative and gaining real wisdom.
"Self-Reliance" also encourages doing your own thing and not always following the crowd. Emerson thinks each person is important and being true to yourself is what makes someone great.
In summary, "Self-Reliance" is like a message telling you to trust yourself, be yourself, and not let society force you to be someone you're not. It's a deep exploration of why trusting yourself is crucial in dealing with life's challenges.
Thank you...
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Reference:
Jue, Irene. "From Buddhism to Transcendentalism, the Beginning of an American Literary Tradition." May 2013
For further study of transcendalism-
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