Mysticism, Poetry, and Freedom: The Deep-Rooted Spiritual Bond Between India and Ireland – News18
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The Indian and Irish traditions share a poetic and mystical sensibility, demonstrating that the pursuit of spiritual wisdom and artistic expression knows no boundaries.
The philosophical and spiritual connections between Indian and Irish traditions highlight a shared human quest for meaning, transcendence, and unity
Human culture is a tapestry woven with threads of philosophy, spirituality, and the arts, often revealing unexpected connections across distant traditions. One such fascinating link exists between Indian and Irish traditions, both of which share a deep engagement with mysticism, poetry, and meditation. Despite their geographical distance, these cultures echo each other in their spiritual philosophies and artistic expressions.
In India, mysticism finds powerful expression in the Bhakti and Sufi movements, where poets like Kabir and Namdeo used verse to transcend religious divisions and emphasize a personal connection with the divine. Their poetry dissolves the barriers between self and the infinite, inviting seekers to experience spirituality beyond dogma. Across the seas in Ireland, pre-Christian Celtic traditions nurtured a similar mystical outlook, fostering a reverence for nature and the unseen world. Ancient Druids and modern practitioners of Celtic spirituality recognize the sacred in all life, maintaining an enduring belief in the interconnectedness of existence. Tanaz Buhariwalla, Director – IDA Ireland, India, shares her insights:
Poetry, often regarded as the voice of the soul, has long served as a medium for expressing spiritual insights. India’s great mystic poets, Rabindranath Tagore and Sri Aurobindo, infused their works with themes of divine love and cosmic unity, guiding readers on an inward journey toward self-realization. Likewise, Irish poets such as W. B. Yeats and George William Russell (AE) wove mythology and mysticism into their verses, drawing from Ireland’s rich folklore and spiritual heritage. Their poetry reflects a yearning for transcendence and a quest to uncover deeper truths hidden beneath the ordinary world.
Though worlds apart, the Indian and Irish traditions share a poetic and mystical sensibility, demonstrating that the pursuit of spiritual wisdom and artistic expression knows no boundaries.
Many people start to meditate when in search of inner peace. Meditation is another shared practice that underscores spiritual relationship between Indian and Irish traditions. India meditates with techniques like yoga and vipassana, guiding practitioners towards self-realization and inner peace. On the other hand, Irish traditions are less formalized but we can trace meditative practices in the contemplative nature of Druidic rituals and the quiet reflection found in the poetry of the Celtic Revival. These echo the meditative spirit fostering a deep connection with the divine and the natural world.
In 1912 Yeats was deeply impressed by Tagore’s poetry and played a significant role in introducing Tagore’s work to the Western world. He wrote the introduction to the English translation of Tagore’s Gitanjali, which helped Tagore gain international recognition and eventually win the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913. Both poets admired each other’s work and were friends who shared a kindred spirit.
The “Nightingale of India,” Sarojini Naidu, was also heavily affected by the works of W.B. Yeats, Edmund Gosse and Arthur Symons, among other poets, during her time in England. They played a significant role in shaping her early poetic style. She was influenced by the Irish literary revival and the broader cultural renaissance that Yeats was a part of. The Irish struggle for independence resonated with Naidu, who was deeply involved in India’s own fight for freedom.
The freedom struggles of the two countries show several shared influences and connections. Both movements were driven by a desire for self-determination and independence from British colonial rule. Leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Éamon de Valera drew inspiration from each other’s non-violent resistance strategies and political tactics. The exchange of ideas and solidarity between the two nations helped to strengthen their respective movements and highlighted the global nature of the fight against colonialism.
Then there is also the shared reverence of the divine. Both Indian and Irish traditions celebrate the divine feminine as a powerful and essential force in the universe. In India a divine feminine energy from the Hindu mythology is called “Shakti”, Durga, Kali, and Saraswati. She represents the creative power that drives the universe, encompassing all forms of energy, strength, and dynamism. The same way the Triple Goddess from the Celtic mythology represent the feminine divine in three aspects: Maiden, Mother, and Crone. This archetype embodies the cycles of life, fertility, wisdom, and transformation. Celtic goddesses like Brigid, Danu, and Morrigan are central figures, each representing different facets of the divine feminine. Through goddesses like Shakti, Devi, Saraswati, Danu, and Brigid, these cultures highlight the importance of creation, nurturing, wisdom, and the balance of energies.
In conclusion either it be Shakti, Devi, Saraswati, Brigid, Danu or Morrigan on a cultural level or W. B. Yeats and Tagore at a literary, poetic level; the histories of India and Ireland are extremely deep rooted.
The philosophical and spiritual connections between Indian and Irish traditions highlight a shared human quest for meaning, transcendence, and unity. The histories of the two countries bind us, rising above boundaries and are deep rooted.
