Poem # 9 : "O Fool, try to carry thyself upon thy own shoulders!" : Gitanjali by Tagore : Meaning Explained

O Fool, try to carry thyself upon thy own shoulders!

O beggar, to come beg at thy own door!

Leave all thy burdens on his hands who can bear all, and never look behind in regret.

Thy desire at once puts out the light from the lamp it touches with its breath.

It is unholy---take not thy gifts through its unclean hands. Accept only what is offered by sacred love.

--x--

Line by Line Translation in simple English:

O Fool, try to carry thyself upon thy own shoulders!

- O Fool, try to lift yourself with your own strength!

O beggar, to come beg at thy own door!

- O beggar, go and ask from yourself at your own door!

Leave all thy burdens on his hands who can bear all,

- Give all your burdens to the one who can handle everything,

and never look behind in regret.

- and never look back with regret.

Thy desire at once puts out the light from the lamp it touches with its breath.

- Your desire immediately extinguishes the lamp's light when it comes near.

It is unholy---take not thy gifts through its unclean hands.

- It is impure—do not accept gifts through its dirty hands.

Accept only what is offered by sacred love.

- Take only what is given with pure and sacred love.

--x--

This poetic song carries profound spiritual and life lessons, emphasizing self-reliance, surrender, and purity of intention. Here are the key lessons:

1. Self-Reliance and Self-Discovery

- "O Fool, try to carry thyself upon thy own shoulders!"

- Learn to depend on yourself and uncover your inner strength. Stop seeking external validation or support; recognize that the power lies within you.

- "O beggar, to come beg at thy own door!"

- Seek fulfillment within yourself. You are the source of your own abundance and wisdom.

2. Surrender and Trust

- "Leave all thy burdens on his hands who can bear all, and never look behind in regret."

- Trust the divine or the higher power to handle your struggles. Let go of regret and the past, and move forward with faith and grace.

3. Beware of Impure Desires

- "Thy desire at once puts out the light from the lamp it touches with its breath."

- Desires, when uncontrolled, can destroy the purity of your inner light. Be mindful of their impact on your peace and spiritual clarity.

4. Avoid Impure Gains

- "It is unholy---take not thy gifts through its unclean hands."

- Do not accept anything that comes from impure or unethical means. True contentment comes from what is earned or given with purity.

5. Value Sacred Love

- "Accept only what is offered by sacred love."

- Only take what is given with genuine, pure, and loving intentions. This nurtures your soul and aligns you with higher virtues.

Core Message:

- Embrace self-reliance and inner discovery.

- Surrender your burdens to the divine without regret.

- Protect the purity of your soul by keeping desires in check and accepting only what aligns with sacred love and ethics.

This song is a reminder to walk the path of inner purity and trust in the divine, where true joy and peace reside.

--x--

A Poem inspired by Gitanjali:

The Path Within

In the quiet of the soul’s deep light,

Lies a truth that shatters the night.

A whisper calls, so soft, so near,

"Seek no farther; the way is here."

O wanderer, pause, set down your quest,

The treasure you seek beats in your chest.

Not in the stars or a distant land,

But in your heart and your own hand.

The burdens you carry, heavy and long,

Are not yours to bear; they don’t belong.

Surrender them all to the infinite grace,

And walk with light through time and space.

Desires burn like a fleeting flame,

Consuming peace in their endless game.

Let them go, their hands unclean,

Find your joy where love is seen.

Accept the gifts of the sacred, the pure,

A love that heals, steady and sure.

For in this stillness, boundless and free,

Awaits the truth: You are eternity.

--x--