Ralph Waldo Emerson

Brahma

Brahma - meaning Summary

Unity Beyond Life and Death

In "Brahma" the speaker presents Brahma as the universal, undying spirit that transcends opposites and earthly distinctions. Death and victory, shame and fame, doubt and belief are revealed as expressions of a single reality that pervades all things. The voice claims immanence and identity with both action and thought, asserting that spiritual discovery, not ritual or heavenly reward, leads to true union with the divine.

Read Complete Analyses

If the red slayer think he slays, Or if the slain think he is slain, They know not well the subtle ways I keep, and pass, and turn again. Far or forgot to me is near; Shadow and sunlight are the same; The vanished gods to me appear; And one to me are shame and fame. They reckon ill who leave me out; When me they fly, I am the wings; I am the doubter and the doubt, And I the hymn the Brahmin sings. The strong gods pine for my abode, And pine in vain the sacred Seven; But thou, meek lover of the good! Find me, and turn thy back on heaven.

default user
PoetryVerse just now

Feel free to be first to leave comment.

8/2200 - 0