Indian Thought in Emerson Thoreau and Whitman - 2241 Words

INDIAN THOUGHT IN EMERSON THOREAU AND WHITMAN V. K. CHARI VEDANTA philosophy was one of several thought currents from abroad that reached New England in the early decades of the 19th century and contributed to the thinking of Emerson and Thoreau. Emerson’s interest in the sacred writings of the East probably began: .ring his Harvard days and continued throughout his life. He knew Laws of Manu, Vishnupurana, the Bhagvad- Gita, and Katha Upanishad: There are numerous references to these scriptures in his Journals and Essays. Thoreau, too, was introduced to Oriental writing while still at Harvard. His initial contact was with an essay on Oriental poetry by Sir William Jones; in 1841, at the age of 24,†¦show more content†¦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. The first stanza is essentially an adaptation of these lines from the Katha Upanishad: If the slayer think I slay, if the lain think I am slain, then both of them do not know well. If (the soul) does not slay, nor is it slain. The second and the third stanzas echo the following lines of the Gita: I am the ritual action, I am the sacrifice, I am the ancestral oblation, I am the sacred hymn, I am also the melted butter, I am the fire and I am the offering. I am immorality and also death. I am being as well as non-being. In some respects, Henry David Thoreau was even more than Emerson attracted to OrientalShow MoreRelated Change Through Thought- American Romantics and Radicals Essay3158 Words   |  13 PagesChange Through Thought- American Romantics and Radicals Many of the American romantics and radicals seek to inspire change through thought before action. First, Ralph Waldo Emerson promoted his ideas on the importance of nature and self-reliance. Second, Henry David Thoreau demonstrated his ideas on civil disobedience as well as sustainable independent living. Third, Margaret Fuller promoted her ideas of female equality. Fourth, Frederick Douglass showed a side of slavery that had not been seenRead MoreAmerican Renaissance (Literature)1541 Words   |  7 Pagesindustry and population, however, had a high cost. In 1830 Congress passed the Indian Removal Act, providing funds to transport the Eastern tribes beyond the Mississippi. In 1834 a special Indian territory was set up in what is now Oklahoma. In all, the tribes ceded millions of hectares to the federal government during Andrew Jacksons two terms, and dozens of tribes were removed from their ancestral homelands. Most American Indians complied with the terms of the removal treaties, o ften with resignationRead MoreThe Influence of Puritanism on American Literature1234 Words   |  5 Pagestheir daily behavior with the Bible.The Puritans brought with them a philosophy of life, which is popularly known as American Puritanism. A dominant factor in American life, Puritanism was one of the most enduring and shaping influences in American thought and American literature. Without true understanding of Puritanism, there would be no real understanding of American literature and American culture. ¡Ã‚ °Puritanism had spoken for the preeminence of the individual, for freedom from oppressive governmentsRead MoreHenry David Thoreau Essay3362 Words   |  14 PagesDavid Thoreau Henry David Thoreau was a man who expressed his beliefs of society, government, and mankind while living under his own self-criticism. Thoreau believed he had many weaknesses which made him a failure. This strong disapproval of himself contrasted with his powerful words and strong actions. These contradictions led to some of Thoreaus greatest pieces of literature. Henry David Thoreau was born in Concord, Massachusetts on July 12, 1817, in his grandmothers house. Thoreau believedRead MoreBrief Survey of American Literature3339 Words   |  14 Pagesconflicts between Native Americans (or American Indians) and European explorers and settlers who had both religious and territorial aspirations - Native American oral literature / oral tradition - European explorers’ letters, diaries, reports, etc., such as Christopher Columbus’s letters about his voyage to the â€Å"New world†. - Anglo (New England) settlers’ books, sermons, journals, narratives, and poetry Native American / American Indian oral literature / oral tradition creation storiesï ¼Ë†Ã¨ µ ·Ã¦ º Ã§ ¥Å¾Ã¨ ¯ Ã¯ ¼â€°