The nonplussed surprise of human life

There pulsates yet another nonplussed surprise in our blood. This is exactly how Jibananda found the human life in its many wonderous manifestations. Does it correspond to Rabindranath's cosmic communication when he declares: the sky is full of sun and stars, the universe is full of multifarious lives and 'I've got my place amidst all those living entities'? Whether it is an overwhelming cosmic consciousness or a wonderous revelation with something beyond this mundane world, the two highly introspective poets have delved deep into the mystery of human life.

While in his Aat Bachhor Ager Ekdin, Jibananda has referred to nothing concerning wealth and achievements in life, but the human life's futility in confrontation with the overall conditions and environment where the protagonist finds existence so stifling, Rabindranath tries to rediscover the meaning of life through the cosmic union. His life is awakened by something super consciousness. It is indeed a wonder in this light and life and there pulsates the 'rhythmic creation cadenced by the swing of the endless time'.

The perceptions of the two poets widely vary and yet there are some relations between the life's wonders. Actually, do people feel deeply enough to know the inner meaning of life? Life can be so cheap, hollow and meaningless but at the same time it can elevate to a level where the extraordinary and the amazing happen. Ordinary people also think at times that they could spend life a little more meaningfully and even wonder why they were born at all if life delivered so raw a deal.

It is not easy to be contended by people who think flaunting wealth, influence and power is the ultimate goal of life. But those simple people who are satisfied largely by having a shelter on their head and two square meals a day can think of leading a modest life. But apart from such considerations, there is some discontentment that drives people irrespective of their positions and statuses. This is a kind of a troubadourish quest people are after. Poets take the feeling to a new height by virtue of their lucid and poetic expressions. But the quest and journey within go on imperceptibly. Life presents itself in its many and varied aspects and constructs.

So, the discontented soul looks beyond the limited frame to which it is confined. A window of some refreshing air is sought after by inquisitive mind. Well, there are great achievers who have concentrated their mind on discovery, innovation and scientific breakthroughs in the interest of the human race. That way they derive some satisfaction without exactly looking after the meaning of life that eludes most people like a mirage. Indeed, science, technology and infrastructure development have progressed phenomenally and living life for the majority of the world population has become far easier than the time their ancestors struggled to survive elements.

Yet rebalancing the mundane and the spiritual world is far from happening. At the end of the day, a man is a helpless animal if the whole world conspires against him. Nothing goes right at times and irrespective of age, the feeling of frustration can be overwhelming, when Jibananda's protagonist -- not quite deprived of the sweetness of love and family relations -- consider it better to embrace a rope that brings an end to his life of mixed happiness and sorrow.

In the same vein, Rabindranath also finds the puzzle no less perplexing. But the sage of a poet does in no way give vent to his feeling in bitter words. He writes that the first day's sun asked the question: 'who are you?'. There was no answer. Then passed year after year and the disappearing sun of the day again asked, 'who are you?' The poet could not master an answer. Knowing the 'self' was the mission of ancient sages and philosophers and other introspective minds still try to know 'who I am'. How much did/do they know of themselves and how the life on this planet flows in rhythmic creation is a question that often remains unanswered.

With all his philosophical and spiritual view of life, Rabindranath found bliss in and was blessed with his existence in this world -- and that is despite the many adversities and tragedies he had to encounter in his life. But at last, he too surrendered to the unknown, the mystery and the puzzle of life. Human life is enriched and blessed by so many bounties but then, it also leaves a sense of discontentment because of the void left never to be filled.