Unveiling The Garden Of Love: A Comparative Study Of Mystical Symbolism In Layla Majnun And Gitagovinda
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Date
2004
Authors
Sinha, Lalita
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Abstract
In this comparative study of two masterpieces of literary expression, attention is
directed at unveiling similarities and differences of mystical significance between
~izami's The Story of Layla Majnzm and Love Song of the Dark Lord. Jeyadem's
Gitago\'inda. The study is conducted on theoretical constructs of Hermeneutics. guided
by traditional norms and conventions of Persian and Sanskrit literary expression. and
informed by the Traditionalist perspective of religion. These considerations represent
the platform for the understanding and interpretation of elements or phenomena in the
texts as symbolic expressions of the Sufi and Bhakti mystJco-rehgwus traditions.
At the level of literary expression, the study examines and compares the saga of
love between two human characters in the Persian work, Layla and Majnun and between
a human and divine figura in the Indian work, Radha and Krishna. Beyond this level,
an esoteric perspective of Love is considered. This perspective contends that the
depiction of human love is symbolic, allegoric, anagogic, and ontological. Accordingly
the parallels between the texts are considered in terms of the love between the human
soul and God, or the mystical connection.
In the attempt to unveil the mystical symbolism of "The Garden of Love" in the
individual texts, the material or data is divided along three major themes, representing
cyclical or returning stages of the spiritual Quest. The Quest refers to a process of
transformation of the lover, from the human, worldly and materialistic, to the divine,
celestial and spiritual modes of existence, involving much trial and tribulation. In this
context, the first stage or theme is of love in union which also hints at impending
separation. Next, is the stage of love in separation which involves pain and suffering, as
well as pleasure and joy. The final stage, that of love in reunion, represents the end of
the journey or the ultimate spiritual station, from which there is no return.
The study finds not only a wealth of common elements, but also shared truths and
experiences of the two great mystico-religious traditions represented by the texts in
question. Despite the fact that they originate from two apparently diverse cultural and
geographical milieus, and employ apparently different forms of expression, there is a
relatively high level of equivalence and correspondence at the level of literary
phenomena, as well as in the spiritual dimensions conveyed. Thus, the study of
phenomenal elements that are different leads to noumenal correspondences and
parallels. Ultimately, the works attest to the dictum, Many Paths, One Goal, an idea
expressed in almost identical words by Rumi as "The roads are different, the goal is
one" and by Krishna as "All paths lead to me."
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Language and Literature