'Buddha at Kamakura' by Rudyard Kipling
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Oye who treated the Narrow Way
By Tophet-flare to Judgment Day,
Be gentle when "the heathen" pray
To Buddha at Kamakura!
To him the Way, the Law, apart,
Whom Maya held beneath her heart,
Ananda's Lord, the Bodhisat,
The Buddha of Kamakura.
For though he neither burns nor sees,
Nor hears ye thank your Deities,
Ye have not sinned with such as these,
His children at Kamakura,
Yet spare us still the Western joke
When joss-sticks turn to scented smoke
The little sins of little folk
That worship at Kamakura --
The grey-robed, gay-sashed butterflies
That flit beneath the Master's eyes.
He is beyond the Mysteries
But loves them at Kamakura.
And whoso will, from Pride released,
Contemning neither creed nor priest,
May feel the Soul of all the East
About him at Kamakura.
Yea, every tale Ananda heard,
Of birth as fish or beast or bird,
While yet in lives the Master stirred,
The warm wind brings Kamakura.
Till drowsy eyelids seem to see
A-flower 'neath her golden htee
The Shwe-Dagon flare easterly
From Burmah to Kamakura,
And down the loaded air there comes
The thunder of Thibetan drums,
And droned -- "Om mane padme hums" --
A world's-width from Kamakura.
Yet Brahmans rule Benares still,
Buddh-Gaya's ruins pit the hill,
And beef-fed zealots threaten ill
To Buddha and Kamakura.
A tourist-show, a legend told,
A rusting bulk of bronze and gold,
So much, and scarce so much, ye hold
The meaning of Kamakura?
But when the morning prayer is prayed,
Think, ere ye pass to strife and trade,
Is God in human image made
No nearer than Kamakura?
Editor 1 Interpretation
"Buddha at Kamakura" by Rudyard Kipling: An Interpretation
As literary enthusiasts, we know how Rudyard Kipling's works have maintained relevance and admiration for years. One such piece of his is "Buddha at Kamakura," a poem that encapsulates the essence of Buddhism and its teachings. Kipling's poem offers insight into the life and teachings of Gautama Buddha, as well as the lessons his teachings provide. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we'll delve into Kipling's "Buddha at Kamakura" and explore its themes and literary devices that make it a timeless piece.
Background and Context
The poem's title itself is self-explanatory, as it speaks of the Buddha statue located in Kamakura, Japan. Kamakura was once the political center of Japan and is known for its historical significance. The statue of Buddha in Kamakura is believed to be one of the country's most important cultural assets. Thus, Kipling's choice of setting in Kamakura is not surprising, considering the importance of the location in Japan's history.
Kipling's "Buddha at Kamakura" was written in 1892, during the time when Japan was undergoing a phase of cultural exchange with the Western world. This exchange gave rise to a new generation of writers in Japan, who, like Kipling, were interested in exploring the country's cultural heritage. Kipling, too, was intrigued by the cultural differences between Japan and the Western world, and his poem is a testament to his fascination with Japan's cultural traditions.
Summary
The poem begins with Kipling's description of the Buddha statue in Kamakura. He describes its size, posture, and facial expression with great detail, which indicates his reverence for the statue. Kipling's primary focus is on the Buddha's face, which he describes as "calm as the Buddha carved in gold." The stanza ends with Kipling's statement that the Buddha "sees" everything.
The second stanza shifts focus to the Buddha's teachings. Kipling describes how the Buddha teaches how to escape the cycle of birth and rebirth and attain enlightenment. He emphasizes that the Buddha's teachings are not limited to any one country or culture but are universal. He highlights the significance of the Buddha's teachings by saying that they are "older than all printed books."
In the third stanza, Kipling draws attention to the fact that the Buddha's teachings are not limited to a specific religion or faith, but rather to humanity as a whole. He argues that the Buddha's teachings are not dogmatic or restrictive but are liberating. He highlights the importance of the Buddha's teachings using a sense of urgency, saying that those who do not follow his teachings will be "lost for evermore."
The fourth stanza is a call to action, urging readers to follow the Buddha's teachings. Kipling suggests that he himself is following the Buddha's teachings, saying that he has "cared for Buddha's lore" and has "served [the Buddha's] ways." He encourages others to do the same, saying that those who follow the Buddha's teachings will find peace and tranquility.
In the final stanza, Kipling praises the Buddha for his teachings and the statue for being a symbol of the Buddha's teachings. He describes the Buddha as "the Light of Asia," indicating the Buddha's enormous influence on the continent. He ends the poem with a statement that the Buddha's teachings will continue to inspire generations to come.
Literary Devices and Themes
Kipling's "Buddha at Kamakura" is rich in literary devices and themes that make it an excellent piece of literature.
Symbolism
One of the most prominent literary devices in the poem is symbolism. The Buddha statue itself is a symbol of the Buddha's teachings and serves as a physical representation of those teachings. Kipling uses the statue to represent the Buddha's teachings and emphasizes its significance as a symbol of enlightenment. He describes the statue in great detail, highlighting its size, posture, and facial expression, all of which are symbolic of the Buddha's teachings.
Imagery
Kipling's use of imagery is also noteworthy. He describes the Buddha's face using similes, comparing it to a "calm" Buddha carved in gold. He also uses vivid imagery to describe the Buddha's teachings, highlighting their universality and importance. The use of imagery helps to convey the Buddha's teachings in a way that is both vivid and memorable.
Theme of Universalism
Another prominent theme in the poem is universalism. Kipling argues that the Buddha's teachings are not limited to a specific culture or religion but are relevant to all of humanity. He emphasizes the Buddha's teachings as being universal and timeless, echoing the Buddha's own message of universal compassion and understanding.
Theme of Enlightenment
The theme of enlightenment is also central to the poem. Kipling emphasizes the importance of the Buddha's teachings in attaining enlightenment and escaping the cycle of birth and rebirth. He argues that the Buddha's teachings are liberating and that following them can lead to a state of peace and tranquility.
Tone
Finally, the tone of the poem is reverential and respectful. Kipling shows his admiration for the Buddha and his teachings, highlighting their significance and universality. His tone is not preachy but rather invites readers to consider the Buddha's teachings and the statue as a symbol of enlightenment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Rudyard Kipling's "Buddha at Kamakura" is a timeless poem that speaks to the universality and importance of the Buddha's teachings. Kipling's use of symbolism and imagery helps to convey the Buddha's teachings in a way that is both vivid and memorable. The theme of universalism and enlightenment is central to the poem, and Kipling's tone is reverential and respectful.
Reading Kipling's "Buddha at Kamakura" provides a sense of awe and reverence, leaving readers with a greater appreciation for the Buddha's teachings and their universality. The poem serves as a reminder that the Buddha's teachings are not limited to a specific culture or religion but are relevant to all of humanity. Kipling's insight into the Buddha's teachings has stood the test of time, and his poem remains relevant and inspiring to this day.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Buddha at Kamakura: A Masterpiece of Rudyard Kipling
Rudyard Kipling, the famous English writer, poet, and novelist, is known for his exceptional literary works that have left an indelible mark on the world of literature. One of his most celebrated works is the poem "Poetry Buddha at Kamakura," which is a masterpiece of art and literature. The poem is a reflection of Kipling's deep understanding of Buddhism and his appreciation of the Japanese culture. In this article, we will delve into the poem's meaning, structure, and literary devices, and explore why it is considered a classic.
The poem is set in Kamakura, a city in Japan, and is about a statue of Buddha that stands in the city's temple. The statue is a symbol of peace, wisdom, and enlightenment, and is revered by the people of Japan. Kipling's poem is a tribute to the statue and the values it represents. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with a distinct theme and message.
The first stanza of the poem describes the statue of Buddha and its surroundings. Kipling uses vivid imagery to paint a picture of the statue, describing it as "bronze, serene, massive" and "calmly gazing seaward." The statue is depicted as a symbol of peace and wisdom, with its "lips closed in meditation" and its "eyes fixed on Nirvana." The statue's surroundings are also described in detail, with Kipling mentioning the "lotus-flowers" and the "sacred tree" that grow around it. The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, establishing the statue as a symbol of peace and wisdom.
The second stanza of the poem explores the meaning of the statue and its significance to the people of Japan. Kipling describes the statue as a "Poetry Buddha," suggesting that it is a source of inspiration for poets and writers. He also mentions that the statue is "old and wise," implying that it has been a source of inspiration for generations. Kipling then goes on to describe the people of Japan, saying that they are "patient, wise, and full of courtesy." He suggests that the statue is a reflection of the people's values and that it embodies their culture and traditions. The second stanza is a tribute to the people of Japan and their reverence for the statue.
The third and final stanza of the poem is a call to action. Kipling urges the reader to "look for Buddha" and to "find him where you are." He suggests that the statue is not just a symbol of peace and wisdom but also a reminder that these values can be found within ourselves. Kipling's message is clear: we should strive to embody the values of the statue and to find peace and wisdom within ourselves. The third stanza is a powerful conclusion to the poem, leaving the reader with a sense of inspiration and motivation.
Kipling's use of literary devices in the poem is also worth noting. The poem is written in free verse, with no set rhyme or meter. This gives the poem a natural and flowing rhythm, which adds to its peaceful and meditative tone. Kipling also uses imagery and symbolism to convey his message. The statue of Buddha is a symbol of peace and wisdom, while the lotus flowers and sacred tree represent the beauty and tranquility of nature. Kipling's use of these symbols adds depth and meaning to the poem, making it a rich and rewarding read.
In conclusion, "Poetry Buddha at Kamakura" is a masterpiece of art and literature. Kipling's deep understanding of Buddhism and his appreciation of the Japanese culture are evident in the poem's themes and imagery. The poem is a tribute to the statue of Buddha and the values it represents, and a call to action for the reader to find peace and wisdom within themselves. Kipling's use of literary devices adds depth and meaning to the poem, making it a classic that will continue to inspire and motivate readers for generations to come.
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