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The man whose acquaintance with the world does not lead him deeper than science leads him, will never understand what it is that the man with the spiritual vision finds in these natural phenomena. The water does not merely cleanse his limbs, but it purifies his heart; for it touches his soul. The earth does not merely hold his body, but it gladdens his mind; for its contact is more than physical contact, it is a living presence. When a man does not realise his kinship with the world, he lives in a prison-house whose walls are alien to him When he meets the eternal spirit in all objects, then is he emancipated, for then he discovers the fullest significance of the world into which he is born; then he finds himself in perfect truth, and his harmony with the All is established.

Rabindranath Tagore#133

SpiritualityNatureConnectionScience

About this quote

What does it mean?
Tagore argues that spiritual vision reveals deeper meaning in nature beyond science. Recognizing kinship with the world liberates a person from alienation.
In plain terms
See nature as alive to feel free from isolation.
What can you take from it?
Connect deeply with the world to find freedom.

Where it applies

  • existential crisis
  • environmentalism
  • meditation

Putting it to work

  • Treat nature as living presence
  • Seek kinship with the world

Questions to consider

  • How do you relate to nature?
  • Do you feel part of the whole?

Another view

Scientific and spiritual views are not always compatible.

More from Rabindranath Tagore

  1. The man who aims at his own aggrandisement underrates everything else.

    Permalink to quote #132
  2. The meaning of our self is not to be found in its separateness from God and others, but in the ceaseless realisation of yoga, of union.

    Permalink to quote #134
  3. The highest education is that which does not merely give us information but makes our life in harmony with all existence.

    Permalink to quote #131

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