2.3.5 - Leave This Chanting and Singing and Telling of Beads by Rabindranath Tagore

Book Back Questions

1. Write a critical appreciation of the poem.

“Leave This Chanting and Singing and Telling of Beads” is the 11th poem in Tagore’s Gitanjali. In this poem, Tagore criticizes empty rituals and blind worship. He advises priests to stop chanting mantras and counting beads in secluded temples. The poet says God is not found in such closed corners. God lives with humble labourers like tillers of the land and path-makers who work hard in sun and rain. Tagore glorifies the life of the poor and rejects asceticism. He conveys that true spirituality comes through action and service to humanity. The poem expresses humanism and teaches that real worship means equality, love, and participation in the activities of life.

2. Do you think the poet approves of rituals and blind worship?

No, the poet does not approve of rituals and blind worship. Tagore strongly advises priests to leave chanting, singing, and telling of beads. He says God is not present in secluded temple corners where people worship with eyes half shut. Ritualistic flowers and incense do not serve any real purpose. According to Tagore, true worship is not found in empty ceremonies but in working with the poor and humble people. God lives with those who toil in sun and shower, whose clothes are soiled with dust. The poet rejects ascetic and ritualistic practices and stresses that participation in life and service to humanity are essential to realize God.

3. What kind of man and God does Tagore create?

Tagore creates a God who lives among the humble and downtrodden. God is not distant or confined to temples but stays with labourers like tillers and stone-breakers. He loves those who earn bread through hard work and sweat. Tagore also presents man as a humanist who must serve fellow beings to find God. The true devotee should give up pride, holy robes, and ritual worship. Tagore believes God Himself is bound to creation in chains of love, so man cannot seek freedom through isolation. Thus, Tagore creates a divine image of God in humanity and action.

4. Write a short note on the theme of the poem.

The theme of the poem is the rejection of ritualistic worship and the glorification of human service. Tagore says God cannot be found through chanting, incense, or counting beads in temples. God lives with poor labourers who work hard in dust, sun, and rain. The poet promotes humanism, stating that love and service to fellowmen are the highest form of worship. He stands for a synthesis of contemplation and action, where spiritual life is fulfilled only through participation in the world. The poem teaches that true devotion lies in equality, humility, and serving humanity, not in blind rituals.

5. What does the poet urge the priest to do at the beginning of the poem?

At the beginning of the poem, Tagore urges the priest to stop chanting, singing, and counting beads. He asks him to open his eyes and realize that God is not in the secluded corner of the temple. The poet tells the priest to come out of the temple, give up his holy robes, and join the humble workers. God lives with tillers of the soil and path-makers who toil in sun and rain. Tagore says there is no harm if clothes become stained with dust, because meeting God comes through work and service. Thus, he urges practical devotion.