Thinking Activity on I.A.Richards 'Figurative Language'
I.A Richards who along with T.S Eliot consider as the pioneer of new criticism gave an idea of close reading of text and also verbal analysis of text. He also gave the theory of practical criticism. So here I tried to analyze my own "Prayer" which one lover addressed his beloved.
Interestingly, our first Maitri Tune is a beautiful prayer offering called Maitri Bhaav by Gurudev Chitrabhanuji. Written after a period of intense spiritual practice in silence as a monk, this song captured the hearts of the entire nation and beyond. Mukesh, a very popular Bollywood singer of the 1960's lent his voice for this beautiful song which is now a daily prayer in many schools and ashrams around the world. Hope this simple Gujarati prayer touches your heart too!
The four human values (Brahmaviharas) that this prayer seeks to cultivate in its listeners are: Amity (Maitri), Appreciation (Mudita), Compassion (Karuna) and Equanimity (Upeksha).
Maitri Bhav Nu Pavitra Zarnu.........
Maitri bhaav nu pavitra jharnu, mujh haiya ma vahya kare
Shubh thavo aa sakala vishwa nu, evi bhavana nitya rahe
In first stanza:
May the sacred stream of amity flow forever in my heart,
May all beings in the universe prosper, such is my cherished desire.
Guna thi bharela gunijan dekhi, haiyu mharu nrutya kare
E santo na charana kamal maa, mujh jeevan nu ardhya rahe
Second stanza:
May my heart sing with ecstasy, at the sight of the virtuous
And may my life be an offering, at their feet
Deen kreur ne dharma vihona, dekhi dil maa dard rahe
karuna bheeni aankhon maa thi ashruno shubh stotra vahe
Third stanza:
May my heart weep at the sight of the wretched, cruel and poor,
And may my eyes be filled with tears of compassion for them.
Marg bhulela jeevan pathikne, marg chindhva ubho rahu
kare upeksha e marag ni tohe samata chit dharu
Fourth stanza:
May I be ready to show the path of Dharma to those who are lost
Yet, if they do not hearken to me, may I be equanimous to all .
Chitrabhanu ni dharma bhavana haiye sahu manav lave
ver jher na bhaav tajine mangal geeto e gave
Last stanza:
May the spirit of goodwill enter all our hearts
May we all sing in chorus the immortal song of human concord
In Frist stanza talking about holiness and goodness of friendship.
In second stanza talking about goodman, saints, and life.
In thirds stanza talking about tears, religion, pain.
In fourth stanza talking about expectations.
In last stanza talking about goodwill, heart.
Thank you
