Life of my life

(Rabindranath Tagore)
Text:
Life of my life, I shall ever try to keep my body pure, knowing that thy living
touch is upon all my limbs.

I shall ever try to keep all untruths out from my thoughts, knowing that thou art
that truth which has kindled the light of reason in my mind.

I shall ever try to drive all evils away from my heart and keep my love in flower,
knowing that thou hast thy seat in the inmost shrine of my heart.

And it shall be my endeavor to reveal thee in my actions, knowing it is thy power

gives me strength to act.
Themes:
The poem you're referring to, often translated as the "Fourth Song" from Rabindranath Tagore's
"Gitanjali" collection, and is sometimes titled "Life of My Life." This collection is a series of
devotional poems that explore the poet's relationship with the divine. Here are some themes that
you may find in the poem:

Spiritual Devotion:

The central theme of "Life of My Life" revolves around the poet's intense
spiritual devotion. Tagore expresses a deep longing for a connection with the divine, seeking a
profound and intimate relationship with the ultimate reality.

Union with the Divine:

 The theme of union with the divine is prominent. The poet yearns for a
oneness with the divine, a merging of his individual self with the greater spiritual reality. This
theme reflects a mystical and transcendent aspect of Tagore's spiritual exploration

Seeking Guidance:

There is an element of seeking guidance and enlightenment. The speaker

looks to the divine for direction, wisdom, and a deeper understanding of life's purpose.

Surrender and Submission:

The poem conveys a theme of surrender and submission to a higher

power. The speaker expresses a willingness to surrender their own will and ego to merge with
the divine will.

Truth:

The poet recognizes the divine as the embodiment of truth, the source of enlightenment
and understanding. He strives to align his thoughts and actions with this ultimate truth, seeking
to dispel illusions and misconceptions. He acknowledges that the divine has ignited the light of
reason in his mind, enabling him to discern truth from falsehood.

Purity:

The speaker emphasizes the importance of purity in their devotion to God. They want to
keep their body pure, knowing that God's touch is upon them. They also want to keep their
thoughts true, knowing that God is the truth.