Mysticism in Literature

Book excerpt: This Study Offers A Fresh Perspective On Mysticism In Literature, Relating And Balan¬Cing The Western And Eastern Approaches. It Specifically Looks At The Mystical Poetry Of Coventry Patmore The Francis Thompson Through New Doors Of Perception Available To The Intelligent, Sensitive Indian Scholar, From A Point Of View Important In The Study Of Both Poets. There Are Perceptive Discriminations Made Between Immanent And Transcendental Experience, Between Purgative And Illuminative Stages Of The Mystic Way, And All These Subtle Distinc¬Tions Are Illustrated From Individual Works Of The Two Poets.A Special Strength Of The Work Is Its Use Of The Stylistic Approach To Bring To Light Aspects Of The Delicate Relationship Between Mystical Experience And Its Articulation Through Literary Language. The Book Has A Strong Textual Base And Will Be Of Interest To The General Reader As Well As To The Specialist Eager To Explore Comparative Literary Contexts. ...Mr. Dhar Has Studied The Subject With Loving Care, And He Has Imposed His Own Insight Quietly But Firmly In A Way Which Can Justifiably Be Commended As Original Work. Professor J.R. Watson, University Of Durham, England ...The Analysis Of Patmore S Poetry In The Specific Context Of The Combination Of The Erotic With The Divine Is Important (Chap¬Ter Iii). This Is An Area In Which The Indian Bhakti Poets Have Composed Their Finest Poems...The Discussion Of The Transcen¬Dental And The Immanent Aspects Of Mysticism And Their Impact On Patmore And Thompson Is A Very Refreshing Part Of This Valuable Study And Deserves Appreciation. Professor V.A. Shahane, Osmania University, Hyderabad ...It Is One Of The Attractions Of The Present Book That Dr. Dhar, Writing From Within The Traditions Of India Adds A Further Ring, Learned In His Understanding Of Christianity, Especially In His Sense Of The Central Importance Of The Incarna¬Tion, He Adds The Insights Of Another Spirituality, Not Dissonant But Distinct And So Additionally Illuminating. It Is A Book Much To Be Enjoyed And Savoured. Ronald Tamplin, University Of Exeter