Philosophy, spirituality and the arts form an integral part of human culture and these often reveal surprising connections between seemingly disparate traditions. Who would have thought there would be shared connections between the Indian and Irish traditions? Both cultures have similarity in their profound explorations of mysticism, poetry, and meditation, despite the geographical distance.
In India, mysticism is vividly expressed through the Bhakti and Sufi movements. Poets like Kabir and Namdeo used their verses to dissolve the boundaries between the self and the divine, advocating for a personal, direct experience of God. Similarly, Irish mysticism, deeply rooted in pre-Christian Celtic spirituality, emphasizes a harmonious relationship with nature and the spirit world. The ancient Druids and modern practitioners of Celtic spirituality honor the interconnectedness of all life, celebrating the sacred in the natural world.
Poetry is said to be the language of the soul and has always been a powerful medium for expressing mystical experiences and spiritual insights. Rabindranath Tagore and Sri Aurobindo are two of India’s most mystic poets who have used their literary genius to explore themes of divine love and cosmic unity which made their works so great that readers embark on an inner journey, seeking the divine within. These inspired the great poets from Ireland W. B. Yeats and George William Russell (AE) to weave the mystical and the mythical into their verses, drawing from the rich folklore and spiritual heritage of their own land. Their poetry often reflects a longing for the transcendent, a quest for deeper truths hidden beneath the surface of everyday life. Many people start to meditate when in search of inner peace. Meditation is another shared practice that underscores spiritual relationships between Indian and Irish traditions. India meditates with techniques like yoga and vipassana, guiding practitioners towards self-realization and inner peace. On the other hand, Irish traditions are less formalized but we can trace meditative practices in the contemplative nature of Druidic rituals and the quiet reflection found in the poetry of the Celtic Revival. These echo the meditative spirit fostering a deep connection with the divine and the natural world.
The “Nightingale of India,” Sarojini Naidu, was also heavily affected by the works of W.B. Yeats, Edmund Gosse and Arthur Symons, among other poets, during her time in England. They played a significant role in shaping her early poetic style. She was influenced by the Irish literary revival and the broader cultural renaissance that Yeats was a part of. The Irish struggle for independence resonated with Naidu, who was deeply involved in India’s own fight for freedom.
The freedom struggles of the two countries show several shared influences and connections. Both movements were driven by a desire for self-determination and independence from British colonial rule. Leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Éamon de Valera drew inspiration from each other’s non-violent resistance strategies and political tactics. The exchange of ideas and solidarity between the two nations helped to strengthen their respective movements and highlighted the global nature of the fight against colonialism.
Then there is also the shared reverence of the divine. Both Indian and Irish traditions celebrate the divine feminine as a powerful and essential force in the universe. In India a divine feminine energy from the Hindu mythology is called “Shakti”,Durga, Kali, and Saraswati. She represents the creative power that drives the universe, encompassing all forms of energy, strength, and dynamism. The same way the Triple Goddess from the Celtic mythology represent the feminine divine in three aspects: Maiden, Mother, and Crone. This archetype embodies the cycles of life, fertility, wisdom, and transformation. Celtic goddesses like Brigid, Danu, and Morrigan are central figures, each representing different facets of the divine feminine. Through goddesses like Shakti, Devi, Saraswati, Danu, and Brigid, these cultures highlight the importance of creation, nurturing, wisdom, and the balance of energies.
(The author, Tanaz Buhariwalla, is the Director, South Asia at IDA Ireland.)
