MERU

SETTINGS
"Meru" by W. B. Yeats is set in County Sligo, Ireland and incorporates Hindu
themes and Upanishadic structure. The County Sligo setting contrasts physical
needs with spiritual aspects, highlighting the fragility of civilization and temporary
nature of humanity. This setting serves as a lens to explore the poem's themes,
including commentary on material civilization, the significance of spiritual quests,
and the influence of Hinduism and Indian mythology on Western literature.

FORM
W.B. Yeats' poem "Meru" is a Shakespearean sonnet with two stanzas and
fourteen lines. It follows the rhyme scheme ABAB CDCD EFEF GG. The poem uses
symbols to represent the spiritual progress of the self and the mystical. It explores
the contrast between materialistic wealth and the spiritual journey, as shown by
the hermits on Mount Meru or Everest

SUMMARY
In the opening stanza, the speaker begins by describing how all of humanity
throughout history has been interconnected. This connection is not through a
ruler or a belief system, but rather through the illusion of civilization itself. The
speaker emphasizes that there has only been a semblance of peace throughout
time, with no true embodiment of it in reality.

The speaker believes that this truth is not widely known, as people continue to
live their lives without fully considering the reality of their existence. They spend
their days analyzing every moment and worrying about the details, unable to stop
their relentless pursuit through the centuries.

This depiction of humanity's insatiable thirst for more is continued, as people

constantly strive to come face-to-face with the desolation of reality. However, the
speaker points out that despite their search for meaning, they are unable to see
the illusion that binds them all. The speaker bids farewell to ancient civilizations
like Egypt, Greece, and Rome, highlighting the impermanence of all human-made
structures.

In the second half of the poem, the speaker explores the significance of a spiritual
journey compared to a physical one.

The initial lines introduce two distinct mountains, "Meru" and "Everest." Mount
Meru is a mystical and imagined mountain mentioned in Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist
texts. It is believed to be the center of all spiritual universes.

The speaker talks about "Hermits" who reside on either Meru or Everest.
Although these two peaks are different, they share the commonality of requiring
immense effort to conquer. The hermits are sheltered beneath the accumulated
snow. Both of them exist in a world that is constantly changing. It is in this
environment that snow and the harsh winds of winter descend upon them.

Their bodies are described as "naked." The poet chose this description to
emphasize the intensity and depth of their spiritual or physical journey. They have
been stripped down to nothing as they strive to climb or simply survive on these
mountains.
Both hermits are aware that the day, which brings more favorable conditions, will
eventually give way to night. Nothing, not even civilization or the warmth of the
sun, is permanent. They both understand that "before dawn / His glory
and...monuments are gone." The speaker now directly refers to God,
incorporating His own creations into the ongoing process of transformation.

THEMES IN SHORT

1. **Futility of Material Civilization**: The poem explores the illusions of

civilization, revealing the hidden chaos beneath. It highlights humanity's
destructive tendencies throughout history and questions the pursuit of progress.
Using vivid imagery, it shows how society's illusions unravel, exposing discord. It
ponders if civilization is ultimately futile and predicts its inevitable destruction.
The poem warns of the consequences of power and dominance, leaving behind a
desolate wasteland. The poem exposes the fragility of society, urging us to
question illusions and confront uncomfortable truths. It inspires us to seek an
authentic life that embraces the complexities of humanity.

2. **Significance of Spiritual Quests**: "Meru" is a poem that delves into the

meaning behind climbing Mount Meru or Everest, emphasizing the importance of
embarking on a spiritual journey. The hermits on these mountains symbolize
individuals detached from the material world, seeking spiritual enlightenment and
inner peace. The poem highlights the transformative power of a spiritual quest
and reminds us that worldly fame and landmarks are temporary. By contrasting
the physical challenges of climbers with the spiritual quest of the hermits, "Meru"
encourages readers to reflect on their own lives and seek something greater.
Ultimately, it serves as a reminder that a spiritual journey can lead to personal
growth and a deeper understanding of the transient nature of worldly
achievements.
3. **Mythical and Spiritual Symbolism**: The poem combines Hindu and
Upanishadic symbols, guiding readers on a spiritual journey. It explores the
multifaceted nature of truth through divine figures and draws inspiration from the
Upanishads. The poet encourages readers to question their beliefs and
perceptions, leading them to uncover their own truth. The language and imagery
create a mystical atmosphere, making abstract concepts relatable. Ultimately, the
poem guides us to self-discovery and the truth within ourselves, emphasizing that
it is not external. By exploring our inner world, we embark on a transformative
journey, uncovering life's secrets and the profound truth at its core.

4. **Transience of Glory and Monuments**: The poem explores the fleeting

nature of human greatness and structures. It describes a magnificent city that
represents human success, but quickly moves on to show how these
achievements decay and disappear. The city's glory fades away as the buildings
crumble and the streets become empty. The vivid descriptions and imagery
highlight the temporary nature of human greatness. The poem suggests that we
should embrace this temporality and focus on the present moment. By
acknowledging the transience of our accomplishments, we can find meaning in
the journey itself.

5. **Influence of Hinduism**: The poem delves into human existence and

consciousness, drawing from Hindu teachings. It uses vivid imagery and
metaphors to capture Hindu spirituality, prompting readers to ponder life's
mysteries. The poem also explores the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth,
incorporating Hindu rituals and emphasizing self-reflection. It highlights the
illusory nature of the world and encourages seeking a higher truth. Ultimately, it
showcases the poet's spiritual journey influenced by Hinduism and invites readers
to embark on their own quest for truth.

THEMES IN DETAIl
[1] The poem delves into the depths of human society, unraveling the intricate
web of illusions that cloak the true nature of civilization. It peels back the layers of
pretense and reveals the underlying chaos that lurks beneath the surface,
challenging the notion of peace and harmony that society so desperately clings to.

With each stanza, the poem exposes the relentless and destructive tendencies
that have plagued mankind since time immemorial. It delves into the annals of
history, recounting the countless wars, conflicts, and atrocities that have stained
the pages of civilization. It highlights how these acts of violence and aggression
have become an inherent part of human nature, persisting through the ages
despite the veneer of progress and enlightenment.

The poet skillfully weaves together vivid imagery and metaphors to illustrate the
fragility of the illusions that hold society together. Like a delicate tapestry, these
illusions are carefully crafted to create the illusion of peace and stability. Yet, upon
closer inspection, they unravel, revealing the underlying chaos and discord that
threaten to tear civilization apart.

The poem explores the paradoxical nature of mankind, as it simultaneously yearns

for peace and succumbs to its own destructive tendencies. It questions the very
essence of humanity, pondering whether the pursuit of progress and civilization is
merely a futile endeavor, destined to crumble under the weight of its own
contradictions.

As the poem reaches its climax, it paints a bleak picture of the future, foretelling
the inevitable destruction that awaits. It warns of the consequences of mankind's
relentless pursuit of power and dominance, as it ultimately leads to the demise of
what is real and meaningful. The illusions that once held society together are
shattered, leaving behind a barren wasteland of broken dreams and shattered
hopes.
In its exploration of the illusions that cloak civilization, the poem serves as a
poignant reminder of the fragility of human society. It challenges us to question
the narratives that we are fed, to peel back the layers of illusion and confront the
uncomfortable truths that lie beneath. Ultimately, it urges us to strive for a more
authentic and genuine existence, one that transcends the illusions and embraces
the complexities of our shared humanity.

[2] "Meru" is a poem that not only captures the physical challenges of climbing
Mount Meru or Everest but also delves into the deeper meaning behind
embarking on such a journey. The poem emphasizes the importance of starting a
spiritual quest, drawing inspiration from the hermits who reside on these sacred
mountains.

The hermits living on Mount Meru or Everest serve as powerful symbols of

individuals who have chosen to detach themselves from the material world in
search of spiritual enlightenment. Their presence on these majestic peaks signifies
the pursuit of a higher purpose, a quest for inner peace and awakening. By
showcasing their way of life, "Meru" highlights the transformative power of
embarking on a spiritual journey.

Furthermore, the poem explores the notion that worldly fame and landmarks are
temporary and fleeting. Mount Meru and Everest, known for their towering
heights and challenging terrains, are often seen as symbols of human
achievement and conquest. However, "Meru" reminds us that these physical
landmarks are insignificant in the grand scheme of things. The hermits residing on
these mountains serve as a reminder that true fulfillment and meaning lie beyond
the material world.

By juxtaposing the physical challenges faced by the climbers with the spiritual
quest undertaken by the hermits, "Meru" underscores the importance of seeking
something greater than ourselves. It encourages readers to reflect on their own
lives and consider the significance of embarking on a spiritual journey, whether it
be through meditation, self-reflection, or connecting with nature.

In essence, "Meru" serves as a powerful reminder that starting a spiritual quest

can lead to profound personal growth and a deeper understanding of the
transient nature of worldly achievements. It urges individuals to look beyond the
material world and seek a higher purpose, just as the hermits on Mount Meru or
Everest have done.

[3] The poem, with its intricate tapestry of mythical and spiritual symbols, weaves
together threads of inspiration from the rich tapestry of Hinduism and the
Upanishads. Like a skilled artist, the poet deftly guides the reader on a profound
spiritual voyage towards truth, inviting them to embark on an internal expedition
of self-discovery.

Drawing from the vast reservoir of Hindu mythology, the poem employs symbols
that resonate deeply with the collective consciousness. It invokes the divine
figures of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, each representing different aspects of the
ultimate reality. Through these mythical beings, the poet seeks to illuminate the
multifaceted nature of truth, encouraging the reader to explore its many
dimensions.

The Upanishads, revered as the philosophical backbone of Hinduism, serve as a

wellspring of inspiration for the poet. These ancient texts, with their profound
insights into the nature of existence and the self, provide a philosophical
foundation for the spiritual journey undertaken in the poem. The poet delves into
the Upanishadic teachings, contemplating the idea that the individual self can
transcend its limited perception and merge with the ultimate reality.
As the reader delves deeper into the poem, they are invited to embark on their
own spiritual expedition. The poet acts as a guide, leading them through the
labyrinthine corridors of their own consciousness, urging them to question their
beliefs and perceptions. Through introspection and contemplation, the reader is
encouraged to peel away the layers of illusion and discover the truth that lies at
the core of their being.

The poem's language and imagery are imbued with a sense of mysticism and
transcendence. Vivid descriptions of celestial realms, ethereal beings, and cosmic
forces transport the reader to a realm beyond the mundane. The poet skillfully
employs metaphors and allegories to convey abstract concepts, making them
accessible and relatable to the reader's own spiritual journey.

Ultimately, the poem serves as a beacon of light, illuminating the path towards
truth and self-realization. It reminds the reader that the ultimate reality is not
something to be found externally, but rather lies within the depths of their own
being. Through the exploration of their inner landscape, the individual self can
embark on a transformative journey, unraveling the mysteries of existence and
discovering the profound truth that lies at the heart of all things.

[4] The poem delves into the concept that human greatness and structures are
fleeting, like a fleeting dream that fades away with the first rays of the sun. It
illustrates the rapid disappearance of human accomplishments, as both the glory
and monuments vanish by the break of dawn, leaving behind nothing but a faint
memory.

In the opening lines, the poet paints a vivid picture of a magnificent city, adorned
with towering structures and bustling with life. The city represents the pinnacle of
human achievement, a testament to the greatness and ingenuity of mankind.
However, this grandeur is short-lived, as the poem swiftly transitions to the
inevitable decay and transience of these accomplishments.

As the night gives way to dawn, the poet describes how the city's glory fades
away, almost as if it were never there. The once majestic buildings crumble, their
foundations eroded by the passage of time. The bustling streets become deserted,
devoid of the vibrant energy that once filled them. The poem emphasizes the
ephemeral nature of human achievements, reminding us that even the most
impressive structures are ultimately destined to be forgotten.

The poet's use of vivid imagery and descriptive language further emphasizes the
fleeting nature of human greatness. The reader can almost see the city's grandeur
slowly dissipating, like a mirage disappearing in the desert heat. The poem serves
as a poignant reminder that no matter how great our accomplishments may seem,
they are ultimately temporary and subject to the ravages of time.

Furthermore, the poem suggests that the transience of human greatness is not
something to be mourned, but rather embraced. It highlights the impermanence
of our achievements as a reminder to focus on the present moment and
appreciate the beauty and wonder that surrounds us. By acknowledging the
fleeting nature of our accomplishments, we are encouraged to find meaning and
fulfillment in the journey itself, rather than solely in the end result.

In conclusion, the poem delves into the concept that human greatness and
structures are fleeting, using vivid imagery and descriptive language to illustrate
the rapid disappearance of these accomplishments. It serves as a reminder that
even the most impressive monuments and achievements are ultimately
temporary, urging us to find meaning and fulfillment in the present moment
rather than solely in the pursuit of lasting glory.
[5] The poem, with its profound and introspective tone, delves into the depths of
human existence and consciousness, drawing heavily from the teachings and
philosophies of Hinduism. Just as the Upanishads emphasize the importance of
self-realization and the search for enlightenment, the poem embarks on a similar
spiritual journey.

Through its vivid imagery and metaphors, the poem captures the essence of
Hindu spirituality, inviting readers to contemplate the mysteries of life and the
nature of reality. It explores the interconnectedness of all beings, echoing the
Hindu concept of Brahman, the ultimate reality that permeates everything.

Furthermore, the poem reflects the Hindu belief in the cyclical nature of
existence, as it explores themes of birth, death, and rebirth. It contemplates the
transient nature of life and the impermanence of worldly attachments,
encouraging readers to seek a deeper understanding beyond the material realm.

In addition, the poem draws inspiration from Hindu rituals and practices,
incorporating elements such as meditation, mantra recitation, and the concept of
karma. It emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and introspection, urging
individuals to look within themselves for answers and to strive for spiritual
growth.

Moreover, the poem highlights the Hindu concept of Maya, the illusory nature of
the world, and the need to transcend it in order to attain true enlightenment. It
encourages readers to question the limitations of their perception and to seek a
higher truth beyond the illusions of the physical realm.
Overall, the poem serves as a testament to the profound impact of Hinduism on
the poet's spiritual journey. It beautifully captures the essence of Hindu
philosophy, inviting readers to embark on their own quest for self-realization and
the ultimate truth.