Ralph Waldo Emerson's "Fable" as a Teaching of Upanishads

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Emerson was deeply influenced by Indian mysticism, particularly the philosophy of the Upanishads and Vedanta. He found resonance in their teachings of interconnectedness, the unity of all existence, and the concept of Brahman (the ultimate reality). Emerson's exploration of Indian mysticism inspired his own transcendentalist ideas, emphasizing self-reliance, intuition, and the divine presence within each individual. He incorporated these Eastern philosophies into his writings and lectures, contributing to a broader understanding and appreciation of Indian spirituality in the Western world.

In the context of the Upanishads, an ancient Indian philosophical text, we can interpret Ralph Waldo Emerson's "Fable" as a teaching on the principles of equality, interconnectedness, and the acceptance of individual differences.

The mountain and the squirrel represent two contrasting entities in nature. The mountain, being massive and imposing, sees itself as superior and calls the squirrel a 'Little Prig,' implying arrogance and condescension. On the other hand, the squirrel acknowledges the mountain's size but points out that everything in nature, including various weather conditions, must be considered to comprehend the fullness of a year and a sphere (representing the world).

Here, the squirrel emphasizes the interconnectedness of all things in the universe. It implies that diversity and different perspectives are essential for a comprehensive understanding of life and existence. Each entity, regardless of its size or role, has its significance in the grand scheme of things.

The "Fable" teaches that there is no disgrace in occupying one's rightful place in the world. Each being has a unique role to play, and no role is inherently better or worse than another. It encourages acceptance of oneself and others, celebrating the diversity of talents and abilities that make up the tapestry of life.

This "Fable" aligns with the concept of Advaita, which means non-dualism. It emphasizes that everything in the universe is interconnected, and the ultimate reality (Brahman) pervades everything. Each individual is a part of this interconnected whole, and their uniqueness contributes to the overall harmony of existence.

The squirrel's response of acknowledging its limitations, "If I cannot carry forests on my back, neither can you crack a nut," further emphasizes the idea of embracing one's limitations while recognizing the strengths of others. This teaches humility and the understanding that no one possesses all abilities.

In conclusion, Emerson's "Fable", when viewed through the lens of Upanishadic teachings, promotes unity, humility, and appreciation for the diversity of life. It encourages us to respect and honor each being's place in the grand symphony of existence and understand that our interconnectedness is what makes life harmonious and meaningful. We may conclude our discussion by Mozoomdar's observations. Way back in 1884, J. Chunder Mozoomdar, offered unique praise for Emerson, referring to him as "a geographical mistake" yet acknowledging his profound impact on India. Mozoomdar portrayed Emerson's character as luminous over India, akin to the tranquil evening star, and he discerned the practicality embedded in Emerson's life.

Ardhendu De

Reference

The Bhagavad Gita Text and Translation : F. T. Brooks : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive. (n.d.). Internet Archive. https://archive.org/details/10892-bhagavad-gita-by-f-t-brooks-gita

 W. T. Harris, "Emerson's Orientalism," The Genius and Character of Emerson, F. B. San born, e d. ,(New York: Kennikat Press, 1885), p. 378.

Protap Chunder Mozoomdar, "Emerson as Seen from India," in The Genius and Character of Emerson, ed. F. B. Sanborn (New York: Kennikat Press, 1885), p. 367.