Spiritual Humanism in the Thought of Rabindranath Tagore: A Critical Study

Abstract

In order to create a comprehensive understanding of human existence, Rabindranath Tagore’s philosophy incorporates ethical, aesthetic, and spiritual dimensions. This research paper investigates the idea of spiritual humanism in Tagore’s thought. By highlighting the intrinsic interconnectedness between the individual, humanity, and the universe, Tagore’s spiritual humanism, in my opinion, goes beyond traditional secular humanism and orthodox religiosity. Love, compassion, and ethical responsibility are fundamental to his philosophy because they are the ways in which the ego becomes aware of its relationship to the universal. Additionally, Tagore’s aesthetic sensibility—which is evident in his poetry, music, and artwork—serves as a conduit for spiritual understanding, illuminating the infinite inside the limited and encouraging a closer relationship with life. The study highlights the philosophical underpinnings, ethical implications, and current relevance of Tagore’s ideas by critically analysing his primary works, such as Sādhanā: The Realization of Life and The Religion of Man, along with scholarly interpretations by Radhakrishnan, Kripalani, and Coomaraswamy. I contend that Tagore’s spiritual humanism offers an inclusive vision of human dignity and international understanding in addition to presenting a framework for individual self-realization and addressing more general societal issues. His philosophy stands out as a crucial manual for developing empathy, creativity, and moral consciousness in a time of materialism, fragmentation, and ethical ambiguity. By presenting Tagore’s ideas as a combination of spiritual insight and humanistic praxis, this book adds to ongoing discussions in philosophy, ethics, and humanistic studies and illustrates their continuing significance for modern intellectual and global conversation.