A Critical Insight into Manas Bakshi’s Soliloquy of a Sailor: A Long Poem
Dr. Suresh Chandra Pande
Former Lecturer
Department of English
Government College Fholchaur
Nainital, Uttarakhand, India
Soliloquy is a literary device: a word etymologically used to refer to a
monologue delivered by a character while being alone. Per Se, soliloquy tends to let us have access to a character and
his/her true inner state-an insight into character’s intimate thoughts, hopes,
intentions and motives. It springs from Latin roots. Sophocles used soliloquy
to depict protagonist’s state of mind applied to a range of emotions. The
opening Speech in Christopher Marlowe’s “Doctor Faustus” 1 is an
early example. Later Elizabethan writers used this literary figure in abundance
to enrich their dramatic /poetic proficiency. Thenceforth, soliloquy-poetry got
accepted and grew gradually in conventional traits to denote the solo
utterance. Modern/Post modern era counts countless soliloquies written in
poetic-verse. While meta-modernism inescapably represents soliloquy as
veritable characteristic of the age, Instragram and YouTubers have unarguably
won and reached to more readers than ever before. Michael Donaghy 2
who died in 2004 has written greatest monologues such as-“Conjure” and “Black
Ice and Rain”. In India soliloquy-poetry has been attempted with profound
impact by poets such as-Vandana Khanna, Sunu Chandy, Shikha Malaviya, Menka Shivdasani,
Anindita Sengupta and a host of others. Among present- day writers Manas
Bhakshi has carved irreplaceable eminence by writing 13th collection
of poems- Soliloquy of A Sailor. It’s a long poem that appeared from Author’s
Press: New Delhi in 2020. 3
This long lyric has power to hold reader’s
attention conspicuously as it views life here and there (Here-After)
philosophically and metaphorically in a way immutable. Life is depicted as a
long and meandering river while the
protagonist as a sailor ferries to enact
mystically .The book : a song of life composed in 14 chapters with notes and
excerpts dedicated fittingly to cultured
duo : the men of letters is a literary boon. Initially infinity represents, as
stated by the scriptures- “Shiva aapo
santu”4 ocean having nothing but water- “Water, water, water/Blue,
deep blue, sky-blue…” (1-9). It beckons aforesaid river of life for final
merger. The river being finite manifestation of formless infinite: a feminine
macrocosm in the microcosm- “As a fascinating damsel/Knows how to dance/On the
wavy water/And also aptly flirt”.(1-9). The poem depicts in amusing/ witty way
the known pains proven and common homely pleasures consummated- “The eternal
riddle-/Between a beginning/And an end” (1-10).The Upanishadic syllogism
concerning the Jiva and Paramatma - “Dwa
suparna sayuja sakhayam samanam vriksham parisaswajate” 5 uneqivocally defines, innovates
conditions pertaining to the spirit-the substratum of sailor’s aim and
objective of the journey. That is why, the inaugural of the journey prefigures
a cogent attempt that discovers to affirm protagonist’s existential/literary
identity. In order to have a clear and comprehensive view it seems advisable to
study the book Chapter-wise. There are 14 Chapters further parted into
subsections to provide an instructive/fascinating reading of the text to
somewhat familiar readers with the art, craft and demeanour of Manas Bakshi.
The first part of the book has three subsections concentrating primarily on
imagery, ornamentation and intellectual rejuvenation. The image of water is so
concrete that it instantly grows into a perennial source of life uplifting
readers to a cerebral and celestial echelon.
The poet in second part- “Earthly Moorings
Cast Off ” winds up 7 subsections so as to complete meaning, maxim and mission.
The image as well as the sub-section both pithily reveal an inadvertent impact and subsequent elaboration of the
theme based on the Bhagwad Gita and its
contemporary relevance - “ …mingling/Of the soul-indestructible/With the
infinite-ultimate.” (2-13) Contemporary upheavals—social, religious, economic,
political, regional and national concisely form his psyche which appear
restless despite materialization, realization and dispassion-“A self/Shattered
most or fulfilled to the core/Untied forever.”(1-12). He seems rising against
the currents of prevalent beliefs and practices to give a clear view of the
soul : its true nature, purpose of journey and ultimate salvation.
Biological ,emotional , rational, moral
and creative energy flow unhindered to shape poet’s distinctive individuality
besides distilling existing eco-linguistic pollution .All - from one sensed
amoeba to highly exalted beings, possess ability to be active/amused in earthly sojourn before
closing into union with the infinite-the divine. The difference lolls in Karmic
coverings. The righteous or dharmic course leads to acceptable understanding of
the free-will paving way further for designing/writing one’s own destiny. As
existence is beginningless and infinite one’s personal penance is instrumental
in liberating S/he from Karmic bondages besides bestowing eternal abode of
bliss-the Siddha Sila.
In later part “Memory Calls Back” brimming
with creative beauty and aesthetic symmetry-“Speaking so long to himself/Almost
in a trance”(1-18) the sailor as an all-rounder looks back into his roots : the
past-“Past is dark, inarticulate/Still indispensable…”(1-18).Then stands on the
shore to hear the call ,it is the call of his own voice-“It is none/But your
conscience, awakened inner self ”(1-18). In silent ocean of contemplation, it
is like a ripple, a bubble pulsating within making the Sailor aware of pains
and delights/joys and woes of his existential itinerary. Like disciple Arjuna listening
to the gospel of Shri Krishna the devout sailor questions the Lord for late
awakening of conscience and for purporting his intuitive quest. Also-“Hurls
invectives against/Offence and injustice” (2-19).He is even ready to take up
the cudgel and fight against offending opponents as advocated in –“The Bhagwad
Gita”6.The world being a battle field and the war almost over the
ongoing sailor like a recluse/seer possesses nothing, has no accumulations
except –“Memory of people and place/Contours of relationships/Appearing
everlasting” (3-19). However, time comes to interfere and coalesce with silence
to convey the message of nature and existence. The sailor aware of the
loss-“Mirror- image tarnished/Glass house dismantled/ No remnants, no
belongings”(4-20),still seems confidently saddled on the memory-“Memory’s a
flying bird/Unmindful of its destination”(5-20) so he crawls albeit tentatively
to create/scratch some chapters on/of life to continue the soliloquy. As the
future course of Sailor’s journey is negotiated by the weird-world of
imagination existential mystery rides on tides to embrace the unknown never
ending horizons further expands and dives into the bottom of deep blue oceans
to explore –“What is there/Beyond one’s existential periphery”.(6-21).The poet
moves ahead- gives expression to natural-landscapes steeped in differences of
colour, class and many other social inequalities to juxtapose the mundane human
world of love and hate. Everything from early childhood to the last-phase of
his own life is cycled around his memory and mind. All beginnings have an
inevitable end therefore the profanity or the blasphemy called worldly
life-“Had sunk long before/Humankind had a beginning”! (8-22).The mundane or
the temporal world devoid of faith and purity has no stability,it is in a
continuous state of unrest/ flux.
In “Vignette of Relationships” (23-26)-a
brief and evocative picture of protagonist’s rapport with homely ties born
either of blood or of love is portrayed succintly. Human relations elaborate
and baffling as the lattice of the universe often preponderate-“Faltering
steps, multiplying mistakes” (3-24),where-“Expressions coglomerate” (3-24) and
the quandary of-“Individual boredom and loneliness” (3-24), of “untimely detachment
/… whispering darkness ” (3-24) displays
a cheerless yet eloquent tenor having tendency to convey: the momentous, the
tremendous and the simultaneous in one go. Many attributes pertaining to
individuality, memory and existence debate throughout to build subtle
subjective images, ornate idioms, philosophical/ psychological undertones and
shades of colors underlying imaginative/intellecual and emotional play of
varying moods called temper- tantrums. The inner self of the protagonist while
speaking of conjugal romance, love and nostalgia delves-deep into reality -“God
like giving/Mother like caring/Earth like enduring?” (7-26) and asks without
being least didactic to interrogate, understand and abide.
The nature teaches, instructs and nourishes
like a mother selflessly- “It’s love with affection/And without expectation of
being repaid.”(5-27)The morbidity, mundanity and the mortality of human life
from birth to death travel without grievances. The clouds, rain, sunshine,
birds with their songs form earthly ambience and rhythm, while harmony in
nature and melody in existence form inner world of time and space. Time echoes
back and one transcends to unravel the mystery behind ancient relics and
pre-historic signs to identify his/her heritage. The cyber-age of Valentine love, of- “Contractual marriage,
live-together/And the new world of LGBT” (5-30) has transformed almost every
human relationship into mere-Myself/Yourself .It has put civilization at stake
by the growing practice of adultery and impurity by resuscitating desires and
attachments of life till death: the shattering of physical frame.
The world being a wanderland offers a variety
of wonders, flaws and adornments ,royal and impoverished-“More unknown than
known” (6-32), cagily greet the Sailor at the route of the journey, make him
aware of - “dusk and disorder” (6-32) while infiltrating behind and beyond-“the
celestial light” (6-32).The Sailor like all other human beings ,diverse in
nature, divergent in kind often adversarial addresses his own self-“ to gain
and regain/The spirit of selfless love”
(6-33). Afterwards utters many profound truths mundane and metaphysical
pertaining to the end of the journey, its destination, possessions/belongings
and detachment-“Remember, O sailor/You’ve come alone/Have to leave it alone”
(6-33) and concludes as a nihilist by affirming the nothingness, the emptiness
and the meaninglessness of mundane satisfactions, joys and pleasures. The end
of the world offers many insightful musings-“Life here-full of wonders/Life hereafter
too” (6-34).It is a changing reality, a fresh beginning and quite a
correctional knowledge of the eternal soul.
“Nocturnal Musings” (39-43), is an
intellectual exercise to dive into comparative historical significance of
civilizations. The boat and the sailor both are one, crossing through the river
of life they travel together and are about to merge. Their final dip, merger
into the sea of infinity, into the ocean of eternality denote finite-infinite
relationship. Prior to this the Sailor speaks of his propensity and penchant
for the invigorating natural beauties of a nearby Indian tribal village-“With
traditional gaity and nomadic stance”(7-39). Nature and the cadences of tribal
life from the “Onga of the Andamans” (7-40) to the “Massai of Africa” (7-40)
present a contrasing view of the world literatures. Indigenous old
environmental systems and extinct civilizatios divulge imperfections/
incompletions humanity is surviving and has survived through ages. Protected by
the laws of nature humanity step-by-step from-“thatched houses” (7-41) grew to
feel the odour of –“luxuries from shopping Mall” (7-41), of “Showbiz
civilization” (7-41) and then-“to the glare and glitz of urban sprawl!”
(7-41).The language of love-song of whistling birds replaced by internet prone,
smart phone addict promiscuous progeny now gripped in the grime of modern
life-style is sure to meet extinction/deluge once again, the poet avers. That’s
why the Sailor laments poignantly on life-death-rebirth triangle by yielding to
parallel socialism of equality-“Here, all are the same/As we were in the
womb/Of pre-birth solitariness” (7-42).Being part of the whole the sailor views
himself as a sole witness to the impending drama on the stage of life-“ From a
close distance!”(7-43).The events, occasions in life and the pains, sufferings
undergoing life-experiences cause dispassion. Besides, dispassion is born out
of the desire to reach something higher, to a path leading to enlightenment. In
case of the Sailor the dispassion comes from knowledge or wisdom. A broader
understanding of the transient nature of things also brings non-attachment to
routine objects or situations.
The soliloquy continues to shed light on
life: a reflection, a spark like a boat adrift -“Oh! what a destiny.”(8-44).
Beautifully detached is the image of Atman wrenching and yanking, propelling
and paddling then rowing the boat of life. The body or the so called frail
structure of sailor’s physical form skip
from childhood to advancement of the age by wranging periodically to find out
ensuing illumination. A task/legation and a life-goal which needs unhampered fulfillment.
The lone body struggles in solitariness
to transcend the ordinary in
order to arrive at the extra-ordinary
for the revelation or enlightenment -“Alone/Very very
alone/It’s indeed-all along.”(8-44).The soliloquy itself turns lonesome
when the sailor apprehends the pains of restless longing for invention -“How
painful it is/To be really left alone” (8-45).The known wholesome beauty and
splendor of nature transport the protagonist into another realm of mystic
journey transcendent and resonant with cosmic rhythm. Ocassional flashes of light
illumine but loneliness persits. The dark moments lost in the darkness of the
night conceal sparks for a new dawn: a prelude to the unknown divine and an
eternal dilemma dallying mortal existence. The
Sailor hears inmost heavenly
sounds created by birds, by their fluttering and flying motion instantly corelates them with the ghastly
mundane below-“In the mournful cry/Of the dead body bearers/In the piercing
scream/Of the Jackal and the hyena/Reaching the brink of extinction.” (8-47).All this juxtaposes well
the twin aspects of mortal existence: the mundane and the Supramundane in usual
stylistical way.
“Voice Of
The River” (49-55) reverberates
voice of the restless human self - the man and his mind. The self-struggle
against bullying forces in order to gain distinction- a habitation and a name
is the major premise adhered to liberation /salvation of the self from illusory
material bonds. Aptly so, the Sailor on his frail boat sailing to cross-“The
life-river/Surging with waves transient/Sometimes suave/Sometimes turbulent”
(9-50) with unswerving destination. A
realized self known or unknown, one among-“Like millions’ footfalls” (9-50)
many devout devotees coming to perform ritual worship with paraphernalia’s
garnered from inherent tradition/culture.
Against such a backdrop Nature in its millions of forms smiles, sooths, ravages
and submerges-“Bring you often disaster”(9-51).Man too is despoiled within like
the river-“Silted and polluted/Beyond measure”(9-51).The illusory world of
–“Half-hearted human offerings/Can consecrate-”(9-53) is further enriched by depictions of apt images such
as-“That needs to maintain ecological balance/To survive”(9-52) .The Oneness of
faith affirms non-duality .Tree-dryads, water-nymphs, moon-light and many more
nature mysteries magnificently coalesce with metaphysics to add up to-“the
cause of humanism/As his/her goal”(9-55).
The word-Psyche, has a long history dating
back to ancient times representing vital premises/concepts or system of beliefs
for understanding human nature from a scientific/rational point of view. The
poet-Sailor dwells in human mysteries from-“Longing and love/Passion and
emotion”(10-56) and man’s struggle for existence-“Poverty or wealth/Drought or
rain”(10-56) to the ultimate destiny-“reduced to ashes/Or/Burried in the
grave”(10-56) that is –“an ever
unknown/Metamorphosis”(10-56).The end outstrips human nature be it-“Humble or
boastful/Amiable or snobbish”(10-57). The quest leads to realization
subsequently to submission by means of offering Prayers. The journey is full of
ecstatic escapades- of songs/predictions combined with the blissful murmur of eternity.
The transitory phase of life though shaped by-“symphonies and
syllables/Harmonized”(11-62) yet is- “Burning/Everyday, every night/On the
pyre/Of desire unfulfilled”.(11-62) The origin of man is a quintessence-“A
form/Identified with a name”(11-62) enlivened and energized by-“formless non-entity” (11-62).The quest
continues awaiting Sailor’s discovery of eternal truth-“Behind all living/non
living elements/The divine.” (11-63). Moreover, it is the discovery of an image
of God or Goddess-to a great degree in the sculpt of a deity. The deity in
hallowed shape is worshipped with full devotion-“Chanting of hymns, offering
prayers/Rites and rituals”(11-63).Likewise the self in man imbibe the
shapeless-“the timeless, endless, rimless vastness.”(11-64) So the poet as a
sailor preferably intonates -“Soham-I am He” (7-64) to continue finite journey
and quest eternal. A picturesque and pleasing musing on emptiness, nothingness
and on-“the seraphic manuscript”(12-67), on yearning and death teaches and
inspires-“To make a mortal realise/Its living worth”(4-68).Remembrances of
things past galore, music emanate from inner self-the soul, freshness like new
foliage beautify life and times. Melody of nature/creation-sensitize, resounds
to bang immanent cosmic spheres besides drifting to the graceful delights of
immortality and non-duality-“Be one with the only one/You search within/…And
feel engrossed/In realisation of the invisible One/Living
within”(8-70).Loneliness shapes individuality, wilderness of wastelands haunts
and hounds as impending Nemisis- “beset with the thoughts/Of a beyond life
sojourn”(13-71). Beyond/after life sojourn is a so-called existence in which
the essential part of an individual’s stream of consciousness or identity
continues to exist after the death of the physical body. Accordingly the Sailor
has to lug the load of existence singly. The mystery of the unknown realm-be it
a hell or a heaven is undefined, so-“Nothing is defined/Find out the divine
light/At the journey’s end…” (13-73). Notwithstanding self-proclaimed doctrines
pertaining to reincarnation, ressurection, rebirth, metempsychosis or transmigration of the soul the Sailor has
too to say something inventive in his own inimitable candour. What dwells
–“Beyond the biological level/Beyond all hedonic instincts”(13-73) avers the
protagonist of the poem is Atman. Atman also called Jeevatman is not separate
from the body. It is an embodied being-bound in the shackles of life/death
cycle called Samsara struggling hard and fast for liberation-Moksha by the
application of Karmic set of beliefs-“O sailor/Pulling on and on the oar/To
reach the shore/Forget not your origin:/The formless.”(7-74).Death is not the
ultimate end-the final break up, the disintegration of finite-infinite bond.
There is another realm the cosmic womb- the Hiranyagarbha in infinite frothing ocean wherein the
seeds/orbits for
regeneration/reincarnation endlessly inhabit/ float and foam to recycle-“The
Karmic dues of previous births”(6-78)and transmigrate to-“A meeting point sans
appointment/With the full moon”(9-79). Thus, the Sailor profoundly masqurades
in/around/across inexplicable vastness of the cosmos to sum up his soliloquy-“All
around’s water/Endless and deep/A wandering self, a sailor myself/Awaiting the
final dip.”(9-79).Continuity is the message the song of this long poem go along
with. Here is an opportunity for the reader to dive into the physical, the
metaphysical, the intellectual and the intuitive sphere of Manas Bakshi : the
man and the mind. The Soliloquy is followed by eight brief ‘Notes’(80-82)
giving clarity to Indian thought patterns and spiritual leanings. Excerpts from
reviews in papers and journals of repute bring the book to a close besides
introducing the poet to his favorite, dear-dear readers.
References
1. Marlowe, Christopher. Doctor Faustus: Britanica https://www.britanica.com>topic.
2. Crawford R.(ed.). Contemporary Poetry and Contemporary Science. Oxford University
Press, 2006.
3. Bakshi, Manas. Soliloquy of A Sailor - A Long Poem, Authorspress: New Delhi, 2020.
All subsequent citations/page numbers are given with in Parenthesis.
4. Swami Narayan. Lyrics-Meanings &
Videos,October-2017.
5. Mundakopanishad. Gita Press: Gorakhpur (U.P), 2012.
6. The
Bhagwad Gita, Gita
Press: Gorakhpur (UP), 2012.