Pravin Gadhvi's Laughing Buddha

Pravin Gadhvi's Laughing Buddha : 

Welcome to my blog,In this blog, we will explore some questions and answers about the poem "Laughing Buddha" by Pravin Gadhvi. This task was given by Prakruti ma'am. Before we dive into the Q&A, let's start with a brief introduction to the poem and the poet.

 for further Reading(  click Here )

 About poet:

Pravin Gadhvi is a modern Indian poet who writes in Gujarati. He is well-known for his expressive and thought-provoking poems, which often focus on nature, human feelings, and social issues. His distinct style and lyrical writing have made him an important figure in Gujarati literature.

About poem:

"Laughing Buddha" is a poem by a Gujarati Dalit writer that uses irony to talk about India's atomic bomb test on May 18, 1974. The poem repeats the phrase "see Buddha laughed" throughout its fifteen lines, showing the irony. This repetition points out the contrast between Buddha, who stands for peace and enlightenment, and the destructive power of the atomic bomb.

Now let's discuss some questions.

1). What should be of a higher moral importance for governing bodies, national security or basic needs of its citizens? What do you think is Gadhvi's opinion about this?

Ans:

Human concerns are often the focus of discussions, and government priorities can change based on the situation. Balancing basic needs with national security is tough because both are important.

In the 1970s, India was still developing and recovering from the partition and riots. Like a child who needs food, clothing, and shelter ("Roti, Kapda, Makan") to grow, India needed these basic things. Offering luxuries, like sports shoes, wouldn’t make sense to someone who doesn’t have the basics.

Pravin Gadhvi thought that fighting poverty, economic problems, and food shortages was the most important at that time. But national security was also a priority to show that India, even as a developing country, was not weak. By the 1990s, with the rise of the middle class, more people could afford more, so there was a greater focus on security.

Gadhvi believes basic needs should come first. His view, shown in literature, supports the poor and disadvantaged. The Buddha laughing in his poem reflects this idea.

2). In light of Henri Bergson's essay titled "Laughter: An Essay On The Meaning Of The Comic" , share your thoughts about the possible interpretations of Buddha's laughter in Gadhvi's poem.

Ans:

According to Bergson's theory, laughter often arises from recognizing rigidity or mechanical behavior within social norms. In this context, Buddha's laughter can be seen as a response to the absurdity of these strict societal rules, serving as a critique that highlights how people often follow norms without questioning them.

Bergson also argues that laughter involves an intellectual aspect that requires detachment from immediate emotions. In Gadhavi's poem, Buddha's laughter might symbolize a moment of enlightenment or heightened awareness. Through this lens, Buddha sees beyond the seriousness with which people approach life and the illusions of the material world. His laughter signifies a state of transcendence, reflecting an understanding of deeper truths about life rather than just surface concerns. Bergson further suggests that recognizing one’s own flaws can also lead to laughter. In this way, Buddha’s laughter could be viewed as a compassionate acknowledgment of human weaknesses.

In Gadhavi's verse, Buddha's laughter serves as a potent symbol that encourages reflection and introspection. When viewed through the lens of Bergson's ideas, the poem gains additional depth. Buddha's laughter becomes a complex symbol, prompting readers to reflect on their own lives, challenge societal norms, and seek a balance between recognizing human imperfections and aspiring toward enlightenment.

3.) The rise and fall of significance of a particular moment in history depends on the narrative that is build around it. Discuss this statement with specific reference to Laughing Buddha.

Ans:

The poem is about a real event from 1974 and shows how those in power control the way stories are told and remembered. History often reveals that the dominant group shapes the narrative.

The truth of a story can change based on who is telling it, similar to the Rashomon effect. For instance, the 1974 Smiling Buddha operation was seen in different ways: some viewed it as proof of India’s strength, while others criticized it heavily.

W.B. Yeats noted that the lies told by leaders often become accepted truths. This can make events like the atomic bomb test seem more important, framing them as necessary for national security.

4.)Share your interpretation of the lines: "What a proper time! What an auspicious day!"

Ans:

In Pravin Gadhvi's poem about the Laughing Buddha, the lines "What a proper time! What an auspicious day!" are meant ironically. They usually celebrate something special, but here they highlight the irony of testing an atomic bomb on Buddhapurnima, a day meant for peace.

The Laughing Buddha’s laughter isn’t out of joy but comes from the ridiculousness and hypocrisy of the situation. It’s ironic to call the day "proper" and "auspicious" when the actions taken go completely against the peaceful message of Buddhapurnima.

Thank you...