Laughing Buddha by Pravin Gadhvi

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Hello readers.

In this blog, we'll explore some thoughtful questions and answers about the poem "Laughing Buddha" by Pravin Gadhvi. This exercise, assigned by Prakruti ma'am, aims to deepen our understanding of the poem's themes and messages.

For background information about the task you can kindly visit Teacher's work (Click here)

About Poet :

Pravin Gadhvi is a modern Indian poet who writes in Gujarati. He is known for his expressive and thought-provoking poems that often delve into topics like nature, human feelings, and social concerns. His distinct voice and poetic style have made him a notable figure in Gujarati literature.

About poem :

"Laughing Buddha" is a poem written by a Gujarati Dalit author that uses irony to reflect on the atomic bomb test conducted in India on May 18, 1974. The poem's fifteen lines frequently repeat the phrase "see Buddha laughed," highlighting the core irony. This repetition draws attention to the stark contrast between the peaceful and enlightened image of Buddha and the destructive force of the atomic bomb.

Some Q&A based on the poem :

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?

Discussions often revolve around humans, and governments must constantly balance their priorities based on the situation. It's a challenging task to meet basic needs while also ensuring national security, as both are crucial.

In the 1970s, India was still finding its footing, recovering from the aftermath of partition and communal violence. Like a child who needs essentials to grow, the country required basic necessities like food, clothing, and shelter, commonly referred to as "Roti, Kapda, Makan." At that stage, offering luxury items, like sports shoes, wouldn't make sense when the basics were still lacking.

Pravin Gadhvi, during that period, emphasized the importance of tackling poverty, economic challenges, and food shortages. However, ensuring national security was also vital to demonstrate that India, despite being a developing nation, was not defenseless. By the 1990s, as the middle class grew, more people had access to better resources, leading to a heightened focus on security concerns.

Gadhvi's perspective is that basic needs should always come first. His writings often reflect this belief, siding with the underprivileged. The irony in his poem, where the Buddha laughs, underscores this viewpoint, highlighting the tension between spiritual ideals and worldly realities.

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.

Henri Bergson, in his essay, explores the roots and impacts of laughter. He suggests that laughter arises from pointing out and mocking deviations from societal norms, serving as a gentle reminder that helps maintain smooth social interactions. However, Buddha's laughter can be seen as carrying a sense of irony.

The opening lines of the poem highlight the difference in Buddha's view. Buddha might chuckle at the decision to test an atomic bomb on Buddhapurnima, a day dedicated to peace. His laughter reflects the irony of humans thinking they are more important than they truly are, especially when it comes to matters like national security.

Moreover, Buddha's laughter also critiques the consequences of the bomb test, the double standards, and the hypocrisy of political leaders. The test was conducted without informing the public, showcasing how political leaders hold the real power in society. Buddha laughs at these leaders for creating a sense of urgency based on their own interests rather than actual needs.

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

The poem is based on a real event from 1974. The way a story is told often depends on who has the power, as those in control can shape how events are remembered. Throughout history, we see that the dominant group usually dictates the narrative.

The truth of a story can vary depending on the storyteller, much like the Rashomon effect. The 1974 Smiling Buddha operation, for instance, has been portrayed in different lights: some viewed it as a demonstration that India, though still developing, was not without strength, while others criticized it severely.

As W.B. Yeats observed, the lies of politicians can often become accepted as truth. This can lead to events like the atomic bomb test being seen as more important than they might actually be, presenting it as a crucial step for national security.

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

In Pravin Gadhvi's poem about the Laughing Buddha, the lines "What a proper time! What an auspicious day!" are filled with irony. Normally, these phrases would celebrate a special or meaningful event. However, in this context, they emphasize the contradiction of conducting an atomic bomb test on Buddhapurnima, a day dedicated to peace.

The Laughing Buddha's laughter isn't out of joy but rather at the absurdity and hypocrisy of the situation. It's ironic to describe the day as "proper" and "auspicious" when the actions taken go against the peaceful message of Buddhapurnima.

Thank you...