Temenos Academy - Extended Lecture Archive S5E22 - The Veils of God: A Mystical Commentary on the Poetry of Dr Kathleen Raine - Dr H M Ghomshei: Talks 1994-2013
Jan 27, 2021
In this session, Dr. H. M. Ghomshei, a distinguished Iranian scholar and translator of Kathleen Raine, delves into the mystical depths of Raine's poetry. He explores the idea of the 'Veil of God' and how it relates to Sufi traditions, emphasizing love as a central theme. Ghomshei discusses Raine's notion of 'I' as a universal self and the paradox of nothingness as absolute being. He draws connections between music, art, and divine beauty, arguing for the importance of love in recognizing the divine in others.
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Poetry Beyond Words
- Raine sees poetry as a wordless, inner impulse that must be symbolized by language to communicate.
- Ghomshei aligns her with mystical poets who seek direct speech beyond words toward the divine.
The Poet As God's Veil
- Raine often writes the poet's "I" as a universal self, speaking for humanity rather than a single person.
- Ghomshei presents her final image: the poet as a mask or veil of God revealing the divine behind personality.
Avicenna And The Gift
- Ghomshei recounts Avicenna refusing gifts except from "the hand of God" to illustrate seeing God in human acts.
- The lady replied the gift she offered was "the hand of God," collapsing giver and divine providence.
