Assignment:2 Reconfiguring The Waiting For

Godot: Explorations within some Paradigms of

Hindu Philosophy

This blog is part of an assignment for the paper 107: The Twentieth Century Literature: From World War II to the End of the Century, Sem:2,2024.

TABLE OF CONTENTS: -

❍ Personal information

❍ Assignment Details

❍ Abstract

❍ Keywords

❍ Introduction

❍ Concept of ‘Waiting’ in Godot:

❍ Karma, Dharma, and the Indian Value System

❍ States of Existence in the Play

❍ Discriminative Knowledge and Release:

❍ Conclusion

❍ work cited

PERSONAL INFORMATION: -

Name: - Priyanshiba Kanaksinh Gohil

Batch No: M.A. Sem 2 (2023-2024)

Enrollment Number: - 5108230018

E-mail Address: - priyabagohil7126@gmail.com

Roll Number: - 21

ASSIGNMENT DETAILS: -

Topic: - Reconfiguring The Waiting For Godot: Explorations within some Paradigms of Hindu Philosophy

Paper & subject code: - 107: The Twentieth Century Literature: From World War II to the End of the Century

Submitted to: - Smt. Sujata Binoy Gardi, Department of English, MKBU, Bhavnagar.

Date of Submission: - 25 April,2024

About Assignment: - In this Assignment, I try to explore some paradigms of Hindu philosophy in Waiting for Godot.

Abstract:

Samuel Beckett’s “Waiting for Godot” can be interpreted through the lens of Hindu philosophy as an exploration of existential themes that resonate with concepts such as Maya (illusion) and Samsara (cycle of rebirth). The play’s portrayal of the endless wait for Godot echoes the Hindu belief in the continuous cycle of life, death, and rebirth, where the ultimate goal is to break free from this cycle and achieve Moksha (liberation). The characters’ inability to take decisive action and their perpetual state of waiting can be likened to the concept of Ajnana (ignorance), which keeps individuals trapped in the illusionary world. The play’s minimalist setting and repetitive dialogue underscore the Vedantic idea that the material world is transient and that true reality lies beyond our sensory experiences. This aligns with the Upanishadic teachings that emphasize the importance of self-realization and the understanding of one’s true self (Atman) beyond the physical realm.

Keywords:

Samuel Becket, Waiting for Godot, Hindu Philosophy, Upanishad, Moksha, Karma, Dharma

Introduction:

Samuel Beckett’s “Waiting for Godot” is a seminal work in the theatre of the absurd, but when viewed through the paradigms of Hindu philosophy, it gains new dimensions of interpretation. The play’s central theme of waiting can be likened to the Hindu concept of Samsara, the endless cycle of life, death, and rebirth, where souls await liberation (Moksha). The characters, Vladimir and Estragon, are trapped in a perpetual state of anticipation, much like the cycle of existence where beings are bound by Karma and Maya—the illusory nature of the world. Their interactions reflect the Ajnana, or ignorance, that hinders the realization of the true self, Atman. The barren setting and the repetitive, seemingly meaningless dialogue of the play resonate with the Vedantic notion that the material world is ephemeral and ultimate reality is beyond sensory perception. This perspective encourages viewers to seek the Brahman, the ultimate reality, and consider the play as a metaphor for the human condition seeking enlightenment beyond the physical realm. Thus, “Waiting for Godot” can be seen as a profound exploration of existential inertia within the frameworks of Hindu philosophy, offering insights into the quest for meaning and the nature of reality.

Concept of ‘Waiting’ in Godot:

In "Waiting for Godot," Vladimir and Estragon are locked in a cycle of endless waiting for the mysterious Godot. This futility resonates with the concept of karma in Hinduism, which dictates a cycle of cause and effect. The characters' actions (or lack thereof) have led them to this state of waiting, and their continued waiting reinforces their stagnant state. The play can also be seen as a yearning for moksha, liberation from the cycle of rebirth. Moksha can be achieved through various paths, including selfless action (karma yoga) and devotion (bhakti yoga). However, Vladimir and Estragon seem incapable of either. They are stuck in a state of inaction and despair. Despite the bleak outlook, "Waiting for Godot" also offers glimpses of humor and playfulness. The concept of lila, divine play, suggests that even within the constraints of karma and samsara, there is room for joy and creativity. Vladimir and Estragon's act of waiting, though seemingly pointless, becomes a kind of performance, a way to find meaning in the absurdity of their situation.

Karma, Dharma, and the Indian Value System

The exploration of Samuel Beckett’s “Waiting for Godot” within the paradigms of Hindu philosophy, particularly through the concepts of Karma, Dharma, and the Indian value system, offers a profound reconfiguration of the play’s thematic essence. The act of waiting, central to the narrative, is reinterpreted through these philosophical lenses to provide a new perspective on the characters’ existential plight.

Karma and Dharma are foundational elements of Hindu ethics and metaphysics. Karma refers to the actions of individuals and the subsequent effects those actions have on their future, both in this life and in reincarnation. Dharma, on the other hand, denotes duty, virtue, and the right way of living, which upholds cosmic order and personal obligations.

In “Waiting for Godot,” the characters Vladimir and Estragon engage in a perpetual wait for the elusive Godot, which can be seen as a metaphor for humanity’s quest for meaning and purpose. This waiting can be interpreted as a form of Karmic action, where the characters’ state of inaction and passivity reflects their moral and existential choices. Their situation can also be viewed through the lens of Dharma, as they struggle with their duty to wait for Godot, despite the uncertainty of his arrival.

The Indian value system, with its emphasis on the interconnectedness of all life and the pursuit of spiritual goals, provides a rich backdrop against which the play’s themes can be examined. The characters’ interactions and their responses to the absurdity of their situation can be seen as reflective of the broader human condition, as understood within Hindu philosophy.

States of Existence in the Play

The play, which traditionally falls within the theatre of the absurd, presents two central characters, Vladimir and Estragon, who are caught in a perpetual state of waiting for the mysterious Godot. This act of waiting, when viewed through Hindu philosophical concepts, becomes a rich allegory for the human condition as understood in these ancient teachings.

Moreover, the characters’ interactions and their existential dilemmas can be seen as a manifestation of Karma and Dharma—the actions they perform and the duties they fulfill, which in turn shape their destinies. The play’s minimalism and the characters’ inertia highlight the struggle to perform one’s Dharma in a world where true purpose is obscured by Maya.

In this context, the anticipated arrival of Godot takes on the role of an ultimate truth or goal that remains ever elusive, much like the pursuit of Brahman, the ultimate reality in Hinduism. The characters’ state of waiting becomes a metaphor for humanity’s own spiritual waiting room, where the true understanding of existence and the cosmos is sought after but never fully grasped.

Through the lens of Hindu philosophy, “Waiting for Godot” transcends its surface-level absurdity, offering a contemplation of the deeper metaphysical states of existence and the quest for enlightenment. It invites the audience to consider the play as a reflection of the human soul’s journey through the illusions of life, in search of the ultimate truth and liberation.

Discriminative Knowledge and Release:

In "Waiting for Godot," the seemingly endless wait for the enigmatic Godot takes on a new dimension when viewed through the lens of Hindu philosophy, particularly the concept of "viveka," or discriminative knowledge. This knowledge allows one to discern the real from the unreal, the self from the non-self.

it argues that Vladimir and Estragon's initial state can be seen as one of "avidya," or ignorance. They lack the awareness of their situation and the true nature of reality. Their blind faith in Godot's eventual arrival reflects this. However, as the play progresses, moments of "viveka" emerge. They question their situation, their memories become unreliable, and the very existence of Godot becomes suspect. This questioning, this struggle to see beyond the surface, is a crucial step towards potential liberation.

This struggle connects to the concept of "moksha," liberation from the cycle of rebirth (samsara). Moksha is achieved through various paths, and "Waiting for Godot" explores the possibility of attaining it through "viveka." The characters' attempts to fill the void with stories, games, and philosophical discussions, though seemingly futile, can be seen as a way to engage with the world and potentially gain a deeper understanding of their own existence.

However, the play doesn't offer a clear path to moksha. The characters remain trapped in their waiting, their moments of "viveka" fleeting and inconclusive. This ambiguity reflects the difficulty of achieving liberation. It explores this cyclical nature of time in the play, highlighting the characters' struggle to break free from the repetitive patterns of their existence.

Ultimately, "Waiting for Godot" presents a complex exploration of the human condition through the lens of Hindu philosophy. The play doesn't offer easy answers, but the characters' search for meaning and their moments of "viveka" offer a glimmer of hope for potential liberation, even within the absurdity of their situation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Samuel Beckett’s “Waiting for Godot,” when explored within the paradigms of Hindu philosophy, offers a profound commentary on the human condition. The play’s central theme of waiting becomes a powerful allegory for Samsara, the cycle of existence that is at the heart of Hindu thought. The characters’ endless wait for the never-seen Godot parallels the soul’s longing for Moksha, or liberation from the cycle of rebirth.

The barren landscape and the repetitive, often nonsensical dialogue of the characters reflect the concept of Maya, the illusory nature of the world that distracts from the pursuit of spiritual truth. Their actions, or lack thereof, are indicative of Karma and Dharma—the actions they perform and the duties they fulfill, which in turn shape their destinies.

The anticipated arrival of Godot, which never materializes, can be interpreted as a metaphor for the ultimate truth or goal that remains ever elusive, much like the pursuit of Brahman, the ultimate reality in Hinduism. The characters’ state of waiting becomes a metaphor for humanity’s own spiritual waiting room, where the true understanding of existence and the cosmos is sought after but never fully grasped.

Work cited.:

Ghosh, Ranjan. “RECONFIGURING THE WAITING FOR GODOT: Explorations within Some Paradigms of Hindu Philosophy.” Samuel Beckett Today / Aujourd’hui, vol. 14, 2004, pp. 307–21. JSTOR,https://www.jstor.org/stable/25781474. Accessed 24 Apr. 2024.

Kroll, Norma. “Berkeley inside Out: Existence and Destiny in ‘Waiting for Godot.’” The Journal of English and Germanic Philology, vol. 94, no. 4, 1995, pp. 530–53. JSTOR,https://www.jstor.org/stable/27711226. Accessed 24 Apr. 2024.

Sharma, Anurag. “‘WAITING FOR GODOT:’ A Beckettian Counterfoil to Kierkegaardian Existentialism.” Samuel Beckett Today / Aujourd’hui, vol. 2, 1993, pp. 275–80. JSTOR,https://www.jstor.org/stable/25781175. Accessed 24 Apr. 2024.

Tanaka, Mariko Hori. “POSTMODERN STAGINGS OF ‘WAITING FOR GODOT.’” Samuel Beckett Today / Aujourd’hui, vol. 6, 1997, pp. 55–62. JSTOR,https://www.jstor.org/stable/25781208. Accessed 24 Apr. 2024.

Watson, George. “Beckett’s ‘Waiting for Godot’: A Reappraisal.” The Maynooth Review / Revieú Mhá Nuad, vol. 1, no. 1, 1975, pp. 17–35. JSTOR,https://www.jstor.org/stable/20557940. Accessed 24 Apr. 2024.

Thank you!!

Words: (1,913)

Priyanshiba Gohil

Pages