Influence of Ancient Indian Wisdom on R.W. Emerson’s Literary Corpus

Abstract

The paper exploresthe influence of Indian Ancient Philosophy and its significant strand in the American literary tradition. Why did culture, myth, history and philosophy of the East fascinate such a towering figure of the mid- 19th century Classic American literature, R.W. Emerson. This is an attempt to analyze how he looked towards the East for creative inspiration and sustained spiritual guidance. The investigation tries to trace the instances where he holds the Middle East in great esteem and regards the intellectual feats of Oriental civilizations. The study finds that Emerson provided the American people with a new momentum of literary milieu. There was every reason for the people of America to go through the ancient literature, to study history, fictions, culture, religions and spirituality. The curiosity in having discussion about the East increased. The Eastern Studies became their prime attention. The American erudition praises the Ancient Wisdom after they had exuded in turning page after page to penetrate into the Harem of the East.What makes this study especially interesting and is worth establishing is the Cultural variations with great possibilities of cross- cultural influences as an integral part of Emerson’s engagement with the Eastern philosophy.