What do I need to know about ... The Medium's Pool and Garden?
Brief Description
The Medium's garden is the link between the spiritual and material world. It is where Krishna learns to embrace nature (once more) and spirituality.Krishna learns to become calm - begins to move to the third stage of life (in the Hindu Cycle of Life)
Key Quotations
Pg 104 “It looked like a green haven. Acres and acres of trees, shrubs and orchards. “ -Describing the scenery of the garden. “Haven” (Protective shelter)à like a safe protection from reality and this makes you think of ‘heaven’ – indeed the garden links the two worlds “Acres and acres” à hyperbole – meaning a great spacious area, and this also means that Krishna is beginning to view things ahead of him. The word "Acre" might be used to symbolise the extended thoughts of Krishna, and his long future. This indicates that Krishna has just started to view things widely, and his mind might also be more opened than before. Narayan could have used the phrase "Yards and yards of trees", but he decided to use the phrase "Acres and acres of tree" instead because it shows more development of Krishna's thoughts, showing that he has learnt something vital.
“I was in ecstasy” - What Krishna says about his feelings on the garden “Ecstasy” à multiple meanings: -Krishna is now more ‘enthusiastic’ about embracing spirituality - Now looks at things differently – more open minded.
Pg. 106 “It appeared an enchanting place” -Description of garden scenery “Enchanting” à connotations of magic, fantasy, spirituality.
This also reveals the Krishna had viewed this particular place in a positive way.
The place is delighting, captivating and charming.
Krishna has learnt a vital lesson regarding how to view things joyfully, which again, is a great success in his life as he used to view things depressingly. This is a clear improvement and development of Krishna's thoughts. “It is a place which belongs to Eternity, and that it will not be touched by time or disease or decay” -Describing garden scenery “Eternity” à In capital letters: emphasis on immortality (links to ‘rest of our lives’ look at quote below) Links to fourth stage – Nirvana (breaking free from the cycle of life) Almost a sense of pathetic fallacy – a sense that Krishna wants to become immortal: join Susila and ‘not be touched by time or disease or decay’ “time or disease or decay” à links to eternity:no time = immortality = eternity natural cycle of life and death – disease and decay “will not be touched” à reinforces the idea of safety and a ‘haven’ “It was ineffably lovely...small pond with blue lotus;” -Description of garden “Ineffably lovely” à Krishna is speechless due to the fact that the scene is so breathtaking – never encountered anything like it. “Tall casuarinas trees swayed and murmured over the banks...stood a small shrine” -Describes the garden “Casuarinas” à casuarinas is an invasive plant with no flowers. They also strangle + attaches to other plants – trying to strangle the old pragmatic Krishna out of him and push him towards spirituality. This describes the silence in the atmosphere, and how it seems like an ideal place to go and think “I spend long hours here, and desire nothing better than to be left here to this peace” This teaches Krishna what "loneliness" means, and how to live with that sense of loneliness serenely.
This particular sentence also shows a sense of time, "I spend long hours here". Krishna needs to learn how to wait patiently, with no one beside him, alone, living with joy. Pg. 108 “Purple lotus bloomed on the pond surface...murmur of the casuarinas provided the music for a great occasion” -Description of garden “Lotus” à Hindus associate the lotus blossom with creation mythology. Lotus has been a divine symbol in Hindu tradition – unfolding petals suggest the expansion of the soul (becoming more spiritual Lotus flower is quoted extensively with Puranic and Vedic literature – Krishna is an English teacher Lotus represents purity of body, speech and mind. “Pond” à water – symbolises purity and rebirth.
Lotus grows in water, unlike other ordinary plants which could only grow in soil.
If a lotus could grow in water, Krishna should also be developing his life in a complete different way, fighting with minor problems, blending into the atmosphere he dislikes.
-Krishna should learn how to expand his thoughts positively, viewing things in a good way, just like the lotus blooming. “Casuarinas” à (see above quote)
“Such a peace in the air...glimpse of eternal peace” This indicates that Krishna should be living joyfully, everyday, everywhere, in eternal serenity.
“I felt we could spend the rest of our life sitting there” 'Rest of out life' - links to 'Eternity', paradise/nirvana.
“I strained my eyes and mind to catch a glimpse of these presences” Pg 143 “...still surface of the pond, the lotus, the evening breeze, all had a reviving effect” The pond is still, and Krishna should be calm like the pond. There is no need to rush over things and end up unsuccessful.
If Krishna really works with things slowly, he would slowly figure out what the meaning of life is, and would end up with success in his life.
The lotus is a unique type of plant which grows on water surfaces like the lotus, Krishna should be able to cope with problems and the environment surrounding him. Even a lotus could grow in water, unlike other types of plant which could only grow in soil with the right amount of water in it, and the correct level of temperature. This tells us that Krishna's problems he had encountered in the past are actually minor problems, and he should really be relaxing with the environment around him, not caring about depressing things which had occurred to him. Without soil, plants would die, without soil, a lotus would still survive. Without Susila, Krishna would definitely feel extremely depressed, but he should find new things which would enhance the joyfulness within his life, just like a lotus growing in water, replacing soil. Krishna should also continue his life calmly, with serenity, just like the evening breeze. "Reviving effect" indicates the development of Krishna's mind when he relaxes at the medium's pool.
Its role in the novel
Accepting Western Values à Accepting Harmonious Garden
Pragmatic à Spiritual
Contrast: Stressed à Relaxed
Krishna becomes obsessed with trying to communicate with his late wife Garden connects the real world to the world of spirituality
“The melody of a Veena string from which music arises and ends” pg. 104
As Susila tells Krishna that the music can connect the two worlds
The garden introduces calmness into Krishna's life, where Krishna finds his inner peace. It's peace and quietness differentiates it from the other chaotic places set throughout the book. It is a significant place in Krishna's life (the novel) as it is where Krishna first met Susila as a spirit.
Teaches Krishna to be more spiritual - betrays old beliefs (pragmatic) " 'Are you all here, can't you devise some means of communicating with me, O great spirits?' " pg. 143 Big turning point à suddenly believes in the spiritual world even though he used to mock it
"I went there and turned back with a feeling of disappointment, and on the fourth Wednesday I went there hoping again" (Page 143)
This sentence shows that Krishna is still fighting for his desires and successes. This indicates that the medium's garden teaches Krishna of how to not feel disappointed. It teaches Krishna how to hope and wait although the first few tries of Krishna might be unsuccessful. This also teaches Krishna to have a sturdy and thoughtful mind, always hoping to success.
"Have had to start for Trichinopoly on some urgent business, at an hour's notice" (Page 143)
This shows the Medium breaking the rhythm and routine of their regular meetings as he disappears on "Urgent business" shows the responsibility of a person, viewing his job as an essential factor in life, which Krishna should really be doing. "At an hour's notice" shows the sense of time, and how time is vital. Krishna would develop himself further if he views "Time" as an essential factor, managing his daily routines properly and correctly. Basically, this sentence teaches Krishna about time, how to be responsible for jobs, and how he should develop his daily routines and lifestyle furthermore.
"I shut my eyes and visualised the form of my wife" (Page 143)
This reveals that the medium's garden is making Krishna become more spiritual and caring.
The fact that he desires to see his dead wife shows that he still cares about her, and believes in the spiritual and super natural more than before. The medium's garden essentially teaches him to be a more caring figure, and how to become used to spiritual things.
"My words fell on a deep silence and died without a response-the faintest would have made me happy, but it was not there" (Page 143)
This really teaches Krishna of how to live alone with extreme loneliness without fear or depression. Even the faintest would satisfy him, and his life should really be developing like that. If he learns how to remain happy even though he has nothing left and no one beside him, he would find his entire life very successful.
"I repeated my appeal in a low tone and felt ashamed of myself for appearing to be talking to myself" (Page 143)
Again, this also teaches Krishna how to live with joy although his life is full of loneliness, or maybe even emptiness.
He should not feel ashamed of himself at this point; if he could feel delighted by the fact that he is alone, he would be able to cope with emptiness and loneliness for the rest of his life, not caring about minor factors which irritate him. This sentence indicates that Krishna's loneliness and emptiness could definitely be replaced with joy, not caring about any problem he encounters at all.
What do I need to know about ... The Medium's Pool and Garden?
Brief Description
The Medium's garden is the link between the spiritual and material world. It is where Krishna learns to embrace nature (once more) and spirituality.Krishna learns to become calm - begins to move to the third stage of life (in the Hindu Cycle of Life)
Key Quotations
Pg 104
“It looked like a green haven. Acres and acres of trees, shrubs and orchards. “
-Describing the scenery of the garden.
“Haven” (Protective shelter)à like a safe protection from reality and this makes you think of ‘heaven’ – indeed the garden links the two worlds
“Acres and acres” à hyperbole – meaning a great spacious area, and this also means that Krishna is beginning to view things ahead of him. The word "Acre" might be used to symbolise the extended thoughts of Krishna, and his long future. This indicates that Krishna has just started to view things widely, and his mind might also be more opened than before. Narayan could have used the phrase "Yards and yards of trees", but he decided to use the phrase "Acres and acres of tree" instead because it shows more development of Krishna's thoughts, showing that he has learnt something vital.
“I was in ecstasy”
- What Krishna says about his feelings on the garden
“Ecstasy” à multiple meanings:
-Krishna is now more ‘enthusiastic’ about embracing spirituality
- Now looks at things differently – more open minded.
Pg. 106
“It appeared an enchanting place”
-Description of garden scenery
“Enchanting” à connotations of magic, fantasy, spirituality.
This also reveals the Krishna had viewed this particular place in a positive way.
The place is delighting, captivating and charming.
Krishna has learnt a vital lesson regarding how to view things joyfully, which again, is a great success in his life as he used to view things depressingly. This is a clear improvement and development of Krishna's thoughts.
“It is a place which belongs to Eternity, and that it will not be touched by time or disease or decay”
-Describing garden scenery
“Eternity” à In capital letters: emphasis on immortality
(links to ‘rest of our lives’ look at quote below)
Links to fourth stage – Nirvana (breaking free from the cycle of life)
Almost a sense of pathetic fallacy – a sense that Krishna wants to become immortal: join Susila and ‘not be touched by time or disease or decay’
“time or disease or decay” à links to eternity: no time = immortality = eternity
natural cycle of life and death – disease and decay
“will not be touched” à reinforces the idea of safety and a ‘haven’
“It was ineffably lovely...small pond with blue lotus;”
-Description of garden
“Ineffably lovely” à Krishna is speechless due to the fact that the scene is so breathtaking – never encountered anything like it.
“Tall casuarinas trees swayed and murmured over the banks...stood a small shrine”
-Describes the garden
“Casuarinas” à casuarinas is an invasive plant with no flowers.
They also strangle + attaches to other plants – trying to strangle the old pragmatic Krishna out of him and push him towards spirituality.
This describes the silence in the atmosphere, and how it seems like an ideal place to go and think
“I spend long hours here, and desire nothing better than to be left here to this peace”
This teaches Krishna what "loneliness" means, and how to live with that sense of loneliness serenely.
This particular sentence also shows a sense of time, "I spend long hours here". Krishna needs to learn how to wait patiently, with no one beside him, alone, living with joy.
Pg. 108
“Purple lotus bloomed on the pond surface...murmur of the casuarinas provided the music for a great occasion”
-Description of garden
“Lotus” à Hindus associate the lotus blossom with creation mythology.
Lotus has been a divine symbol in Hindu tradition – unfolding petals suggest the expansion of the soul (becoming more spiritual
Lotus flower is quoted extensively with Puranic and Vedic literature – Krishna is an English teacher
Lotus represents purity of body, speech and mind.
“Pond” à water – symbolises purity and rebirth.
Lotus grows in water, unlike other ordinary plants which could only grow in soil.
If a lotus could grow in water, Krishna should also be developing his life in a complete different way, fighting with minor problems, blending into the atmosphere he dislikes.
-Krishna should learn how to expand his thoughts positively, viewing things in a good way, just like the lotus blooming.
“Casuarinas” à (see above quote)
“Such a peace in the air...glimpse of eternal peace”
This indicates that Krishna should be living joyfully, everyday, everywhere, in eternal serenity.
“I felt we could spend the rest of our life sitting there”
'Rest of out life' - links to 'Eternity', paradise/nirvana.
“I strained my eyes and mind to catch a glimpse of these presences”
Pg 143 “...still surface of the pond, the lotus, the evening breeze, all had a reviving effect”
The pond is still, and Krishna should be calm like the pond. There is no need to rush over things and end up unsuccessful.
If Krishna really works with things slowly, he would slowly figure out what the meaning of life is, and would end up with success in his life.
The lotus is a unique type of plant which grows on water surfaces like the lotus, Krishna should be able to cope with problems and the environment surrounding him. Even a lotus could grow in water, unlike other types of plant which could only grow in soil with the right amount of water in it, and the correct level of temperature. This tells us that Krishna's problems he had encountered in the past are actually minor problems, and he should really be relaxing with the environment around him, not caring about depressing things which had occurred to him. Without soil, plants would die, without soil, a lotus would still survive. Without Susila, Krishna would definitely feel extremely depressed, but he should find new things which would enhance the joyfulness within his life, just like a lotus growing in water, replacing soil. Krishna should also continue his life calmly, with serenity, just like the evening breeze. "Reviving effect" indicates the development of Krishna's mind when he relaxes at the medium's pool.
Its role in the novel
Accepting Western Values à Accepting Harmonious GardenPragmatic à Spiritual
Contrast: Stressed à Relaxed
Krishna becomes obsessed with trying to communicate with his late wife
Garden connects the real world to the world of spirituality
“The melody of a Veena string from which music arises and ends” pg. 104
As Susila tells Krishna that the music can connect the two worlds
The garden introduces calmness into Krishna's life, where Krishna finds his inner peace. It's peace and quietness differentiates it from the other chaotic places set throughout the book. It is a significant place in Krishna's life (the novel) as it is where Krishna first met Susila as a spirit.
Teaches Krishna to be more spiritual - betrays old beliefs (pragmatic)
" 'Are you all here, can't you devise some means of communicating with me, O great spirits?' " pg. 143
Big turning point à suddenly believes in the spiritual world even though he used to mock it
"I went there and turned back with a feeling of disappointment, and on the fourth Wednesday I went there hoping again" (Page 143)
This sentence shows that Krishna is still fighting for his desires and successes. This indicates that the medium's garden teaches Krishna of how to not feel disappointed. It teaches Krishna how to hope and wait although the first few tries of Krishna might be unsuccessful. This also teaches Krishna to have a sturdy and thoughtful mind, always hoping to success.
"Have had to start for Trichinopoly on some urgent business, at an hour's notice" (Page 143)
This shows the Medium breaking the rhythm and routine of their regular meetings as he disappears on "Urgent business" shows the responsibility of a person, viewing his job as an essential factor in life, which Krishna should really be doing.
"At an hour's notice" shows the sense of time, and how time is vital. Krishna would develop himself further if he views "Time" as an essential factor, managing his daily routines properly and correctly. Basically, this sentence teaches Krishna about time, how to be responsible for jobs, and how he should develop his daily routines and lifestyle furthermore.
"I shut my eyes and visualised the form of my wife" (Page 143)
This reveals that the medium's garden is making Krishna become more spiritual and caring.
The fact that he desires to see his dead wife shows that he still cares about her, and believes in the spiritual and super natural more than before. The medium's garden essentially teaches him to be a more caring figure, and how to become used to spiritual things.
"My words fell on a deep silence and died without a response-the faintest would have made me happy, but it was not there" (Page 143)
This really teaches Krishna of how to live alone with extreme loneliness without fear or depression. Even the faintest would satisfy him, and his life should really be developing like that. If he learns how to remain happy even though he has nothing left and no one beside him, he would find his entire life very successful.
"I repeated my appeal in a low tone and felt ashamed of myself for appearing to be talking to myself" (Page 143)
Again, this also teaches Krishna how to live with joy although his life is full of loneliness, or maybe even emptiness.
He should not feel ashamed of himself at this point; if he could feel delighted by the fact that he is alone, he would be able to cope with emptiness and loneliness for the rest of his life, not caring about minor factors which irritate him. This sentence indicates that Krishna's loneliness and emptiness could definitely be replaced with joy, not caring about any problem he encounters at all.