Heaven, If You Are Not On Earth – Kuvempu

Key Words

1.	Heaven	4.	Nymphs	7.	Moonlight
2.	Earth	5.	Sunshine	8.	Poet
3.	Gods	6.	Harvest	9.	Song of Nectar

Major Themes

1. Heaven on Earth: The poem asserts that heaven is not a distant place but can be found in the beauty of the natural world and human experiences.
2. Human Divinity: Kuvempu suggests that humans have the potential to become divine by embodying good qualities.
3. Nature’s Splendour: The imagery emphasizes the richness and beauty of nature, equating it with heaven.
4. Power of Poetry: The poet’s ability to create heaven through words, transforming earthly experiences into something divine.

Points to Ponder

• The poet thinks heaven is on Earth.
• If we can’t be like gods, there are no gods anywhere else.
• If we can’t be like nymphs, there are no nymphs anywhere else.
• The poet sees a fast river, big waves, and warm sunshine on green gardens.
• He thinks this makes Earth feel like heaven.
• When we see a beautiful harvest or the moon shining brightly, we see heaven all around us.
• The poet sings a happy song about nature and creates heaven right here on Earth!

Metaphors

• “Heaven, if you are not here on earth”: The concept of heaven being present on earth rather than in a distant, spiritual realm.
• “If we ourselves cannot be gods”: Humans have the potential to embody divine qualities.
• “The tender sunshine leans on verdant gardens”: Sunshine is personified, suggesting a nurturing force on earth.
• “Imbibing and spilling the song of nectar”: Poetry is likened to nectar, something sweet and divine.

Imagery

• Roaring stream: Creates a vivid image of nature’s force.
• Rolling surf at the edge of waves: Evokes a sense of movement and fluidity.
• Tender sunshine: Symbolizes warmth, gentleness, and lifegiving power.
• Verdant gardens: Lush green gardens represent fertility and abundance.
• Splendour of harvest and of moonlight: Connects to agricultural and natural imagery, emphasizing growth and beauty.
• Song of nectar: Appeals to the senses, suggesting something both audible and sweet.

Summary

The poet thinks that heaven is not far away, but right here on Earth. If we can’t be like gods, then there are no gods anywhere else. If we can’t be like beautiful nymphs, then nymphs can’t be found anywhere else.

The poet sees a fast moving river, big waves, and warm sunshine on green gardens. He thinks that this makes Earth feel like heaven. When we see a beautiful harvest or the moon shining brightly, we see heaven all around us. The poet sings a happy song about nature and creates heaven right here on Earth!

1. Answer the following questions in one or two sentences each.

(2 Marks Questions)

1. Where does the poet say heaven can be found?

Answer: The poet says that heaven can be found here on earth.

• What does the poet suggest about humans becoming gods?

Answer: The poet suggests that if humans cannot be gods, then there are no gods.

• What does the poet compare sunshine to in the poem?

Answer: The poet compares sunshine to something tender that leans on verdant gardens.

• How does the poet describe the earth?

Answer: The poet describes the earth as heaven because of its beauty and natural wonders.

• What role does the poet say a poet plays in the world?

Answer: The poet says that a poet creates heaven on earth through their poetry.

• What natural elements are mentioned in the poem?

Answer: The natural elements mentioned are the roaring stream, rolling surf, sunshine, and gardens.

• How does the poet describe the harvest and moonlight?

Answer: The poet describes the harvest and moonlight as full of splendour.

• What does the “song of nectar” symbolize in the poem?

Answer: The “song of nectar” symbolizes the sweet and divine essence of poetry.

• What is the significance of the sun in the poem?

Answer: The sun is depicted as a gentle and lifegiving force that makes the earth heavenly.

1. According to the poet, where are the heavenly nymphs?

Answer: The poet believes that if humans are not like nymphs, then there are no nymphs anywhere else.

1. What is the poet trying to say in the first line of the poem?

Answer: The poet is saying that heaven is not a distant place but is found on earth.

1. Why does the poet say there can be no gods if we cannot be gods?

Answer: The poet believes that divinity exists within humans, so without human goodness, there can be no gods.

1. What kind of images does the poet use to describe nature?

Answer: The poet uses images like a roaring stream, rolling waves, tender sunshine, and verdant gardens.

1. How does the poet make the earth appear like heaven?

Answer: The poet makes the earth seem like heaven by highlighting its natural beauty, such as sunshine, streams, and gardens.

1. What does the poet mean by ‘heaven lies all over’?

Answer: The poet means that the beauty and peace of heaven are found everywhere on earth, especially in nature.

1. What does the poet say about the role of sunshine on earth?

Answer: The poet says that the gentle sunshine makes the earth feel like heaven.

1. Why does the poet mention harvest and moonlight?

Answer: The poet mentions harvest and moonlight to show that the beauty and abundance of nature make the earth heavenly.

1. What feeling does the poet create through the imagery of nature?

Answer: The poet creates a feeling of peace, beauty, and the presence of heaven on earth.

1. How does the poet describe the poet’s role in the world?

Answer: The poet describes the poet’s role as someone who creates heaven through their words and imagination.

• What connection does the poet make between nature and poetry?

Answer: The poet connects nature and poetry by saying that both can create a heavenly experience.

• How does the poet make you feel that heaven is on earth?

Answer: The poet uses vivid descriptions of nature, such as streams, sunshine, and gardens, to show that earth is beautiful like heaven.

• In what ways can humans act like gods according to the poet?

Answer: Humans can act like gods by being good, kind, and appreciating the beauty of nature.

• Why does the poet use natural elements like streams and sunshine to describe heaven?

Answer: The poet uses these elements to show that heaven can be experienced in the everyday beauty of the natural world.

• What does the poet want us to learn from nature?

Answer: The poet wants us to learn that nature’s beauty and harmony make earth a heavenly place.

• How can we create heaven on earth according to the poem?

Answer: We can create heaven on earth by appreciating nature, being kind, and living in harmony with the world around us.

• Why is poetry compared to nectar in the poem?

Answer: Poetry is compared to nectar because it is sweet, divine, and brings joy, much like how nectar nourishes.

1. How does the poet use the sun as a symbol in the poem?

Answer: The poet uses the sun as a symbol of life, warmth, and the divine presence that makes the earth heavenly.

1. Answer the following questions in about 60 words each

(3 Marks)

1. Why does the poet believe that heaven can be found on earth?

Answer: The poet believes that heaven can be found on earth because of the beauty and wonder of the natural world around us. He emphasizes that the experiences we have, such as seeing the sunshine, gardens, streams, and waves, are heavenly. This suggests that there is no need to look for heaven elsewhere since earth itself can be experienced as heaven.

• What is the significance of humans becoming gods in the poem?

Answer: The poet suggests that if humans cannot act like gods by embodying qualities like kindness, love, and care for others, then there are no real gods. The poet implies that the divine qualities we associate with gods can be found in humans, and we create heaven by living virtuously. If we fail to do so, we miss the opportunity to make life heavenly.

• How does the poet use nature to create a sense of heaven?

Answer: The poet uses vivid imagery from nature to create a sense of heaven, describing the roaring streams, rolling waves, and tender sunshine. These elements are shown as not just beautiful but as representations of heaven on earth. Through this, the poet emphasizes the idea that heaven is not a faraway place but something we experience every day through nature.

• What role does the sunshine play in the poem’s message?

Answer: In the poem, the sunshine plays a key role in transforming the earth into heaven. The poet describes the sunshine as gentle and tender, leaning on gardens and nurturing the earth. This imagery suggests that the warmth and lifegiving power of the sun is what makes the earth heavenly, and it highlights the importance of nature in creating beauty and peace.

• How does the poet describe the connection between the poet and heaven?

Answer: The poet describes the connection between a poet and heaven by stating that a poet creates heaven on earth through their words and imagination. Poetry is compared to nectar, something sweet and divine, showing that the poet has the ability to make the world more beautiful and heavenly. This shows that creativity and art can bring the feeling of heaven to our lives.

• What does the poet suggest about nymphs and their presence on earth?

Answer: The poet suggests that if we, as humans, cannot be like nymphs—representing beauty, grace, and goodness—then there are no nymphs elsewhere. This means that divine beings, like nymphs, are not to be found in other realms but within us. If humans embrace their own potential for goodness and grace, they can bring a heavenly presence to earth.

• Why does the poet compare the earth to heaven?

Answer: The poet compares the earth to heaven because of the natural beauty and peace found in everyday life. Through images of streams, sunshine, gardens, and harvests, the poet shows that the earth possesses all the qualities we imagine heaven to have. This comparison helps the reader understand that by appreciating nature and life, we can experience heaven on earth.

• How does the poet use the imagery of harvest and moonlight?

Answer: The poet uses the imagery of harvest and moonlight to emphasize the splendour and richness of the earth. The harvest symbolizes abundance and nourishment, while moonlight represents calm and beauty. These images help convey the idea that the earth, in all its beauty and cycles, can be seen as heavenly, offering us everything we need to live a fulfilling life.

• What does the “song of nectar” represent in the poem?

Answer: The “song of nectar” represents the sweetness and divine nature of poetry. Just as nectar is a symbol of something pure and sweet, poetry is depicted as something that nourishes the soul and brings beauty to the world. Through poetry, the poet believes we can create a heaven on earth by capturing the essence of life in words and celebrating its beauty.

1. Why does the poet emphasize the idea that heaven is not a distant place?

Answer: The poet emphasizes that heaven is not a distant place to encourage readers to find beauty, peace, and happiness in their everyday surroundings. By showing how nature, human actions, and poetry can make life heavenly, the poet challenges the idea that heaven is somewhere far away. Instead, he suggests that we can experience heaven in the present moment if we open our eyes to it.

1. Why does the poet think heaven cannot be found elsewhere?

Answer: The poet thinks heaven cannot be found elsewhere because it already exists on earth in the beauty of nature and in human kindness. He believes that heaven is not a faraway place but something we experience through the natural world and our actions. The poem emphasizes that we don’t need to search for heaven beyond our lives; it’s present in our surroundings.

1. How does the poet use natural elements to explain the concept of heaven?

Answer: The poet uses natural elements like streams, waves, sunshine, and gardens to explain that heaven is found in the beauty of the earth. These images help the reader see how nature itself is divine and full of wonder. By appreciating these simple elements, we can experience the joy and peace associated with heaven in our everyday lives.

1. What does the poet mean by “If we ourselves aren’t heavenly nymphs”?

Answer: By saying “If we ourselves aren’t heavenly nymphs,” the poet means that divine qualities like beauty, grace, and goodness should be found within humans. If we cannot embody these qualities, then they do not exist elsewhere. The poet wants to convey that it is up to us to bring out the best in ourselves, making our lives and the world around us heavenly.

1. What does the poet suggest about the role of the sun in making earth heavenly?

Answer: The poet suggests that the sun plays a crucial role in making the earth heavenly by providing warmth and life. The tender sunshine that “leans on verdant gardens” is a symbol of how the sun nurtures the earth, making it bloom and thrive. This shows that nature’s forces, like the sun, are essential in creating a heavenly experience on earth.

1. How does the poet describe the earth as heaven in the poem?

Answer: The poet describes the earth as heaven by using images of roaring streams, rolling surf, sunshine, gardens, harvests, and moonlight. He shows how these elements of nature are full of beauty and wonder, making the earth a place where we can find peace and happiness. Through these descriptions, the poet conveys that heaven is already present on earth.

1. What does the poet say about the connection between harvest and heaven?

Answer: The poet says that the splendour of the harvest is part of what makes the earth heavenly. The harvest symbolizes abundance, growth, and fulfillment, showing that the natural world provides everything we need to live a good life. By focusing on the beauty and richness of the harvest, the poet emphasizes that heaven is found in the cycles of nature and life.

1. How does the poet explain the role of poetry in creating heaven?

Answer: The poet explains that poetry has the power to create heaven by capturing the beauty of life in words. Through the “song of nectar,” the poet suggests that poetry is sweet, divine, and nourishing to the soul. By expressing the wonders of the world, a poet can bring a sense of heaven to earth, helping people see the beauty in their surroundings.

1. What does the poet mean by “Heaven lies all over”?

Answer: When the poet says “Heaven lies all over,” he means that heaven is not a distant place but is present everywhere on earth. It is found in the beauty of nature, the warmth of the sun, the splendour of the harvest, and the light of the moon. The poet suggests that we can experience heaven all around us if we take the time to appreciate the world.

1. Why does the poet use the image of a roaring stream and rolling surf?

Answer: The poet uses the image of a roaring stream and rolling surf to show the dynamic beauty of nature. These powerful and moving images represent the energy and life present in the world, which contributes to the idea that heaven is alive and present on earth. The movement and sound of water are also calming and aweinspiring, making them fitting symbols of heaven.

• How does the poet’s description of nature help explain his idea of heaven on earth?

Answer: The poet’s description of nature, with its streams, sunshine, gardens, and moonlight, helps explain his idea that heaven is not a faraway place but something we experience on earth. By focusing on the beauty and peace found in nature, the poet shows that the natural world is divine, and by appreciating it, we can feel like we are in heaven.

(FROM QUESTION BANK)

1. What could not be nowhere else but on earth according to the speaker in ‘Heaven, If You Are Not Here On Earth’?

Answer: According to the speaker, heaven could not be nowhere else but on earth.

• When can there be no gods according to the speaker in ‘Heaven, If You Are Not Here On Earth’?

Answer: There can be no gods if humans themselves cannot be gods.

• According to the speaker in ‘Heaven, If You Are Not Here On Earth’, if we ourselves cannot be gods, then there can be no a) gods. b) nymphs. c) humans.

Answer: a) gods.

• When can there be no nymphs according to the speaker in ‘Heaven, If You Are Not Here On Earth’? Answer: There can be no nymphs if humans themselves are not heavenly nymphs.
• According to the speaker in ‘Heaven, If You Are Not Here On Earth’, if we ourselves aren’t heavenly nymphs, the

nymphs are not a) everywhere.            b) nowhere. c) elsewhere.

Answer: c) elsewhere.

• Where does the tender sunshine lean on according to the speaker in ‘Heaven, If You Are Not Here On Earth’? Answer: The tender sunshine leans on verdant gardens.
• What does the poet imbibe and spill to create heaven on Earth according to the speaker in ‘Heaven, If You Are Not Here On Earth’?

Answer: The poet imbibes and spills the song of nectar to create heaven on earth.

• Who according to the speaker imbibes and spills the song of nectar in ‘Heaven, If You Are Not Here On Earth’? Answer: The poet imbibes and spills the song of nectar.
• Where does the poet create heaven according to the speaker in ‘Heaven, If You Are Not Here On Earth’? Answer: The poet creates heaven on earth.
• What does the poet create on earth according to the speaker in ‘Heaven, If You Are Not Here On Earth’? Answer: The poet creates heaven on earth.

1. Answer the following questions in about 100 words each

(4 Marks)

1. How does the poem ‘Heaven, If You Are Not Here On Earth’ visualize heaven?

Answer: The poem visualizes heaven as a part of the natural world around us. Kuvempu describes heaven as being present in the beauty of nature, such as streams, sunshine, and gardens. He suggests that heaven is not a distant or mythical place but something that exists on earth, created through the wonders of the natural world and human actions.

• Why does the speaker believe that heaven can be created only by human effort in ‘Heaven, If You Are Not Here On Earth’?

Answer: The speaker believes that heaven can only be created by human effort because it is through human qualities like kindness, love, and creativity that heaven manifests. If humans do not act like gods—meaning if they do not embody divine qualities—then heaven cannot exist. The poem emphasizes the power of human endeavor to make the earth a heavenly place.

• What image of heaven does the poem, ‘Heaven, If You Are Not Here On Earth’ create?

Answer: The poem creates an image of heaven as a harmonious and beautiful place that can be found on earth. It uses vivid natural imagery—such as streams, waves, sunshine, and gardens—to portray heaven as a space of peace and joy. Heaven, according to the poem, is a reflection of the beauty and goodness in the world, created by both nature and humans.

• What are the requirements of heaven according to ‘Heaven, If You Are Not Here On Earth’?

Answer: According to the poem, the requirements of heaven are found in the natural world and in human behavior. Nature’s beauty, represented by elements like sunshine and harvest, is a part of heaven. Additionally, humans must embody qualities such as kindness, divinity, and creativity to complete the creation of heaven. Without these, heaven cannot exist on earth.

• ‘Heaven is not a separate entity but a part of earth to be created by human endeavour.’ How does the poem, ‘Heaven, If You Are Not Here On Earth’ present this?

Answer: The poem presents the idea that heaven is not a distant place but a reality that can be created on earth through human efforts. Kuvempu uses natural imagery, like the sunshine on gardens and streams, to show that heaven exists in the beauty of the natural world. He emphasizes that humans play a critical role in creating heaven by embodying divine qualities like love, compassion, and creativity. The speaker asserts that if humans do not strive to be like gods or nymphs, then there are no gods or nymphs, suggesting that heaven is shaped by human actions and virtues.

• Heaven is nothing but a replica of the best qualities of Earth. How does the poem ‘Heaven, If You Are Not Here On Earth’ justify this statement?

Answer: The poem justifies this statement by describing heaven as a reflection of the natural world and human virtues. Kuvempu portrays heaven as existing in the beauty of streams, gardens, and sunshine, which are all aspects of the earth. Additionally, the poem suggests that heaven is created through human qualities like kindness, love, and creativity, making it a replica of the best traits found in humans and nature. The poet emphasizes that by appreciating and nurturing these qualities, we can experience heaven on earth.

• ‘It is not gods that make heaven but humans who attain divinity.’ How is this brought out in ‘Heaven, If You Are Not Here On Earth’?

Answer: The poem brings out this idea by suggesting that heaven is not created by external divine beings, but by humans who attain godlike qualities. The speaker emphasizes that if humans cannot embody divine qualities, then there are no gods, and heaven cannot exist. This reflects the idea that humans are capable of creating heaven by living virtuously and harmoniously with nature. The poet uses natural imagery and the metaphor of humans being gods and nymphs to show that heaven is a product of human efforts to bring out their divine potential.

• ‘Heaven, If You Are Not Here On Earth’ tries to remove the traditional picture of heaven. Discuss.

Answer: The poem challenges the traditional picture of heaven as a faraway, mystical place. Instead, it presents heaven as something that can be experienced on earth through the beauty of nature and human actions. Kuvempu uses imagery of streams, gardens, and sunshine to show that heaven is part of the natural world, not a distant realm. The poem also emphasizes human responsibility in creating heaven by embodying divine qualities, suggesting that heaven is a product of human virtue and effort, not a place created by gods. This view contrasts with traditional religious beliefs that heaven is a reward after life.

• Both human nature and the natural world play a vital role in the creation of heaven. Explain with reference to ‘Heaven, If You Are Not Here On Earth’.

Answer: In the poem, both human nature and the natural world are essential in creating heaven. The natural world, with its beauty—streams, sunshine, gardens—represents the physical aspects of heaven on earth. At the same time, human nature, with its potential for goodness and divinity, completes the creation of heaven. Kuvempu suggests that if humans embody godlike qualities such as love, kindness, and creativity, they can turn earth into heaven. Thus, heaven is seen as a harmonious combination of the beauty of nature and the best qualities of humans, showing that both are vital to its existence.