Vedantic Mysticism and Ralph Waldo Emerson : A Comparative study of the Over - Soul and Brahman

Author : Jyoti Nailwal

Abstract : This paper examines Ralph Waldo Emerson's engagement with Vedantic philosophy, especially the concepts of Brahman, Atman, and the Over-Soul. It argues that Emerson adapted ideas from the Bhagavad Gita and the Upanishads into American Transcendentalism while addressing the spiritual needs of nineteenth-century America. The study compares Emerson's essays, journals, and poem 'Brahma' with major Vedantic texts and discusses the continuing relevance of his thought.

Keywords : Ralph Waldo Emerson, Vedanta, Brahman, Over-Soul, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, Transcendentalism, Mysticism.

Conference Name : International Conference on Poetics, Aesthetics and Literary Expression (ICPALE - 26)

Conference Place : Trivandrum, India

Conference Date : 18th Jul 2026