Final answer:
The statement about poetry and mantras is subjective; mantras are often seen as divine in many traditions, while poetry, as with the works of Octavio Paz and Robert Bly, can also be profoundly spiritual and reflective of human evolution in literature.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement "Poetry is divine, and mantras are mundane" is not universally true or false. It is a matter of interpretation and individual belief. In many cultural and religious traditions, mantras are considered highly spiritual and divine in nature, used in ritual and religious practice for their transformative and protective powers. Similarly, poetry can be a profound tool for self-expression and can evoke deep emotional and spiritual responses. Poets like Octavio Paz have believed that poetry holds a magical potency and reflects an ineffable spirit, joining the poet and the reader in a single, shared experience.
Robert Bly, an influential figure in the revival of certain poetic forms, recognized the evolution from sacred chants to more accessible forms like prose poems, reflecting a movement towards democracy in literature. He felt a sense of freedom in prose poetry, appreciating the lack of strict standards at the time. Thus, whether poetry or mantras are viewed as divine or mundane is influenced by personal views, cultural context, and the style and content of the works themselves.