Sri Aurobindo

Aurobindo.family

Basement of 49 St Stephen's Avenue with Sri Aurobindo Blue Plaque

Bande mataram

Sri Aurobindo presiding over a meeting of the Nationalists after the Surat Congress, with Tilak speaking, 1907

Aurobindo jail picture

Aurobindodeath

Sri Aurobindo (15 August 1872 – 5 December 1950) was an Indian philosopher, yogi, guru, poet, and nationalist. He joined the Indian movement for independence from British rule, for a while was one of its influential leaders and then became a spiritual reformer, introducing his visions on human progress and spiritual evolution.

Early Life

Sri Aurobindo was born Aurobindo Ghose on 15 August 1872 in Kolkata, India. His father, Dr. Krishnadhan Ghose, was a doctor and his mother, Swarnalotta Devi, was a skilled pianist. Aurobindo was sent to England for education at the age of seven, along with his two brothers. He studied at St. Paul's School, London, and at King's College, Cambridge, where he excelled in academics. Despite his achievements, he was drawn to the idea of India's independence from British rule.

Political Involvement

After returning to India in 1893, Aurobindo became involved in the nationalist movement. He worked in the princely state of Baroda for a while and later joined the Indian National Congress. He was a proponent of aggressive nationalism and played a key role in the early stages of India's fight for independence. His political activities led to his arrest in 1908 in connection with the Alipore Bomb Case. However, he was acquitted in 1909.

Spiritual Journey

The time spent in jail was a turning point in Aurobindo's life. He experienced a series of mystical and spiritual experiences that led him to gradually withdraw from politics and focus on spiritual and philosophical pursuits. In 1910, he moved to Pondicherry (then a French colony), which became his base for the rest of his life. Here, he developed his spiritual practice and philosophical writings, which he termed as Integral Yoga.

Integral Yoga

Integral Yoga, or Purna Yoga, is a concept of spiritual evolution that aims to bring about a transformation of human nature. Sri Aurobindo believed that humans are capable of evolving into a higher state of consciousness, which he called the Supramental Consciousness. This evolution would lead to a divine life on earth. Integral Yoga combines practices of various branches of yoga, including Jnana Yoga (path of knowledge), Bhakti Yoga (path of devotion), and Karma Yoga (path of action).

Literary Works

Sri Aurobindo was also a prolific writer. His major literary works include The Life Divine, which outlines his philosophy of spiritual evolution, Savitri: A Legend and a Symbol, an epic poem, and The Synthesis of Yoga, which details the practice of Integral Yoga. His writings also include essays on the Indian culture, society, and politics.

Legacy

Sri Aurobindo's ideas on spirituality and human evolution have had a significant impact on spiritual movements around the world. The Auroville township in Tamil Nadu, India, was founded in 1968 as a living embodiment of his vision. His ashram in Pondicherry, the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, continues to be a place of spiritual learning and practice.

Death

Sri Aurobindo left his body on 5 December 1950 in Pondicherry. His samadhi (mausoleum) in the courtyard of the Sri Aurobindo Ashram is a place of pilgrimage for his followers.