The 150th birth anniversary of Sri Aurobindo, the spiritual leader of India, will be commemorated on 15th August 2022. To observe this significant event, the Prime Minister has recently established a 53-member committee. The life and contributions of Aurobindo Ghose, commonly known as Sri Aurobindo, extend far beyond his spiritual teachings. Born in Calcutta on August 15, 1872, he was a multifaceted personality – a yogi, philosopher, poet, and a staunch Indian nationalist who envisioned a divine life on earth through the means of spiritual evolution. He passed away on December 5, 1950, in Pondicherry.
An Insight into Sri Aurobindo’s Early Life and Education
Sri Aurobindo’s journey towards enlightenment began with his education in a Christian convent school located in Darjeeling. Eventually, he enrolled at the University of Cambridge, where he mastered two classical along with several modern European languages. By 1892, he secured various administrative roles in the cities of Baroda (now Vadodara) and Kolkata (formerly Calcutta). Simultaneously, he embarked on a comprehensive study of Yoga and Indian languages, including classical Sanskrit.
Sri Aurobindo’s Role in the Indian Revolutionary Movement
From the years 1902 to 1910, Sri Aurobindo emerged as a key figure in the fight for India’s freedom from British rule. His involvement in the Alipore Bomb case landed him in prison in 1908. However, this didn’t deter his spirit. In 1910, he managed to escape British India and sought refuge in the French colony of Pondicherry (Puducherry), dedicating the remainder of his life to developing what he termed “integral yoga”. His goal was to guide individuals towards achieving a fulfilling, spiritually transformed life.
The Spiritual Side of Sri Aurobindo
In his spiritual haven, Puducherry, Sri Aurobindo founded a community for spiritual seekers. This evolved into what is known today as the Sri Aurobindo Ashram in 1926. He propagated the belief that the basic principles of matter, life, and mind could be superseded through terrestrial evolution by the concept of ‘supermind’. He viewed this as a bridging force between the realms of the infinite and the finite.
Sri Aurobindo’s Literary Contributions
Sri Aurobindo was not only an avid spiritualist but also a pronounced writer. In 1905, he launched an English newspaper named “Bande Mataram”. Additionally, he penned significant works, including “Bases of Yoga”, “Bhagavad Gita and Its Message”, “The Future Evolution of Man”, “Rebirth and Karma”, “Savitri: A Legend and a Symbol”, and “Hour of God”.
This 150th birth anniversary marks a celebration of Sri Aurobindo’s immense contributions, highlighting his multi-dimensional personality that blended nationalist pursuits with spiritual progress and intellectual growth. This commemoration forms an opportunity for us to appreciate and delve deeper into his life and teachings.
Last Modified: February 14, 2024