Sri Aurobindo (Aurobindo Ghose) was born on 15th August 1872 in Calcutta. He is recognized not only as a yogi, seer, and poet, but also as a philosopher and Indian nationalist. Aurobindo was hailed as the “Prophet of Indian Nationalism” due to his practical strategies aimed at ending British rule in India. He advocated for a divine life on earth through spiritual evolution, which has been influential to this day.
Early Life and Education
Aurobindo’s education started in a Christian convent school located in Darjeeling. Afterwards, he entered the University of Cambridge where he mastered both classical and several modern European languages. In 1892, Aurobindo served in various administrative roles in Baroda (now known as Vadodara) and Calcutta (Kolkata). Around this period, he began studying Yoga and Indian languages, including classical Sanskrit.
Aurobindo’s Role in the Indian Revolutionary Movement
During the period between 1902 and 1910, Aurobindo actively participated in the Indian freedom struggle against British rule. The partition of Bengal in 1905 prompted Aurobindo to quit his job in Baroda to join the nationalist movement full time. He utilized the patriotic journal Bande Mataram to propagate radical methods and revolutionary tactics instead of submission to British rule.
Aurobindo was arrested three times by the British authorities; twice for sedition and once for conspiring to “wage war”. He was imprisoned in 1908 as part of the Alipore Bomb case. Two years later, Aurobindo found refuge in the French colony of Puducherry, where he abandoned overt political activities and immersed himself in spiritual pursuits, emerging as one of the most original thinkers, philosophers, and spiritual masters of his time.
Sri Aurobindo’s Contribution to Spiritual Philosophy
In Puducherry, Aurobindo set up a community for spiritual seekers which eventually formed the foundation of the Sri Aurobindo Ashram in 1926. He developed the concept of “Integral Yoga”, a form of yoga aimed at transforming life on earth, not escaping it. This philosophy does not advocate for shunning worldly existence but encourages bringing about significant changes in life while living amidst it.
World War II Viewpoint and Spiritual Beliefs
While many Indians saw an opportunity to end colonial occupation during the Second World War, Aurobindo urged his compatriots to support the Allies and ensure Hitler’s defeat. As a spiritual guru, he proposed that the fundamental principles of matter, life, and mind would eventually be succeeded by the principle of supermind, serving as a bridge between the realms of infinite and finite existence.
Literary Contributions
Aurobindo contributed immensely to literature through his profound spiritual and philosophical works. His literary legacy includes an English newspaper called Bande Mataram, books like ‘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’.
The Legacy of Sri Aurobindo
Sri Aurobindo passed away on the 5th of December, 1950 in Puducherry. Yet, his influence lives on through his philosophical teachings, spiritual insights, and contributions to Indian nationalism. Recently, the Indian Prime Minister took part in a program commemorating Sri Aurobindo’s 150th birth anniversary in Puducherry, under the banner of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav movement. In his honor, the PM released a commemorative coin and postal stamp. Today, the thoughts and works of Sri Aurobindo continue to inspire millions worldwide.
