The Indian Prime Minister recently paid tribute to Sri Aurobindo Ghose on the 15th of August, which marked his 150th birth anniversary. Born in 1872 in Calcutta, Aurobindo is recognized as a renowned yogi, philosopher, poet, and advocate for Indian nationalism. He promoted a philosophy centered around the concept of divine life on earth via spiritual evolution. Aurobindo passed away on 5th December 1950 in Pondicherry and was widely acknowledged as the “Prophet of Indian Nationalism”.
Knowledge about Sri Aurobindo
Aurobindo Ghose was born on 15th August 1872 in Calcutta. As an influential personality, he played multiple roles in society – that of a yogi, philosopher, seer, poet, and Indian nationalist. His teachings mainly revolved around spiritual evolution and the concept of divine life on earth.
Educational Background
His initial education began in a Christian convent school located in Darjeeling. He later pursued his higher education at the University of Cambridge, where he acquired proficiency in two classical and a number of modern European languages. In 1892, he served in various administrative roles in Baroda (Vadodara) and Calcutta (Kolkata). Around this time, he also began studying Yoga and Indian languages, including classical Sanskrit.
Aurobindo’s Role in Indian Revolutionary Movement
Between 1902 and 1910, Aurobindo took an active part in India’s struggle for independence from British colonial rule. The Bengal partition in 1905 motivated him to quit his job in Baroda and dedicate himself fully to the nationalist cause. He launched the patriotic journal Bande Mataram to spread the idea of radical methods and revolutionary tactics as opposed to mere supplication. During his activist period, he faced arrest by the British three times, twice on charges of sedition and once for conspiring to “wage war”.
Transition to Spiritual Path
In 1908, Aurobindo was imprisoned due to the infamous Alipore Bomb case. Two years later, he escaped British India and sought asylum in the French colony of Pondichéry (Puducherry), which marked an end to his explicit political activities as he embraced spirituality. Over time, he emerged as one of the most original thinkers, philosophers, and spiritual masters of his era. In Pondicherry, he joined hands with Mirra Alfassa, and their collaboration laid the foundation of a unique path known as “Integral Yoga”.
Understanding Integral Yoga
Integral Yoga, according to Aurobindo, aimed at earth transformation. The primary objective of this yogic practice was not to escape from life or renounce worldly existence; instead, it strived for a radical shift in our lives while living amidst it.
Aurobindo’s Views on World War II
While many Indians saw World War II as an opportune moment to gain independence from the colonial rule, Aurobindo encouraged his fellow citizens to support the Allies to ensure Hitler’s defeat.
Spirituality and Foundation of Sri Aurobindo Ashram
In Pondichery, Aurobindo established a community of spiritual seekers, which eventually evolved into the Sri Aurobindo Ashram in 1926. He propagated the belief that matter, life, and mind – the basic principles of existence – would be surpassed through terrestrial evolution by the principle of supermind, acting as an intermediary power between the finite and the infinite.
Aurobindo’s Literary Contributions
Aurobindo was also a prolific writer. He published an English newspaper called Bande Mataram in 1905 and wrote several books including “Basis 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”.