SRI AUROBINDO

Sri Aurobindo, born Aurobindo Ghose on 15th August, 1872 was an Indian philosopher, yogi, maharishi, poet, and nationalist who played a pivotal role in India's struggle for independence. He later emerged as a spiritual reformer, presenting profound visions of human progress and spiritual evolution.

Born into a Bengali family in Konnagar, West Bengal, Aurobindo's early education was heavily influenced by his father's admiration for British culture. This led to Aurobindo and his brothers being sent to England for their education, where he excelled in classical studies and languages. Despite his father's aspirations for him to join the Indian Civil Service, Aurobindo's interests lay elsewhere, and he purposefully disqualified himself from the service.

Returning to India in 1893, Aurobindo initially served in various capacities under the Maharaja of Baroda. During this period, he delved into nationalist politics, aligning himself with revolutionary groups and contributing to the burgeoning independence movement. His political activities eventually led to his arrest in the aftermath of bombings linked to his organization. However, he was acquitted due to lack of evidence, following the murder of a key prosecution witness.

A transformative period followed during his incarceration, marked by mystical and spiritual experiences. These experiences steered him away from active politics and towards a path of spiritual exploration. He moved to Pondicherry, then a French colony, in 1910, dedicating himself to spiritual pursuits and developing Integral Yoga, a spiritual practice aimed at transforming human nature and realizing a divine life on earth.

In Pondicherry, Sri Aurobindo, along with his spiritual collaborator Mirra Alfassa, known as "The Mother," established the Sri Aurobindo Ashram in 1926. His literary output during this time was significant, with major works including "The Life Divine," "The Synthesis of Yoga," and the epic poem "Savitri: A Legend and a Symbol." These works elaborated on his philosophical and spiritual ideas, emphasizing the evolution of human consciousness and the potential for divine transformation.

Sri Aurobindo's influence extended beyond his writings and the ashram. He was twice nominated for the Nobel Prize, in Literature in 1943 and Peace in 1950, reflecting his profound impact on both spiritual and intellectual spheres. Despite his withdrawal from active politics, he remained a vocal opponent of the partition of India in 1947, advocating for unity and spiritual progress.

Sri Aurobindo passed away on 5 December 1950, leaving behind a rich legacy of spiritual teachings and literary works. His life and work continue to inspire countless individuals and have left an indelible mark on both Indian spirituality and global philosophical thought.

www.wikipedia.com