Sri Aurobindo
Sri Aurobindo Ghose was a visionary leader and thinker whose influence spanned both political and spiritual realms in early 20th century India. As a key figure in the fight for Indian independence from British rule, Aurobindo's efforts were not just political but also deeply spiritual, inspiring a renewed sense of identity and purpose among Indians. His life's work, marked by profound philosophical contributions and spiritual insights, continues to resonate, shaping modern Indian thought and spirituality.
Early Life and Education
Born on August 15, 1872, in Calcutta, Sri Aurobindo Ghose was the son of Krishna Dhan Ghose, a physician with a deep admiration for English culture and an inclination towards atheism. At the tender age of seven, Aurobindo, along with his brothers, was sent to England for education, under the care of the Drewett family, who were relatives of his father's English friend. During his stay, he was isolated from Indian culture, receiving a strict English education with an added influence of Christian teachings, though he remained unaffected by religious conversion.
Aurobindo displayed extraordinary academic talent, initially under the tutelage of the Drewetts, and later at St. Paul’s School in London, where he excelled, securing a senior classical scholarship to King’s College at the University of Cambridge in 1890. There, he made remarkable achievements, particularly in Greek and Latin, and was noted for his fluency in French. His scholastic prowess extended to self-directed studies in German and Italian, allowing him to appreciate the works of Goethe and Dante in their original languages. Besides academics, his interests included poetry and active participation in the Indian Majlis, where he first articulated his vision for India’s independence.
Despite his academic success, Aurobindo chose not to pursue an administrative career in the Indian Civil Service, deliberately failing his riding test to avoid this path. Instead, he accepted a position in the service of the Maharaja of Baroda, which saw him initially undertaking secretariat duties, then rising to vice principal of Baroda College. During this time, Aurobindo deepened his engagement with Indian culture and philosophy, learning Sanskrit and practicing yoga.
Political Engagement and Revolutionary Activities
Upon returning to India, Aurobindo was dissatisfied with the Indian National Congress, which was largely composed of moderates content with petitions to the British government. In 1902, he began clandestinely organizing for Indian independence, advocating for armed revolution if necessary, and cultivating military preparedness among young Indians.
The political landscape changed dramatically with the 1905 Bengal Partition, prompting Aurobindo to take a more public role. He resigned from his Baroda post, immersing himself in political activism alongside figures like Bal Gangadhar Tilak. Together, they established the Nationalist Party, pressing for swadeshi, or self-reliance, and championing boycotts of British goods, a national educational system, and the creation of an Indian government parallel to the colonial administration. Aurobindo's strategic focus was on propaganda, notably through the revolutionary newspaper Bande Mataram.
Aurobindo's increasing prominence led to several arrests, culminating in a year-long imprisonment in 1908 on charges of sedition. His incarceration disrupted the momentum of the independence movement, and upon his release, he found the organizational structure in disarray. Despite his best efforts at reorganization, success was limited, and in 1910, Aurobindo withdrew from political life, retreating to Pondicherry in response to a spiritual calling.
Spiritual Transformation and Philosophical Contributions
Sri Aurobindo's spiritual journey was a gradual evolution punctuated by significant milestones. Unlike traditional paths that involved following a guru, Aurobindo largely practiced independently, seeking guidance only when necessary. His practice began in earnest in 1904, and under the guidance of the guru Vishnu Lele in 1908, Aurobindo experienced Nirvana, or complete...
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mental silence, after just three days of meditation.
While imprisoned, Aurobindo immersed himself in the Bhagavad Gita and the Upanishads, developing an understanding of higher spiritual planes and the divine nature of existence. This period of reflection planted the seeds for his future work, aimed at facilitating the divine's manifestation into the mundane world through the supermind, thus advancing human evolution.
In 1910, guided by an inner voice, Aurobindo relocated to Pondicherry, where he concentrated on his spiritual endeavors, remaining engaged with the world through correspondence and interactions with disciples. His collaboration with Paul and Mira Richard in 1914 led to the publication of Arya, a monthly journal that serialized many of his major works, including The Life Divine, The Synthesis of Yoga, and The Human Cycle. Mira Richard, who later became known as "The Mother," was a profound spiritual partner who ultimately managed Aurobindo's household.
The Overmind and the Supermind
With increased focus on his spiritual mission, Aurobindo achieved the descent of the "Overmind" on November 24, 1926, a significant step in bridging the gap between higher and lower planes of consciousness. His ultimate goal was to bring the "Supermind" into the physical realm, transforming life into its divine potential. The independence of India, coinciding with Aurobindo's birthday, was seen by him as a cosmic affirmation of his work.
Sri Aurobindo passed away on December 5, 1950, in Pondicherry, yet even in death, his spiritual journey continued to inspire. Observers noted his body remained uncorrupted for five days posthumously, interpreted as a sign of his spiritual achievement. The Mother relayed Aurobindo's message that the world was not yet ready for the Supermind's descent, but he would return through the first to achieve this state physically.
Enduring Legacy
Sri Aurobindo's life was a testament to his commitment to both his country and the broader spiritual evolution of humanity. His political activism ignited a fervor that contributed significantly to India’s eventual independence. In parallel, his spiritual teachings have prompted extensive religious and philosophical discussion, and his legacy is preserved in the continued growth of his ashram in Pondicherry and the founding of Auroville in 1968, a universal township dedicated to his vision.
Further Reading
The following works provide additional insights into Sri Aurobindo's philosophy and life:
- Bolle, Kees W. The Persistence of Religion. This book examines India's religious history through Tantrism, offering a unique perspective on Aurobindo's philosophy.
- Bruteau, Beatrice. Worthy Is the World: The Hindu Philosophy of Sri Aurobindo. An accessible introduction to Aurobindo's thought and spiritual biography.
- Ghose, Sri Aurobindo. The Future Evolution of Man. This compilation offers a digest of Aurobindo’s major works and includes explanatory notes and a bibliography.
- Purani, A. B. The Life of Sri Aurobindo. Known for its authoritative account of Aurobindo's early life, this biography is well-documented and richly quoted.
- Sethna, K. D. The Vision and Work of Sri Aurobindo. Offers a detailed explication of Aurobindo’s philosophy through correspondences with a Western philosopher.
- Zaehner, R. C. Evolution in Religion. This study draws an interesting comparison between Aurobindo and the Jesuit monk Pierre Teilhard de Chardin.
Sri Aurobindo Ghose
Sri Aurobindo Ghose was a multifaceted leader whose journey spanned from the political arena to the spiritual realm. Initially a proponent of Indian independence, he later dedicated his life to spiritual pursuits, contributing significantly to the cultural and spiritual revival of India. His legacy continues to inspire through his writings, philosophy, and the institutions he founded.
Early Life and Education
Born in Calcutta on August 15, 1872, Sri Aurobindo Ghose was the son of Krishna Dhan Ghose, a prominent physician who had studied in England. Aurobindo's father harbored a profound admiration for English culture and ensured that his sons received an English-oriented education, devoid of Indian influence. In 1879, Aurobindo, along with his brothers, was sent to England, where they lived with the Drewett family, who were relatives of an English friend. The Drewetts aimed to instill Christian values, further distancing Aurobindo from his Indian heritage during his formative years.
Aurobindo's academic prowess was evident early on. He attended St. Paul’s School in London in 1884 and later won a senior classical scholarship to King’s College, Cambridge, in 1890. His talents in languages were remarkable; he excelled in Greek and Latin and also mastered French, German, and Italian, allowing him to read Goethe and Dante in their original languages. During his time at Cambridge, he expressed his nationalist sentiments through the Indian Majlis, where he first voiced his aspirations for India's independence.
Though Aurobindo completed his studies for the Indian Civil Service, a deliberate failure in the riding exam—a requirement he found distasteful—led him to pursue a different path. Instead, an opportunity arose with the Maharaja of Baroda, and Aurobindo accepted a position in the Baroda service, which marked his return to India in 1893.
Political Awakening and Activism
Upon returning to India, Aurobindo initially worked within the administrative framework of Baroda, advancing to roles such as vice principal of Baroda College. During this period, he became reacquainted with Indian culture, learning Sanskrit and several modern Indian languages. Politically, India was under moderate leadership that sought to appease colonial powers with petitions and suggestions, a stance Aurobindo found inadequate.
By 1902, Aurobindo began clandestine political activities, envisioning an armed revolutionary movement to expel the British. His strategies included organizing groups of young men for military training. The partition of Bengal in 1905 catalyzed unrest, prompting Aurobindo to take public action. Resigning from his position in Baroda, he immersed himself in the nationalist movement, collaborating with figures like Bal Gangadhar Tilak to form the Nationalist Party, advocating for swadeshi and non-cooperation with British authorities.
Aurobindo's political endeavors led to several arrests, the most significant being in 1908 when he was imprisoned for a year during a trial for sedition. Despite his acquittal, the movement suffered disruption. Following his release, Aurobindo attempted to regroup, but in 1910, he chose to retire from political life, answering a spiritual calling that led him to Pondicherry.
Spiritual Transformation
Sri Aurobindo’s shift from political to spiritual life was marked by profound inner experiences. His spiritual journey began in 1904 with self-guided yoga practices, calling upon gurus only when necessary. A pivotal moment occurred in 1908 under the guidance of Vishnu Lele, leading to Aurobindo's experience of Nirvana—a complete silence of the mind.
During his incarceration, Aurobindo engaged in deep meditation and study of the Bhagavad Gītā and the Upanishads, which expanded his spiritual understanding. He realized the existence of higher spiritual planes and a divine consciousness pervading all creation. This epiphany laid the foundation for his life's work: to bring forth the divine through the supermind into earthly existence, thereby advancing human evolution.
In Pondicherry, Aurobindo dedicated himself to this spiritual mission. His meeting with Paul and Mira Richard in 1914 catalyzed the publication of Arya, a monthly journal that featured his philosophical works, including The Life Divine and The Synthesis of Yoga. Mira Richard, who became known as the Mother, joined Aurobindo in his spiritual efforts, eventually managing his household and ashram activities.
Philosophical Contributions and Legacy
Aurobindo’s philosophical exploration culminated in his concept of the Overmind and the ultimate goal of manifesting the Supermind, which he believed would transform human life. On November 24, 1926, he achieved the descent of the Overmind, signifying a breakthrough in his spiritual quest.
His scholarly work and spiritual teachings have had a lasting impact, influencing not only Indian culture but also global spiritual thought. Aurobindo's ashram in Pondicherry became a hub for spiritual seekers, eventually leading to the establishment of Auroville in 1968, envisioned as a universal township devoted to human unity.
Aurobindo’s death on December 5, 1950, did not mark the end of his influence. His body, remarkably preserved for days after his passing, signified to many his spiritual attainment. The Mother continued his work, sharing that Aurobindo's true departure was a conscious choice to aid future progress toward the Supermind.
A Continuing Influence
Sri Aurobindo's life was a testament to his dedication to serving others, whether through the pursuit of Indian independence or the quest for spiritual enlightenment. His vision for India and humanity transcended national boundaries, aiming for a profound transformation of consciousness. His writings remain a source of inspiration, with numerous publications and studies exploring his philosophy and spiritual insights.
The institutions and movements he inspired continue to thrive, fostering a deeper understanding of his teachings. Sri Aurobindo's legacy, rooted in both political activism and spiritual enlightenment, endures, inspiring future generations to explore the potential for human evolution and unity.
