Sri Aurobindo
Biography
Sri Aurobindo, born Aurobindo Ghose on August 15, 1872, in Kolkata, India, was a nationalist, philosopher, yogi, and poet. He was educated in England and returned to India in 1893, where he became involved in the Indian independence movement. After a spiritual awakening in 1908, he withdrew from political life and settled in Pondicherry, dedicating himself to spiritual practice and philosophical writing. He developed the concept of Integral Yoga, aimed at the transformation of human nature into a divine life. He passed away on December 5, 1950
Key Teachings
- Integral Yoga: A holistic approach to personal transformation that integrates physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual development.
- Evolution of Consciousness: He believed that humanity is on a journey towards higher states of consciousness and that this evolution is both individual and collective.
- Supermind: A higher level of consciousness that bridges the gap between the infinite and the finite, allowing for a divine life on earth.
Major Works
The Life Divine
Indian Philosophy” (2 volumes)
The Principal Upanishads
Eastern Religions and Western Thought
An Idealist View of Life
Quotes
“All life is yoga.”
“Hinduism is not just a faith. It is the union of reason and intuition that cannot be defined but is only to be experienced.”
“Man is a paradoxical being—the constant glory and scandal of this world.”
Influence and Legacy
Sri Aurobindo’s philosophical and spiritual teachings have had a significant impact on modern spirituality and the study of consciousness. The Aurobindo Ashram in Pondicherry and the international township of Auroville, founded by his collaborator The Mother, continue to be centers of spiritual practice and innovation. His writings on yoga, consciousness, and human potential have influenced thinkers, writers, and spiritual seekers worldwide.