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Sri Aurobindo

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Sri Aurobindo was a famous thinker and leader from India.

Aurobindo.family
Aurobindo.family

He was born on August 15, 1872, in Calcutta. He was a man of many different roles. He was a nationalist who wanted India to be free. He was also a yogi who practiced spiritual ways. Later in life, he became a very important writer. His ideas helped people think about the connection between humans and the divine.

Sri Aurobindo 1964 stamp of India
Sri Aurobindo 1964 stamp of India

His life was full of learning and change. As a boy, he lived in England for many years. He studied very hard to pass difficult exams. He even went to King's College in Cambridge.

Aurobindo was incredibly good at languages. He could read and write in many different ones. Some people say he knew at least twelve languages. This included English, French, Bengali, Latin, Greek, and Sanskrit. He also knew Italian, German, Spanish, Gujarati, Marathi, and Hindi.

When he returned to India in 1893, his life changed again. He worked in the state of Baroda for a while. During this time, he became interested in politics. He wanted India to have its own rule. He joined the Indian National Congress to help this cause.

Sri Aurobindo presiding over a meeting of the Nationalists after the Surat Congress, with Tilak speaking, 1907
Sri Aurobindo presiding over a meeting of the Nationalists after the Surat Congress, with Tilak speaking, 1907

He worked with other leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak. He also helped start groups like the Anushilan Samiti. He even became the first principal of the National College in Calcutta.

His work for independence led to some hard times. He was arrested because of his links to revolutionary groups.

Aurobindo jail picture
Aurobindo jail picture

He had to face a trial for treason in the Alipore Conspiracy case. He was eventually released from jail. After this, he moved to a place called Pondicherry. There, he focused on his spiritual practice. He called this path Integral Yoga. In 1926, he and Mirra Alfassa started the Sri Aurobindo Ashram to help others.

Sri Aurobindo left behind a huge collection of writing.

Bande mataram
Bande mataram

He wrote many books about his spiritual ideas. Two of his most famous books are The Life Divine and The Synthesis of Yoga. He also wrote a very long epic poem called Savitri. He spent time translating ancient texts like the Vedas and the Gita. His work brings together ideas from different parts of the world. He wanted to show how humanity could move toward a divine state. He passed away on December 5, 1950.

Aurobindodeath
Aurobindodeath
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🖼️ Images & Media (7)
File:Aurobindo.family.jpg
Aurobindo.family.jpg
File:Basement of 49 St Stephen's Avenue with Sri Aurobindo Blue Plaque.JPG
Basement of 49 St Stephen's Avenue with...
File:Bande mataram.jpg
Bande mataram.jpg
File:Sri Aurobindo presiding over a meeting of the Nationalists after the Surat Congress, with Tilak speaking, 1907.jpg
Sri Aurobindo presiding over a meeting of...
File:Aurobindo jail picture.JPG
Aurobindo jail picture.JPG
File:Aurobindodeath.JPG
Aurobindodeath.JPG
File:Sri Aurobindo 1964 stamp of India.jpg
Sri Aurobindo 1964 stamp of India.jpg
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