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Sri Aurobindo

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Sri Aurobindo was a significant Indian nationalist, yogi, and philosopher.

Aurobindo.family
Aurobindo.family

He lived from August 15, 1872, to December 5, 1950. His life followed a dramatic path from political revolution to deep spiritual practice. He is best known for developing Integral Yoga. This system seeks to bridge the gap between human life and the divine. His massive literary output includes philosophical treatises and epic poetry. His work synthesizes Eastern and Western traditions into a single vision.

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

Aurobindo's early life was marked by significant movement and diverse education. Born in Calcutta to a Bengali Kayastha family, he spent much of his youth in England.

His father, Krishna Dhun Ghose, wanted him to join the Indian Civil Service. To prepare, Aurobindo studied at King's College, Cambridge, after passing a competitive exam. He ranked 11th out of 250 candidates. Despite this success, he had little interest in the civil service. He even attempted to disqualify himself during a practical exam. This period also shaped his linguistic skills. He became proficient in at least twelve languages. These included English, French, Bengali, Latin, Greek, and Sanskrit. He could also read Italian, German, and Spanish.

Upon returning to India in 1893, Aurobindo entered the service of the Maharaja of Baroda. He worked in various departments, including Survey and Settlements and Revenue. During this time, he also served as a teacher. He taught French and eventually became the vice-principal of Baroda College. However, his focus began to shift toward the Indian independence movement. He sought autonomy for India from British colonial rule. He worked behind the scenes while holding his government position. He established links with resistance groups in Bengal and Madhya Pradesh. He also connected with prominent leaders like Lokmanya Tilak and Sister Nivedita.

His political activism eventually led to direct confrontation with the British government. In 1906, he moved to Calcutta following the Partition of Bengal. He became the first principal of the National College. This institution later became Jadavpur University. Aurobindo supported objectives like Swaraj, Swadesh, Boycott, and national education.

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

In 1907, he was a leader of the extremist faction at the Surat session of the Indian National Congress. This caused a major split within the party. His involvement with revolutionary groups like the Anushilan Samiti led to his arrest in 1908.

Aurobindo jail picture
Aurobindo jail picture

He faced charges for treason in the Alipore Conspiracy case. He was eventually acquitted after a key witness was murdered in jail.

After his acquittal, Aurobindo underwent a major life transition. He moved to Pondicherry to dedicate himself to spiritual practice. This period saw the birth of his system called Integral Yoga. He developed this path to transform human consciousness. In 1926, he and Mirra Alfassa founded the Sri Aurobindo Ashram. This ashram was designed to support his spiritual vision. His work moved from the external struggle for political freedom to an internal struggle for spiritual evolution. He viewed the transition of humanity to a divine state as a central goal.

His literary contributions are vast and cover many different genres.

Bande mataram
Bande mataram

He wrote major philosophical works such as The Life Divine and The Synthesis of Yoga. The former explores the philosophy of Integral Yoga. The latter explains its specific principles and methods. He also composed the epic poem Savitri: A Legend and a Symbol. Beyond these, he translated ancient sacred texts like the Vedas, Upanishads, and the Gita. His writings also include plays, social criticism, and extensive correspondence. This body of work remains a complex synthesis of religion, psychology, and philosophy.

Sri Aurobindo's legacy continues through his writings and the ashram he founded. His life represents a bridge between two worlds. He moved from the secular world of politics and civil service to the sacred world of yoga. He remains a central figure in the history of Indian nationalism and modern spirituality.

His death occurred on December 5, 1950, leaving behind a profound intellectual and spiritual impact on the world.

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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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