Sri Aurobindo: A Life of Spiritual and Revolutionary Legacy

Sri Aurobindo, a name revered in both spiritual and nationalist circles in India, was a remarkable figure whose life journey continues to inspire millions. Laying his life in the late 19th century his contributions in the field of philosophy, Yoga and Freedom struggle against British rule marked a milestone in the history of India. Being an extensive blog, it provides information on the childhood and death of Sri Aurobindo with a special focus on his education, revolutionary period, and spiritual enlightenment.

Table of Contents

Early Life and Education

Return to India and Revolutionary Activities

Spiritual Journey and Teachings

Literary Contributions

Final Years and Legacy

Conclusion

Early Life and Education

Sri Aurobindo was born on August 15, 1872, in Calcutta (now Kolkata), India. His father, Dr. Krishna Dhun Ghose was a surgeon, and his mother, Swarnalotta Devi, was known for her piety.  From a young age, Aurobindo was exposed to both Western and Indian cultures, a blend that would shape his future ideologies.

At the age of seven, Aurobindo was sent to England for his education. He studied at St. Paul’s School in London, which he finished excellently with a particular interest in classics. He then managed to get a scholarship to study at King’s College, Cambridge. This was the time that Aurobindo realized his love for literature and philosophy which would later in his lifetime form the basis of his spiritual teachings while in England.

Return to India and Revolutionary Activities

In 1893, Aurobindo returned to India and took up a position at the Baroda State Service. During his tenure, he became deeply involved in the Indian nationalist movement. He believed in the idea of complete freedom from British rule and engaged in numerous revolutionary processes.

Aurobindo is one of the key leaders of the Indian nationalist movement at the beginning of the twentieth century. Most of his writings were published In Bande Mataram and Karmayogin newspapers and in this place and time, he expressed his desire for an independent India. The freedom struggle received a boost from his writings as many youths from India flocked to take part in the struggle.

In 1908, Aurobindo was arrested and imprisoned for his revolutionary activities. During his incarceration in the Alipore Jail, he experienced profound spiritual realizations. This period marked a turning point in his life, leading him to focus more on spiritual pursuits.

Spiritual Journey and Teachings

In 1910, Aurobindo moved to the French colony of Pondicherry (now Puducherry) to escape British surveillance. It was here that he started to explore the aspects of yoga and meditation, leading to the concept of Integral Yoga which he was pioneering.

Integral Yoga is a synthesis of traditional yoga practices aimed at transforming human consciousness. In this context, the readers must understand that Aurobindo unlike other revolutionaries of his time was a spiritual leader who believed human evolution to be an unceasing process and that human beings are capable of entering higher stages of cognition through yoga and spirituality. Focusing on the unity of mind, body, and spirit, he taught about the meaning of life and how living should be done.

In 1914, Mirra Alfassa, also referred to as ‘The Mother’ moved to join Aurobindo in Pondicherry. The two then started Aurobindo Ashram which is a spiritual place intended for the practice of Integral Yoga. People came to the Ashram from different parts of the world and it became a focal point of spiritual education.

Literary Contributions

Sri Aurobindo was a prolific writer, and his literary works reflect his deep philosophical and spiritual insights. Some of his major works include:

• "The Life Divine": A comprehensive exposition of his spiritual philosophy.
• "Savitri: A Legend and a Symbol": An epic poem that explores the human soul's journey towards divine realization.
• "The Synthesis of Yoga": A detailed guide to his Integral Yoga practice.

The writings of Aurobindo are still widely academic and spiritually followed and admired by the learned souls. Because of this, he has been labeled as one of the most significant writers to have ever contributed to literature as he combines deep spiritualism and aesthetics.

Final Years and Legacy

Thus, Sri Aurobindo physically left the world on the 5th of December, 1950 but his spiritual and intellectual contributions can never be erased from the history of mankind. The ideas that he taught and his works still compel people who are in the process of spiritual development or who are interested in consciousness.

The impact of this great soul continued long after his physical presence was gone. He has taught people about the method of Integral Yoga that has a bearing on many spiritual movements across the globe. The Aurobindo Ashram and Auroville an international township in South India popularly known as his spiritual township carrying forward his work are befitting testimonies.

Conclusion

In the domain of political action, Sri Aurobindo was an ardently disciplined revolutionary but in essence, he was a very spiritually inclined person. This can be seen from when he was an adolescent in England to when he discovered spirituality in India. Due to his teachings on Integral Yoga, he provides a way of process and changing all aspects of human nature, making him an eternal symbol of spiritual and scholarly enlightenment.

By studying the life of Sri Aurobindo and his impact on the community one can understand the main ideas connecting spiritual transformation and societal progress, using his experience for personal development and creating a more aware society.

Our Commitment at Sri Aurobindo Group of Institutes (SAGI)

We are moved by the life, the teachings, and the vision of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother and inspire continuously to mold our growth in line with their larger vision through the Sri Aurobindo Group of Institutes (SAGI). All of what they laid out for us, our institution is based on those principles, is based on the expectation of giving world-class education, and then imbuing into students the values we teach, the value of being self-aware and being whole. In an endeavor to cultivate future generations in a spiritual and intellectual environment of spiritual growth and social responsibility, we shape our students to Self-discovery and Conscious Evolution under the precepts of Sri Aurobindo.