Sri Aurobindo 1872–1950: A Revolutionary Mystic in English Literature
Sri Aurobindo, born Aurobindo Ghose on August 15, 1872, in Kolkata, India, is one of the most remarkable figures in modern Indian history. A philosopher, yogi, poet, and nationalist leader, his contributions to English literature and spiritual thought continue to resonate. His works not only blend mysticism and spirituality but also reveal deep political insight and artistic mastery. His legacy as a revolutionary mystic and prolific writer places him among the finest literary figures of the early 20th century, both in India and on the global stage.
Early Life and Western Education
Aurobindo’s early life was marked by a Western upbringing. At the age of seven, he was sent to England for education, studying at St. Paul’s School, London, and later attending King’s College, Cambridge. This English education immersed him in Western literary traditions, particularly Greek and Latin classics, English poetry, and European philosophy. He became fluent in multiple languages, including French, Greek, and Latin, giving him a unique position as a bridge between Eastern and Western thought.
While in England, Aurobindo was drawn to the works of English Romantic poets like Shelley and Keats, which would later influence his own poetic expressions. He was also influenced by European revolutionary movements, which inspired his involvement in India’s struggle for independence.
Return to India and Political Activism
After returning to India in 1893, Aurobindo initially took up a position at Baroda College. During his years in Baroda, he became actively involved in India’s fight for freedom, which led to his role as one of the leading figures in the Indian independence movement. He used his pen and intellect to fight against British colonialism, writing articles in English and Bengali to inspire Indian nationalism.
Aurobindo’s political writings during this period, including contributions to newspapers like Bande Mataram and Karmayogin, called for complete independence from British rule, a radical idea at the time. His essays and speeches were noted for their intensity and visionary foresight, making him a key figure in the revolutionary struggle.
However, after a failed attempt to assassinate a British official in 1908, Aurobindo was arrested and put on trial. During his year-long imprisonment, he experienced a profound spiritual awakening. This marked a turning point in his life, as he shifted focus from political activism to spiritual pursuits, though he never abandoned his vision of India’s liberation.
The Shift to Spirituality and Literature
After his release, Aurobindo withdrew from active politics and moved to Pondicherry, a French colony in South India, where he dedicated himself to spiritual practice and writing. It was here that he developed his unique philosophy of Integral Yoga, which seeks the transformation of human consciousness and the realization of divine life on earth. His spiritual work was deeply integrated with his literary output, as he used poetry and prose to express his evolving philosophical ideas.
His writing during this period became a powerful blend of spirituality, mysticism, and metaphysics. Central to his philosophy was the concept of the Supermind, a higher level of consciousness beyond human intellect. He believed that humanity could evolve toward this state of consciousness through spiritual practice, leading to a divine life on Earth.
Aurobindo’s Integral Yoga—the idea that all aspects of life, including the body, mind, and spirit, could be harmonized and uplifted through spiritual discipline—became a foundation of his teachings. His spiritual philosophy profoundly influenced not only his followers but also many intellectuals, both in India and abroad.
Major Literary Works
Sri Aurobindo’s contribution to English literature is immense, with works ranging from poetry and plays to essays and philosophical treatises. His magnum opus, Savitri: A Legend and a Symbol, is a spiritual epic that stands as a testament to his literary genius. Spanning over 24,000 lines, the poem is a retelling of the ancient Indian myth of Savitri, who through her love and spiritual power, saves her husband from the clutches of death. The work serves as both an epic narrative and a spiritual allegory for the soul’s journey toward divine consciousness.
Apart from Savitri, his major prose works include:
- The Life Divine: Aurobindo’s most comprehensive philosophical treatise, in which he lays out his vision of human evolution, the nature of reality, and the eventual divinization of life.
- The Synthesis of Yoga: In this work, Aurobindo describes the different paths of Yoga—Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, and Jnana Yoga—and integrates them into his broader vision of spiritual practice.
- Essays on the Gita: A series of essays on the Bhagavad Gita, wherein Aurobindo interprets the ancient text from a spiritual and philosophical perspective. He focuses on the Gita’s teachings of selfless action, spiritual knowledge, and devotion.
- The Foundations of Indian Culture: This collection of essays outlines Aurobindo’s vision for the revival of Indian culture, emphasizing the importance of India’s spiritual heritage in shaping the future of the nation.
- The Future Poetry: A collection of essays on poetry, wherein Aurobindo examines the evolution of poetry and its role in human consciousness. He believed that poetry had the power to express the deepest truths of existence and could lead to spiritual transformation.
Aurobindo’s Philosophy of Literature
Aurobindo’s literary philosophy was deeply intertwined with his spiritual beliefs. He saw poetry and literature not merely as creative expressions but as vehicles for divine inspiration. For him, writing was a form of sadhana (spiritual practice), through which he could access higher levels of consciousness. His belief in the power of words to evoke spiritual truths and his mastery of English made his works accessible and influential on a global scale.
He often wrote about the future of poetry and literature, envisioning a time when human beings would move beyond intellectual pursuits and create art that could uplift the soul. His vision of the future of literature, as discussed in The Future Poetry, was one in which poetic creation would serve as a bridge between the material and spiritual worlds.
Legacy and Influence
Though Sri Aurobindo passed away in 1950, his influence continues to be felt in various fields. His philosophical and spiritual teachings have inspired generations of followers, and his writings continue to be studied by scholars of literature, philosophy, and spirituality. The ashram he founded in Pondicherry, the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, remains a center for spiritual practice and study.
Sri Aurobindo’s works, especially Savitri, remain one of the most profound contributions to English literature, transcending national boundaries and speaking to universal spiritual truths. His combination of poetic genius, spiritual depth, and visionary thinking places him among the greatest literary figures of the modern era.
Conclusion: A Mystic for the Modern Age
Sri Aurobindo’s life and work demonstrate the power of the written word to inspire both political action and spiritual transformation. As a poet, philosopher, and spiritual leader, he transcended the limitations of his time and created a body of work that continues to resonate in our contemporary world. His writings challenge readers not only to reflect on the deeper meaning of life but also to aspire toward a higher, more evolved state of existence.
In both his literary and spiritual endeavors, Aurobindo remains a figure of immense relevance—a revolutionary mystic whose vision for humanity offers hope and inspiration for the future
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