Biography of Sri Aurobindo Ghosh: A Visionary Mystic and Revolutionary

Introduction

Sri Aurobindo Ghosh, known simply as Sri Aurobindo, was a visionary mystic, philosopher, poet, and revolutionary. His life, spanning from 1872 to 1950, was marked by a profound spiritual awakening and a tireless dedication to the betterment of humanity.

Early Life and Education

Sri Aurobindo was born on August 15, 1872, in Calcutta, India, during a time when the Indian subcontinent was under British colonial rule. His father, Dr. Krishnadhan Ghose, was a prominent physician, and his mother, Swarnalata Devi, hailed from a well-respected family. Aurobindo was the third of five children.

Education played a significant role in Aurobindo's early life. He attended St. Paul's School in London, a prestigious institution, where he received an excellent education and became proficient in Greek and Latin. Upon returning to India, he continued his studies at the Loreto Convent in Darjeeling, and later at the Cambridge University in England, where he excelled in his studies.

A Shift Towards Nationalism

Upon his return to India in 1893, Aurobindo started to work as a civil servant in the Baroda state. It was during this period that he began to feel a growing sense of discontent with British colonial rule and the subjugation of the Indian people. Aurobindo's exposure to the political climate and Indian nationalist movement ignited a sense of duty towards his country.

In 1906, Aurobindo moved to Bengal, a region that was particularly active in the fight for Indian independence. He became involved with the revolutionary organization Anushilan Samiti, which aimed to achieve independence through various means, including armed resistance. Aurobindo started writing articles and delivering speeches, advocating for India's liberation from British rule. His eloquence and passion made him a significant figure in the early Indian nationalist movement.

The Alipore Bomb Case

Aurobindo's activities didn't go unnoticed by the British authorities. In 1907, he was arrested and imprisoned in connection with the Alipore Bomb Case, which involved the conspiracy to kill British officials. During his imprisonment, Aurobindo experienced a profound spiritual awakening that would change the course of his life.

The Spiritual Awakening

While in prison, Aurobindo delved deeply into spiritual and philosophical texts. He embraced a life of contemplation and meditation, which led to a series of spiritual experiences and realizations. This transformation marked a pivotal point in his life, as he shifted his focus from political activism to spiritual and philosophical pursuits.

Aurobindo began practicing yoga and meditation, exploring various spiritual traditions and delving into the depths of consciousness. He believed that spirituality and politics could not be separated, and that the spiritual transformation of individuals was essential for any meaningful political change.

The Ashram in Pondicherry

After his release from prison in 1909, Aurobindo continued to pursue his spiritual path. He moved to Pondicherry, a French-ruled territory on the southern coast of India, to escape British surveillance and to dedicate himself entirely to spiritual practices and writing.

In Pondicherry, Aurobindo founded an ashram in 1910, where he lived with a small group of dedicated disciples. The ashram became a center for spiritual and philosophical exploration. Aurobindo's teachings were based on the synthesis of various spiritual traditions, emphasizing the integral yoga that aimed at the transformation of the individual's consciousness.

Aurobindo's Writings and Teachings

Sri Aurobindo was a prolific writer and philosopher, and his literary output was extensive and diverse. Some of his most significant works include:

"The Life Divine" (1939): This monumental work presents Aurobindo's vision of an evolving and integral spirituality that embraces all aspects of life. He discusses the evolution of consciousness and the ultimate spiritual realization of oneness with the Divine.

"Savitri: A Legend and a Symbol" (1950): Aurobindo's epic poem, Savitri, is considered one of his greatest literary achievements. It tells the story of Savitri and her quest for truth, love, and the transformation of life on Earth.

"The Synthesis of Yoga" (1914): In this book, Aurobindo outlines his approach to integral yoga, a path that seeks to integrate all aspects of life and consciousness to achieve spiritual realization.

"Essays on the Gita" (1916): Aurobindo's commentary on the Bhagavad Gita explores its profound spiritual teachings and their relevance to the modern world.

"The Ideal of Human Unity" (1940): Aurobindo addresses the question of world unity and the role of India in fostering a new global consciousness.

Aurobindo's teachings emphasized the need for individual spiritual transformation as a prerequisite for any meaningful social or political change. He believed in the evolution of consciousness and the divinization of life, envisioning a future where humanity would collectively awaken to a higher state of consciousness and live in harmony.

Legacy and Influence

Sri Aurobindo's influence extends far beyond the confines of his ashram in Pondicherry. His spiritual and philosophical teachings have left an indelible mark on the world. Some of the key aspects of his legacy include:

1. Integral Yoga: Aurobindo's concept of integral yoga, which seeks to integrate all aspects of human life and consciousness, has inspired countless individuals on their spiritual journeys.
2. The Auroville Experiment: Auroville, a unique international township founded in 1968 near Pondicherry, is dedicated to the realization of human unity and the vision of a harmonious and sustainable community. It draws inspiration from Aurobindo's teachings and principles.
3. Literary Legacy: Aurobindo's writings continue to be widely read and studied. His philosophy and poetry have resonated with individuals around the world who seek a deeper understanding of spirituality and human evolution.
4. Educational Institutions: Several educational institutions and organizations have been founded based on Aurobindo's philosophy, with an emphasis on holistic education that integrates spiritual and intellectual development.
5. Cultural and Spiritual Revival: Aurobindo's vision of a spiritual renaissance in India and the world has contributed to a greater awareness of the importance of spiritual growth and the potential for positive transformation.

Sri Aurobindo passed away on December 5, 1950, but his legacy endures through his writings, the Aurobindo Ashram, and the continued exploration of his teachings by seekers of truth and spiritual seekers worldwide.

Conclusion

Sri Aurobindo Ghosh was a multifaceted individual whose life journey took him from being a prominent political revolutionary to becoming a visionary mystic and philosopher. His profound spiritual awakening in prison led him to reject violence as a means of achieving political ends and instead focus on individual and collective spiritual transformation. Through his writings, teachings, and the establishment of the Aurobindo Ashram in Pondicherry, he inspired countless individuals to seek a higher understanding of consciousness and work towards a more harmonious and spiritually enlightened world. Aurobindo's enduring legacy lies in his vision of integral yoga, which calls for the integration of all aspects of human life and consciousness in the pursuit of a higher truth and the divinization of life.