Sri Aurobindo (1872–1950) was an Indian philosopher, yogi, poet, and revolutionary who synthesized Eastern spirituality with Western evolutionary thought, creating Integral Yoga and a visionary philosophy of conscious evolution. Unlike traditional non-dualists like Nisargadatta Maharaj, who emphasized transcending the world, Sri Aurobindo sought to transform human nature and earthly life through a divine descent and evolutionary ascent of consciousness.
Key Teachings of Sri Aurobindo
1. Integral Yoga (Purna Yoga)
A holistic spiritual path combining:
Bhakti (devotion)
Jnana (knowledge/wisdom)
Karma (action in the world)
Raja (meditative mastery)
Goal: Not just liberation (moksha), but a divine life on Earth—bringing the Supermind (supramental consciousness) into matter.
2. Evolution of Consciousness
Human evolution is not finished; we are transitional beings.
Stages of Evolution: Matter → Life → Mind → Supermind → Divine Life
The next step: A supramental transformation, leading to a Gnostic Being (a divinized humanity).
3. The Supramental Descent
The Supermind (higher truth-consciousness) must descend into earthly life to enable a new species beyond mental man.
This is not just individual enlightenment but a collective evolutionary leap.
4. The Divine and the World
Unlike classical Advaita, which sees the world as illusion (maya), Sri Aurobindo taught:
The world is real but imperfect—a field for divine manifestation.
Involution (Divine → Matter) precedes Evolution (Matter → Divine).
5. The Mother (Mirra Alfassa)
His spiritual collaborator, The Mother, embodied the Supramental Force and continued his work after his passing.
She emphasized practical transformation—yoga in daily life, work as worship, and cellular transformation of the body.
Major Works
The Life Divine (Metaphysics of evolution)
Savitri (Epic poem on spiritual destiny)
Synthesis of Yoga (Integral Yoga methodology)
The Human Cycle (Psychology and society’s evolution)
Contrast with Nisargadatta Maharaj
| Aspect | Sri Aurobindo | Nisargadatta Maharaj |
|---|---|---|
| View of the World | Real, to be transformed | Illusory (Maya), to be seen through |
| Goal | Divine Life on Earth | Realization of the Absolute (I Am) |
| Path | Integral Yoga (multi-disciplinary) | Direct Self-Inquiry (Who am I?) |
| Evolution | Conscious evolution beyond mind | No evolution; only timeless awareness |
| Role of the Body | To be divinized | Unimportant; not the Self |
Quotes from Sri Aurobindo
"All life is Yoga."
"The Spirit shall look out through Matter’s gaze, and Matter shall reveal the Spirit’s face."
"Man is a transitional being; he is not final."
"The Supermind is the Truth-Consciousness, the Divine Gnosis."
Legacy & Influence
The Sri Aurobindo Ashram (Pondicherry) and Auroville (an experimental spiritual community) continue his work.
Influenced Ken Wilber’s Integral Theory, Jean Gebser’s evolutionary philosophy, and modern consciousness studies.
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