Who is Aurobindo Ghosh
Sri Aurobindo Ghosh (1872–1950) was a philosopher, yogi, and Indian nationalist who later became a spiritual visionary. Born in Kolkata, he studied in England and returned to India to join the freedom movement. After a series of spiritual experiences, he retreated to Pondicherry in 1910, where he developed Integral Yoga (Purna Yoga), a synthesis of traditional yogic paths aimed at the evolution of consciousness and the descent of a divine life on earth. His works, including 'The Life Divine' and 'Savitri: A Legend and a Symbol', are considered scriptures by his followers.
In 'The Life Divine', he expounds on the evolution of consciousness from matter to spirit and the possibility of a supramental transformation. 'Savitri' is an epic poem narrating the myth of Savitri and Satyavan, interpreted as an allegory of the soul's journey. His 'Essays on the Gita' offer a commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, emphasizing integral action and devotion. Sri Aurobindo is often regarded as a realized master and an avatar of the Divine, though he himself discouraged such labels.
His iconography depicts him in a meditative seated posture, with a serene and wise expression, often alongside The Mother (Mirra Alfassa), whom he recognized as the Divine Mother incarnate. The Sri Aurobindo Ashram in Pondicherry, founded in 1926, and Auroville, an experimental township, continue his legacy. Regional worship includes annual celebrations of his Jayanti (birth anniversary) and Darshan days. In Hindu cosmology, Sri Aurobindo's teachings represent a modern reinterpretation of Sanatana Dharma, emphasizing the evolution of consciousness and the integration of spirituality with worldly life.
His philosophy draws from the Vedas, Upanishads, and the Bhagavad Gita, as seen in his 'The Secret of the Veda', where he interprets Vedic hymns as symbolic of inner spiritual experiences. While not a traditional deity, he is venerated as a saint and a guide for Integral Yoga practitioners worldwide.
Names by which the divine is addressed
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Depicted in meditation or seated posture. Serene, wise expression. Often shown with The Mother.