The Life Divine vol 2

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Overview
Book Two of The Life Divine, titled The Knowledge and the Ignorance - The Spiritual Evolution by Sri Aurobindo, delves into the nature of the Absolute and the cosmic Ignorance that leads to the perception of divisions and dualities in existence. It explains how, by shedding ignorance, individuals can connect more fully with the Spirit or Divine and advance to higher states of spiritual consciousness2. The book emphasizes that the significance of life is to realize the Reality that each person is and to become that Reality.
Book II is divided into two parts. Part One explores the original Knowledge and state of the Absolute. It examines the source of false perceptions of divisions and dualities in finite existence. Part Two explains how, through shedding ignorance, individuals can connect more fully with the Spirit or Divine, and advance to ever-higher states of spiritual consciousness. The book culminates by providing a roadmap to higher spiritual attainment, from spiritual awakening to Psychicisation, Spiritualisation, ascent to Supermind, the nature of Supramental consciousness and existence as a Gnostic being, and the foundation of a collective Divine Life on Earth.
Importance of Book
Understanding the Nature of Reality: It explains the original Knowledge and state of the Absolute and the cosmic Ignorance that causes false perceptions.
Guidance for Spiritual Evolution: The book provides a roadmap for achieving higher spiritual attainment, which includes spiritual awakening, psychicisation, and spiritualization.
Emphasis on Integral Knowledge: It promotes the idea of integral knowledge, where neither the One nor the Many is the Reality, but the Absolute includes both.
Reconciliation of Opposites: It reconciles Spirit and Life by positioning humanity at the center of spiritual evolution.
Key Themes
The Human Aspiration: The book addresses the human aspiration for God, suggesting that a richer experience awaits when the mind and Supermind are reconciled.
The Two Negations: It discusses the materialist denial of God and the ascetic refusal of the world, offering a synthesis where God is present on Earth and can be realized through consciousness.
Reality and Integral Knowledge: It emphasizes that both the One and the Many are part of the Reality, which is the Absolute.
The Evolutionary Process: It explains that spiritual evolution involves a double opening: the inner mind opens to the spiritual mind and the occult spirit within.
The Gnostic Being: It describes the evolution from ignorance to knowledge to harmony and knowledge.
The Divine Life: It envisions a divine life that is full, wholly conscious, and universal.
Rebirth: The book also deals with humans becoming conscious individuals through rebirth and aspiring to supramentalize themselves through triple transformation.
Karma: Karma is inevitable.
Moksha: Moksha is the sole goal.
Cultural Significance
Synthesis of Eastern and Western Thought: Sri Aurobindo's work synthesizes elements of Eastern and Western philosophical traditions, creating a unique and comprehensive worldview.
Revival of Indian Spirituality: The Life Divine contributed to a revival of interest in Indian spirituality and yoga during the 20th century.
Influence on Indian Nationalism: Sri Aurobindo was also a prominent figure in the Indian nationalist movement, advocating for India's independence from British rule. His spiritual and philosophical ideas influenced the development of Indian national identity and the vision of a free and prosperous India.
Effects on Society
Spiritual Inspiration: The book has served as a source of spiritual inspiration for countless individuals seeking meaning and purpose in their lives.
Social Transformation: Sri Aurobindo's teachings have inspired efforts to create a more just and harmonious society.
Promotion of Integral Yoga: The Life Divine is a foundational text for Integral Yoga, a spiritual practice developed by Sri Aurobindo and the Mother.
Global Influence: Sri Aurobindo's ideas have had a global impact, influencing thinkers, writers, and spiritual seekers around the world.
Conclusion
Book Two of Sri Aurobindo's The Life Divine provides a detailed exploration of knowledge, ignorance, and the process of spiritual evolution. It underscores the importance of realizing the interconnectedness of all things and aspiring towards a divine life that is full, conscious, and universal. While the search results provide more information on Book One, the available details on Book Two highlight its significance in understanding Sri Aurobindo's comprehensive philosophical system and its impact on spirituality and society.
Table of Content
The 1940 edition of The Life Divine by Sri Aurobindo, Volume 2, continues the exploration of spiritual philosophy and the divine life begun in Volume 1. While specific editions may vary slightly, the table of contents for Volume 2 generally follows this structure:Table of Contents:
Book Four: The Kingdom of the SpiritChapter 1: The Divine Life and the Involution of the Divine
Examines the concept of the divine life and the process of involution of the Divine into the material universe.
Chapter 2: The Transcendent and the Immanent
Discusses the relationship between the transcendent and immanent aspects of the Divine.
Chapter 3: The Divine and the Human
Explores the integration of divine consciousness with human existence.
Book Five: The Yoga of Divine LifeChapter 1: The Process of Divine Life
Details the process and practice of living a divine life and its implications for individual and collective existence.
Chapter 2: The Transformation of the Being
Analysis of the transformation of the human being into a divine being through spiritual practice.
Chapter 3: The New Creation
Vision of the new creation emerging from the divine transformation of life.
Book Six: The Synthesis of YogaChapter 1: The Essence of Yoga
The core principles and practices of yoga as a means of achieving divine life.
Chapter 2: The Yoga of Integral Knowledge
Examination of integral knowledge and its role in spiritual evolution.
Chapter 3: The Yoga of Divine Love
Exploration of divine love as a path to spiritual realization.
Book Seven: The Divine Life on EarthChapter 1: The Ideal of the Divine Life
Vision of the ideal divine life manifesting on earth and its impact on human civilization.
Chapter 2: The Future of the Divine Life
Reflections on the future possibilities of divine life and its realization on a global scale.
Title
The Life Divine vol 2
Author
Sri Aurobindo
Name of Publisher
Arya publishing house Calcutta
Publish Date
1940
Subject
Sri Aurobindo?s philosophical and spiritual insights
Vintage
1901-1947
Category
Philosophy
Sub Category
Religion/Spirituality
Rarity
RARE