Sri Aurobindo on Yoga
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Overview

The book systematically presents Sri Aurobindo’s vision of Yoga not merely as a path of personal liberation but as an integral process involving the transformation of the entire being—physical, vital, mental, and spiritual. Unlike traditional yogas that often seek escape from the world, Sri Aurobindo’s Integral Yoga aims at the descent of the Divine consciousness into earthly life, thereby divinizing existence itself. Dr. Indra Sen explains how this yoga integrates various classical yogic paths—knowledge (jnana), devotion (bhakti), works (karma), and meditation (raja)—into a synthetic approach that addresses the complexities of human nature and the challenges of modern life.The book discusses the stages and difficulties of the yogic process, highlighting the necessity of grace and the Mother’s role in aiding the sadhaka (practitioner). It also stresses the collective dimension of the Yoga, where individual transformation contributes to the evolution of humanity as a whole.

Importance of Book

Dr. Indra Sen’s "Sri Aurobindo on Yoga" is important because it serves as a clear, accessible guide to Sri Aurobindo’s complex and multifaceted spiritual system. It bridges the gap between Sri Aurobindo’s often dense philosophical writings and the practical needs of spiritual aspirants. The book is a valuable resource for students of yoga, spirituality, and Indian philosophy, providing insights into the psychological and spiritual dimensions of Integral Yoga.Moreover, Dr. Sen’s psychological background enriches the presentation by linking Sri Aurobindo’s spiritual insights with modern psychological understanding, making the teachings relevant to contemporary seekers.

Key Themes

Integral Transformation: The central theme is the transformation of all parts of the being—mind, life, and body—by the Divine consciousness, leading to a supramental existence beyond ordinary human limitations.Synthesis of Yogic Paths: The book outlines how Sri Aurobindo’s Yoga synthesizes different traditional yogas into a unified path that is practical and applicable to contemporary life.Evolution of Consciousness: Sri Aurobindo’s philosophy of evolution is a key theme, where life and mind evolve from matter, and the next stage is the emergence of supramental consciousness to transform the world.Role of Grace and the Mother: The indispensable role of the Divine Mother’s grace is emphasized as a facilitator of the yogic transformation, making the difficult inner work possible.Collective Yoga: The Yoga is not only an individual pursuit but also a collective endeavor that carries the burden and hope of humanity’s spiritual future.Practical Spirituality: The book stresses that Integral Yoga is not confined to meditation or renunciation but extends to living consciously and divinely in all aspects of daily life.

Cultural Significance

The book holds cultural significance as it helped disseminate Sri Aurobindo’s Integral Yoga philosophy beyond the ashram and academic circles, contributing to the modern yoga renaissance in India and worldwide. By articulating a yoga that embraces life and modernity, it offered a spiritual framework that resonated with India’s post-colonial quest for cultural identity and renewal.Sri Aurobindo’s vision, as presented by Dr. Sen, challenged the prevalent notion of renunciation and escapism in spirituality by proposing a dynamic, evolutionary spirituality that seeks to transform the world. This was culturally significant in a society undergoing rapid social and political changes, inspiring a new generation to view spirituality as integral to personal and national development.

Effects on Society

The dissemination of Sri Aurobindo’s Integral Yoga through works like Dr. Indra Sen’s book influenced the spiritual and intellectual climate of India, encouraging a synthesis of ancient wisdom and modern thought. It inspired many to engage in spiritual practice that was both deeply rooted in Indian tradition and responsive to contemporary challenges.The Integral Yoga movement, centered around the Sri Aurobindo Ashram and the teachings propagated by disciples like Dr. Sen, contributed to a broader cultural awakening that emphasized inner transformation as a foundation for social progress. This helped nurture a spiritual ethos that complemented India’s efforts at modernization and cultural self-assertion after independence.

Conclusion

"Sri Aurobindo on Yoga" by Dr. Indra Sen is a seminal work that distills the essence of Sri Aurobindo’s Integral Yoga into an accessible form, highlighting its revolutionary approach to spiritual transformation. The book underscores the Yoga’s holistic aim of divinizing life on earth through the evolution of consciousness, supported by grace and collective effort.Its cultural and spiritual impact lies in presenting a yoga that is simultaneously ancient and modern, individual and collective, transcendent and immanent. By doing so, it has played a crucial role in shaping modern Indian spirituality and continues to inspire seekers worldwide to pursue a deeper, transformative path of yoga that embraces all aspects of life.This summary is based on the known works and interpretations of Sri Aurobindo’s Integral Yoga and Dr. Indra Sen’s contributions as reflected in the available sources.

Title
Sri Aurobindo on Yoga

Author
Dr Indra Sen

Name of Publisher
Orient PaperBacks

Publish Date
1980

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