Guest Editorial

SRI AUROBINDO

SRI AUROBINDO 1950

Here comes Sri Aurobindo, the completest synthesis that has been realized of the genius of Asia and the genius of Europe. The last of the great Rishis holds in his hand, in firm unrelated grip, the bow of creative energy.

–ROMAIN ROLLAND

As this special number of Triveni goes to press news of Sri Auabindo’s birth centenary celebrations are pouring in from all over India, and significantly, from many parts of the world.

An Indian savant observed in Delhi that while Sri Aurobindo was the epitome of the highest spiritual experiences through which India has lived, his greatness was not limited to that. He represents the future of India; his light projects far into the horizon of time readu to lead us through the gloom of the present if we choose to be led.

Every nation has a role to play in the process of the unfoldment of the world’s destiny. Sri Aurobindo has determined the genius of India in no uncertain terms and has sketched out the role she is to play in the making of the humanity of tomorrow. India must invoke the spiritual power inherent in her life and must radiate its splendour all around. But Sri Aurobindo has spared no effort to free the concept and scope of spirituality from connotations of narrower orders generally framed in association with religions, rituals, creeds and spiritualism. “Truth is the foundation of real spirituality and courage its soul,” he says. Hence no dogmatic adherence to forms, no institution that inspires fear in the name of God have claims to it. Spiritual life is a growth towards freedorn, light and harmony and India knows the secret of this growth.

But Sri Aurobindo’s vision embraced the destiny of man as a whole.

Hundred years have passed since the birth of Sri Aurobindo. In the life of Time never had a century been more significant, more eventful.

A representative voice of the modern intellect, Bertrand Russell, says with agony:

“It is difficult to believe that Omnipotence needed so vast a setting for so small and transitory a result. Apart from the minuteness and brevity of the human species. I cannot feel that it is a worthy climax to such an enormous prelude.”

Where intellect stops with this significant groping there comes the sure vision of the Seer. Man is a transitional being, not final. He must transcend himself and emerge into a new being. This is the demand of the law of evolution–imperative and absolute. If he does not respond to the demand, it is doubtful if he will survive the conditions he has created for himself. How can he survive the innumerable instruments of death he has manufactured unless he goes to a height from where he can laugh at them–can pity the energy and attention he buried in them?

But can be the master of a greater consciousness.

When superman is born as Nature’s king

His presence shall transfigure Matter’s world:

He shall light up Truth’s fire in Nature’s night,

He shall lay upon earth Truth’s greater law.

For today Sri Aurobindo is the symbol of hope. For tomorrow, he is the assurance of victory. The epitome of man’s age-old aspiration for a nobler destiny, his advent is the justification of love’s protest against death, truth’s revolt against falsehood.

25th Year of Independence

While celebrating this year the 25th anniversary of India’s independence, it is important to remember that Sri Aurobindo was the first son of Mother India to demand complete independence for her. It is important not because we are duty-bound to pay tributes to him on this score, but because the vision of true India that had inspired him to fight for her freedom is the vision that must be revived if India is to progress. India must derive strength from her spirituality. No material endeavour is excluded from the scope of spirituality–and ultimately all our achievements will be vindicated only by their spiritualisation.

Sri Aurobindo Ashram

Pondicherry

–MANOJ DAS

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