Thursday, July 31, 2014

Enthusiasm about Sri Aurobindo fades away

Religion in India is witnessing enhanced activity since prosperity and logistical support is on the rise. Political mobilisation and need for entertainment is driving more and more people into these celebrations. Live telecasts are responsible for excessive publicity and added legitimacy. Govt. support for smooth management spreads the impression of State sponsorship influencing public participation. But the kind of intellectual lethargy that these round-the-year events infuse among the young generation is a major cause of India's backwardness. Tourism industry gains to an extent but religious austerity prevents full scale spending and enjoyment. 

It's common to notice on Twitter that many become enthusiastic about Sri Aurobindo for a couple of months or so and then it fades away. The glamour of current affairs and sports etc. are so overpowering that people tend to get bored with philosophy. Religious congregations offer an easy and entertaining escape. Being in a crowd prevents from ruminating over the meaning of life or such other serious propositions. Solitary activities like reading or meditation take a back seat. Many prefer and privilege discussions just to get rid of loneliness and boredom and, consequently, become a victim of inauthenticity as outlined by Heidegger.

It's true that it's impossible for any individual to unravel his own mystery within life's short span. Both Science and Philosophy have been a failure on this score as of date. So, the best course is to depend upon the words of The Mother & Sri Aurobindo instead of Schopenhauer and Eduard von Hartmann. But discovering the true worth of their teachings and being convinced of their prophecies is a long-term affair. The challenge for the young and educated adults, therefore, is to proceed with Sri Aurobindo's books in a slow and steady pace. Be Indian, be Sri Aurobindian. [TNM55]

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