Tuesday, December 25, 2018

Instead of Where or How, Sri Aurobindo wrote Who

Tweets by @SavitriEraParty and @NathTusar Nov 2018
Savitri Era: The "Self" Sri Aurobindo talked about may be illusory https://t.co/2uX2GMcbID

Many get addicted to managerial responsibilities and use it as an alibi for not reading for want of time. But one must be strict with oneself to have a solid grounding in reading during one's thirties and forties. That is the best gift one can give oneself https://t.co/JMJZ0RndTx

India's role in bringing about the unity of the whole of mankind assumes pressing urgency at the moment. The Life Divine possesses a central position in this momentous adventure. “It is the most thought-provoking and thought-shaking book" said S.K. Maitra. https://t.co/B0txCYdBps

Hindutva enthusiasts are busy fighting people like @Ram_Guha and @ShashiTharoor whereas the real challenge is to grapple with Sri Aurobindo and how he redefines Indian tradition and wisdom. Just mentioning him along with Vivekananda or Dayananda is a lazy exercise which must stop

Superior modes of research and instant access to diverse knowledge-sources constitute an exceedingly advantageous situation for the mankind. Indians need to overcome juvenile love for own culture and the sense of (false) superiority and exceptionalism, a trap made by careerists.

Defending faith and tradition compulsively won't provide the critical faculty. Arguing that faith is autonomous and unchallengable is anomalous and anti-intellectual. Idols, icons, or statues are part of community life but reclaiming individual freedom and free thought is crucial

If Kolkata is written in Bengali as কলকাতা, then why it is कोलकाता in Hindi is difficult to understand. In fact, the correct name in English should be Kalkata without incorporating the Bengali pronunciation. Similarly, Delhi should be Dilli and Pilkhuwa in UP should be Pilakhua.

Congress definitely implies a continuation of the Colonial regime and in that sense Modi Govt is far more genuine. Courts are doing their job of upholding Enlightenment in trying circumstances for which they must be congratulated. Universities unfortunately are in Marxists' grip.

Since science is becoming more and more shaky in its assumptions day by day, it's profitable to maintain an attitude of healthy scepticism without falling prey to atheism. To steer clear of a worldview founded on unfettered mythology and popular culture is another huge challenge.

The Mother & Sri Aurobindo foregrounded spirituality known as Integral Yoga. It can't be taught as a College degree nor there's any time-bound practical course. So endorsing it is a bit problematic and should be left to individual's choice. Reading his books however is mandatory.

After 80K years of human civilisation, it's amply clear in 2018 that the mystery of our existence is hidden and remains a secret. The Mother & Sri Aurobindo have written elaborately on higher zones of consciousness corroborating Vedic utterances which are met with "Access Denied" https://t.co/S7Cbyhj1OD

Looks like LitFests are mushrooming. All those who are in the job of stimulating discourse or navigating the course of narratives need to be extra cautious not to let their enthusiasm get better of them. No superstition, indoctrination, or pushing of unsubstantiated propositions.

Democracy, secularism, judiciary, liberalism, modernity, or science & technology: Indians have got all these almost free; without undergoing tortuous social and intellectual upheavals. How they have evolved in the West and at what price will ever inspire for generations to come.

A telescope, microscope, or stethoscope display the power of science and the urge for precision in knowing things beyond ordinary senses. The kaleidoscope however does the opposite and points to the infinite expanse of the universe and innumerable variations of its choreography.

Hindutva votaries are hell bent on establishing a puritan cultural order conforming to mythological descriptions. That the reality is far more complex and many-layered than any stretch of poetic imagination is often forgotten. Thankfully Sri Aurobindo wrote sense a century before https://t.co/ILrr6V7QVb

Hindutva enthusiasts emphasise culture, religion, and tradition over current needs, reason, and evolution. Each individual is free to decide his own way but imposing uniform lifestyle over vast groups of people in the pretext of tradition and promoting superstition is problematic

#Ayodhya is Ajodhya in Odia and many other languages. Sarayu is Saraju and Yamuna is Jamuna. Odia is the only Classical language among all north Indian languages apart from Sanskrit. Babaji Maharaj Sri Ramakrishna Das helped establish the Sri Aurobindo's Relics centre in Ayodhya.

Not many Odia persons are active on Twitter. Among those who have displayed their intellectual might and contributed their mite to the national discourse, @devduttmyth, @ashoswai, and @pratyasharath are prominent. More power to their pen and brain. @OdiaCulture @odiapuanews #Odia

Kings ruled and built; created hierarchies and modalities to reign over mass minds and also to rein in rebellion. All these must be under critical scrutiny now, in a Democratic society as diverse as India. Tradition can't be shoved down the nation's throat hook, line, and sinker.

Seems like a Liberal stance. A welcome change! @viryavaan @zeneraalstuff

The militant camp within Congress represented by Lal-Bal-Pal could be identified as the source of Hindu nationalism, writes Anand Teltumbde @AnandTeltumbde in the @UNESCO Unesco women philosophers’s journal December 2017. Sri Aurobindo is not mentioned but he favoured #WorldUnion

Complains galore: imposition of English, imposition of shuddh Hindi, imposition of festivals, imposition of GST etc. The original sin however is the imposition of a fiction called India. Dismantling it can solve many problems; States deserve Sovereignty. https://t.co/9iAAicBwoU

Mohan Bhagwat undoubtedly is the Man of the Year, 2018 who pulled the rug from under Hindutva firebrands. Although, many suspect him to have pulled a fast one since he appears to be running with the hare and hunting with the hounds, he is unmistakably getting down to brass tacks.

Many jobs offer the opportunity of free travel and often intellectuals get addicted to such hospitality. Corruption crops up and compromise creeps in as usual corollary. Pushing warped logic becomes the norm since he who pays the piper calls the tune. And, then sets in the ruin.

By dropping the word "Dharma," many try to pose as ethical persons but an examined life is not an easy proposition. Reading The Mother & Sri Aurobindo's works makes us aware as to how deep and wide the gaps between the canons of ordinary morality and demands of Vedic virtues are.

While Keshab Chandra Sen (1838–1884), Bankim Chandra Chatterjee (1838–1894), and Brajendra Nath Seal (1864–1938) had stirred the intellectual landscape, Sri Aurobindo borrowed generously from Bradley, Nietzsche, Bergson, James, et al to present a critical and synthetic worldview.

Sri Aurobindo wrote profusely to produce a firm and robust intellectual anchorage which is extremely useful in countering diverse speculative thought emanating from the West. Similarly because of him one needn't stagnate at the level of Vivekananda, Gandhi, Savarkar, or Ambedkar.

Present focus of Hindutva seem to be the outer form: temples, rituals, and crowd whereas Sri Aurobindo stressed on their inner significance and power of psychological progress. Science and AI too are moving in that direction and hence Indians must overcome tyranny of superstition

Modern India is inextricably indebted to the Judeo-Christian/European culture and hence identifying oneself as Hindu is adulterated. The Mother & Sri Aurobindo have further cemented it for the future. Building on those shared values is as important as inviting foreign investment.

Savitri Era Learning Forum (SELF): Hindu identity is adulterated https://t.co/tDLpVnhHWm #SriAurobindo is the answer for all current contradictions, dilemmas, and perplexities pervading the world despite Plato, Plotinus, Spinoza, Schelling, Feuerbach, Freud, Brentano, or Royce.

I expressed my support to the Modi govt nearly a year ago. Mohan Bhagwat's reformulation of RSS worldview has further reinforced my stand. I have no insider knowledge on many grouses nor any in depth expertise to analyse policy. The overall picture, nevertheless, looks promising.

An overwhelming majority of Indians are born after Independence and hence matters relating to prior to that date shouldn't be of material importance. Concentrating on the present is more prudent than bothering about the kings, wars, their tyranny, temples, traditions, or rituals.

The most important book for everyone who seeks to understand #SriAurobindo in depth beyond his popular portrayal as a revolutionary is: "Meeting of East and West in Sri Aurobindo's Philosophy" (1956) by Sisir Kumar Maitra (1887-1963), HoD, Philosophy & Dean, Faculty of Arts, BHU. https://t.co/ROiUtKTs0q

Two excellent books:
1. Paradox of Being Human by Ramakant Sinari (2007, ICPR, New Delhi)
2. Philosophical Anthropology: Man: an impossible project? by Battista Mondin (1985, Pontifical Urban University, Rome) Tr. by M.A. Cizdyn (Theological Publications in India, Bangalore) https://t.co/4ifD8M3rIv

Dr R.L. Kashyap, Director of SAKSHI Trust, Bengaluru (Sri Aurobindo Kapali Sastry Institute of Vedic Culture) has been relentlessly working for popularising the Veda but Hindutva votaries are more interested in preserving superstitions like #Sabarimala and superficial festivities https://t.co/E0Kj7CI3Bp

Titles printed on book covers are needlessly subdued. Most have used all Caps which is inconvenient to read. When each book struggles for its existence in a book shop or book fair, the title and the author's name should be designed prominently against the background illustration.

Since I detest Mythology, particularly, the religion dimension and not their appreciation as literature, the other option I love to be engrossed with, somewhat irrationally, is history of Western philosophy and story of great philosophers. Their very names inspire. #PhilosophyDay

Odias being associated with food is certainly a positive aspect since Odia cuisine is unique and has rich potentials to strike it big. @OdiaCulture @MANOJNAYAK71 https://t.co/q2AOiW8wSk

I had migrated to Indirapuram, Ghaziabad twenty years back, in 1998. A lot of development has taken place but faults are everywhere. Hiring an autorickshaw to go to Delhi is still not possible. DTC buses ply within Noida but not in Indirapuram. Ghaziabad has no city bus service. https://t.co/r2jwg6OB4c

15th year grand celebration of Shri Chitragupt Puja in our colony ended with a skit by youngsters. Shipra Kayastha Mahasabha (SKM) is also spearheading a fledgling political party to look after the interests of Kayasthas all over the country, it was announced. #ShipraRiviera #SKM https://t.co/HqOA9ZeG8H

Visited Ambedkar memorial in Noida ten days back. Hardly a dozen visitors or so. Surely needs promotion and appreciation. https://t.co/HyWTcLXpvY

Excellent synopsis of myriad dimensions of religion in India today. [Chaitanya's innovation was nagar sankirtana (street-singing) whereby worship acquired a collective and congregational character...Lalan Fakir referred to him as 'the messiah of the poor'] https://t.co/uoLr7D8Efc

["The problem is that although MRI can tell us where things happen, it can’t tell us *how* things happen."] Instead of Where or How, Sri Aurobindo wrote a poem called Who which perhaps provides the most satisfying answer to the riddle of this world. https://t.co/LEGaqsA6G4

Sri Aurobindo once went to Pondicherry Railway Station to see Sarojini off. Amrita(?) remarked how full of love he is to which Sri Aurobindo replied with same love he can plunge a knife onto the disciple. (From memory; unable to locate reference. Not to confuse as Sarojini Naidu)

Funny! Like Nirodbaran, you can attempt a new fiction around Sri Aurobindo using all emoticons. Your flair for spoiling is superb!
[Sri Aurobindo: A Dream-Dialogue with Children - An imaginary dialogue composed by Nirodbaran in which children of the Ashram approach Sri Aurobindo]

Monday, December 24, 2018

1789, 1815, 1919, and 2019

Tweets by @SavitriEraParty and @NathTusar
Savitri Era: Symbolic meaning of Veda is lynchpin to disperse lynch mobs https://t.co/Oeg9G0m9Fu #SriAurobindo @NathTusar

The philosophy of The Mother & Sri Aurobindo has attracted and influenced numerous people during the last hundred years but social and cultural atmosphere doesn't permit to practice with freedom. So, most are forced to compromise and maintain an ambivalent relation with Hinduism.

The Mother & Sri Aurobindo have scripted an alternative agenda of Vedic Evolutionary destiny which is moving forward slowly and silently amid the apparent chaos. Clash of rival religious views within a Constitutional environment is assisting this emerging paradigm to precipitate.

Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Puducherry doesn't respond to Twitter comments officially; so occasional outbursts of a teacher looks so absurd. Volatility and immaturity in expressing personal opinions is certainly anomalous on the part of a teacher especially one belonging to the Ashram.

Muscular nationalism aspires for a Superpower status for India and Sri Aurobindo is remembered at times in this context, but it's an inchoate representation of what he stood for. Radically altering the present configuration of human civilisation by Vedic principles is his vision.

Although G.N. Devy, the author, knows about Sri Aurobindo, he avoids his pioneering contribution towards Civil disobedience or Passive resistance to keep the focus solely on Gandhi to the point of deification. One who made the word amnesia famous can be accused of the same malady. https://t.co/KhKu6XYISb

Sri Aurobindo wrote a century back with a view to uprooting the dominant religions but many are fighting only to cut their branches today, without reading him adequately. The past is stubborn and Savitri Erans must be equally obstinate to obliterate its influences. No compromise!

Blaming religions or political ideologies as perpetrators of violence in the past is misplaced since in actuality man has been cruel to man as evil his part of his nature. Sri Aurobindo avoids such superficial diagnosis and aims at a radical transformation of human nature itself.

The contributions of Lalon Fakir, a contemporary of Raja Ram Mohan Roy, in developing a philosophical synthesis as well as an enduring religious amity needs to be highlighted. His music still reverberates. https://t.co/1QfFGQ2fB2

English unifies India today, howsoever tenuously; otherwise the Hindu identity is seriously threatened by linguistic division. Sri Aurobindo's books has given English a futuristic status; his readings of Blake or Nietzsche should enthuse young Indians to be curious about the West

Writings of William Archer (1856–1924), Sir John George Woodroffe (1865–1936) or Arthur Avalon, and James Henry Cousins (1873–1956) or Mac Oisín or Jayaram, prompted Sri Aurobindo (1872–1950) to comment on them elaborately, which have turned gems of literature and criticism, now.

Thread on misleading interpretation of Vedic terms and relevance of Sri Aurobindo. https://t.co/XOTBcPjXgr

When I was in the Primary school in the early sixties, the sight of the teacher holding a cane and applying it liberally was normal. Verbal whipping, similarly, seems to be necessary, even today, to make people accept Sri Aurobindo's The Secret of the Veda https://t.co/So7hoP0rF7

Present RSS/BJP collective leadership has shown exceptional sagacity to defend Constitutional values for safeguarding diversity. They deserve all support and solidarity so that hardliners are kept at bay. Other parties coming to power at this juncture doesn't bode well for nation

Hindutva hardliners fail to realise that it's because of their uncompromising attitude that the moderate majority of the country are forced to move away from BJP. Temple oriented template is not going to help the party for occupying the mainstream space. Sri Aurobindo as icon can

Cultural Studies, basically, weaves nonfiction out of fiction. Philosophy, the most robust genre of nonfiction, however, has been found to be fiction by Deconstruction. AI, similarly, is impaired by an irrational phenomenon like Numbers' Dream. So liminality is the most luminous.

That may be the initial impression but Sri Aurobindo foresees an inevitable Evolutionary pressure on mankind to pursue a path towards unification where differences are harmonised. Unity, for him, of course, is not uniformity but rather conforms to a federal framework. #FiveDreams

Read many tweets against Modi by his known supporters which implies that he is on the right track. Govt has done an admirable balancing act in performing its Constitutional duties without succumbing to hardliners clamouring for unjust measures. Now it's for fans to call him fake.

Anyone occupying top Constitutional positions continuously for more than 10-12 years becomes addicted to power and luxury. Vested interests grow exponentially facilitating ease of functioning and to ease irritants out. Democracy must root out such a practice through systemic fiat

Sri Aurobindo talks about 1789, 1815, 1919, and much more... "The human spirit has still to find itself, its idea and its greater orientation." https://t.co/j49g3KcJZ6
A must read when 2019 is almost knocking at the door. @NathTusar #FiveDreams #Evolution #WorldWar1 #WorldUnion

Those who find The Secret of the Veda by Sri Aurobindo a bit difficult can read a slim book instead. Aditi And Other Deities In The Veda by M.P. Pandit is an excellent introductory work. https://t.co/jXj7feizgA
Besides, Vedic Epiphany series by V. Madhusudan Reddy is outstanding.

Sri Aurobindo had valiantly confronted the Western threats but today no one finds it worthwhile to build on his Integralism with latest inputs from scientific research. Conspicuous reluctance of Hindutva intellectuals to enter into philosophical arguments is a crippling weakness.

From @gopimaliwal to @KanchanGupta and @harshmadhusudan, Uttarpara Speech (1909) of Sri Aurobindo has received much attention; @BooksPanda too is reading #SriAurobindo. All very fine; but Sri Aurobindo needs to be read in detail which takes about a decade. https://t.co/vQbBsOjLCE

With Gyanchandra at Pragati Maidan Book Fair, around two decades back. Sri Aravind Chetana Samaj used to put up a stall since 1996. Also a poet and an artist, he has been writing for Karmdhara, a journal in Hindi published by Sri Aurobindo Ashram - Delhi Branch. @AurobindoAshram

Opted for VRS from PNB in 2000 on this day. @sahityaakademi Library was of great help for books on 20th century #Philosophy & #CulturalStudies. Formed Savitri Era Learning Forum (SELF) in 2005, Savitri Era Religion in 2006, and Savitri Era Party in 2007. #SriAurobindo #FiveDreams

Awareness of Sri Aurobindo is very low and misrepresentation of his ideas is quite high. Savitri Era Party has been trying to spread the political aspects of Sri Aurobindo's vision, such as #FiveDreams and #WorldUnion. It has also been opposing undesirable dimensions of Hindutva.

And that precisely forms the foundation of a fresh political formation which has not been tested till now in India, since most don't get the distinction or consider it insignificant or not viable enough. But time is ripe to take this recipe forward and seek approval of the young.

Sri Aurobindo is the most appropriate choice for people of all sections. #Evolution #FiveDreams #WorldUnion

India is so vast in size and huge in population that no citizen can be reasonably aware of its affairs, even in this age of instant communication. So it's more of an idea or notion than an actual nation. States with distinct languages and manageable population qualify as nations.

Good survey and as things change with time and circumstances, they should be accepted as they are; but the author seems to be carrying the burden of changing the course of change. The very confidence that the future can be moulded or managed is problematic like chasing a chimera. https://t.co/aXYG4Tgdgd

Many of Sri Aurobindo's ideas pertain to his times when the thoughts of Nietzsche, Myers, or Bergson et al were dominant. His synthetic philosophy, therefore, has an edge over traditional Hindu systems and ethical prescriptions. So beware of Westphobia, myopia, and provincialism.

Professional proficiency doesn't equip one to choose between metaphysical systems and it's prudent, therefore, to rely upon some credible endorsement. India is fortunate to have Sri Aurobindo, with impeccable credentials, for such a requirement https://t.co/AVLPB3tKL3 #FiveDreams

Many brilliant people have confessed that they have made a mistake by backing Modi. (Well, that may prove to be another mistake on their part.) This is an example of how human mind is prone to errors. So pompous announcements on path of Dharma should be taken with a pinch of salt

Politics falls under the secular domain but failure of ideologies has made it to seek future roadmap in religion and philosophy. Sri Aurobindo had foreseen such a scenario 100 years back and drawn the blueprint for an ideal society. Let's follow his dreams #WorldUnion #FiveDreams

Muslim votes are pivotal for winning elections and Democracy in India is warped in that proportion. Hindutva votaries however have the additional burden of survival and securing privileges. From Savitri Era point of view, both concerns are flawed. One needn't bother about others.

States deserve Sovereignty; no shortcuts. https://t.co/RxCasnTqPg

Carlyle popularised the Great Man theory but Spencer opined that they are products of their time. Even Democracy is instrumental in creating a larger than life halo. Management too focuses on success and leadership. The Evolutionary goal however is served by a more inclusive cast

A) AAP remains a symbol of alternative politics despite its dismal record on the ground.
B) BJP is confused as regards ideology but is poised to represent the mainstream.
C) Congress is struggling to regain lost ground but won't be successful.
D) Other Dynastic outfits will stay.

Philosophy means to be aware of where one stands today and take a step forward in accordance with one's uniqueness. Each person being endowed with an entirely different set of capabilities and competence is a wonder and understanding this, beyond myriad rubrics, is an imperative.

Sri Aurobindo finds a number of approving mentions but his agenda may not be in sync with the thrust of this otherwise admirable article. Nevertheless, the utility of Sri Aurobindo as an intellectual arsenal, if harnessed reasonably, would mean a substantial gain for the nation. https://t.co/kS13smDzNU

From a practical point of view, RSS is a reality and it's evolving. It can't be uprooted so easily but people can be weaned away by offering a different ideology. Such a recipe was formulated by Sri Aurobindo 100 years back but lies unused. That needs to be zealously popularised.

Hindutva victimhood prevents its adherents from exploring alternative viewpoints or appreciating worth in more viable theories. Recognising value is essential on the part of any individual, organisation, or nation and privileging it needs to be internalised otherwise it's demise.

The whole problem is the word Hindu since so many texts and traditions form such an indigestible mixture that reconciling them or following any one poses difficulty. Further, it doesn't offer any definite solution and adds to human confusion. Sri Aurobindo did try to cherry-pick.

Anyone who has read Sri Aurobindo to a reasonable extent would not respect other great men of the period as much. As traditional interpretation of ancient Sanskrit texts have undergone significant transformation in his hands, maintaining a receptive attitude sans rumblings needed

While your analysis may be a good explanation of the past, the future may not be a linear extension of it all. Sri Aurobindo, for example, has made wide ranging prophecies as regards adventure of Consciousness and its Evolutionary trajectory which even science is finding probable

Fine, if the intention of the thread is to highlight your religion and its founder, it's okay. But the challenge is to rationally examine various options available today and foreground viable formulations which MSM neglects. Vigilance against misrepresentations is also necessary.

Modi govt can be credited with for being singularity bereft of any ideological narrative or pushing any pet formula. Apart from the theatrical performance of PM at different locations with costume, the function of the govt, overall, has been amorphous. This is a welcome feature.

I don't read or write in Odia much but listen avidly to songs. Unlike Hindi or Bengali, its words are pronounced without halant effect. Also it doesn't have much discordant sounds like prevalence of d in South Indian languages. Further, Odia letters have an aesthetic rounded form

Having seen so much of technological transformation during the last 63 years, one wonders what else is still possible. Smart phones serve more the visual medium, now and reading has taken a backseat. Uniform platform for books, journals, and blogs for facilitating reading needed.

It's a tragedy of human civilisation that no frontline philosopher from the West could engage with Sri Aurobindo so far. No major public intellectual in India too is excited about him. This also proves Sri Aurobindo's scant respect for efficacy of sole reliance on intellectuality

Savitri Era: Instead of Where or How, Sri Aurobindo wrote Who https://t.co/7ygC1x9fZ1

Watched Dil Diya Dard Liya (1966) based on Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights. [it was controversial because of stark depiction of mental and physical cruelty, and challenged Victorian ideals of the day regarding religious hypocrisy, morality, social classes and gender inequality.]

Friday, December 07, 2018

Symbolic meaning of Veda is lynchpin to disperse lynch mobs

Tweets by @SavitriEraParty and @NathTusar

Nehru-bhakts were euphoric about him last month but don't have even a word to say regarding Sri Aurobindo. This dishonest amnesia is going to take them to political abyss. Engineer-Nationalists too are no better than Marxist-Secularists in appreciating any merit in Sri Aurobindo.

So many tweets today offering homage to Sri Aurobindo but no promise on concrete action. Any new book or some research initiative? Even his relevance to present political scene is downplayed. The name of Patel or Ambedkar can bring votes but not Sri Aurobindo's. That must change.

How Sri Aurobindo reinvents the Veda and strikes a blow to Rituals by his symbolic interpretation is the lynchpin to grasp the essence of Indian wisdom and disperse lynch mobs. The silence of Hindutva scholars on Go, a minor piece of semantic confusion, is causing tremendous harm

No need to talk about the past or criticise his contemporaries when we contemplate on the template Sri Aurobindo has designed. Spirituality is a distant goal but many facets of modernity and traditional morality form its scaffolding which Sri Aurobindo found to be of Vedic origin

Sri Aurobindo passed away on December 5, 1950. His relevance is increasingly felt by more and more concerned individuals but they profess silence. So all are requested to break reticence and tweet on Sri Aurobindo's legacy and preeminence on issues political as well as spiritual.

The world of philosophy has two dozen dominant schools of which Sri Aurobindo is one. From Gebser to Wilber, it has seen diverse receptions. Nearer home, Hindutva has shown lukewarm response. However, as an intellectual and aesthetic challenge, Sri Aurobindo remains unparalleled.

The Mother & Sri Aurobindo were surrounded by a good number of disciples who were expected to surrender to them. But some of them were intrepid enough to ask inconvenient questions in writing. By replying to them in detail, Sri Aurobindo encouraged thinking and critical reasoning

Democracy is a fiction; a theoretical construct at best. The mechanism of election is so gargantuan that the role of an ordinary citizen amounts to a cypher. TV additionally has irrevocably altered the power equation and a voter's agency has further diminished. Correctives needed

Different people from different ideological/sectarian factions have tried to push their agenda in the past but we must be thankful to them all for their zealous contribution to the melting pot of thought as well as sense of restraint because of which a rational environment exists

Sita Ram Goel describes his story of discovering Sri Aurobindo but for present generation, the challenge is overcoming Hindutva domination. Besides, what Sri Aurobindo writes can't be shown as taking shape in the near future. So a rational approach needed. https://t.co/KblSZLXoB3

Intellectuals won't endorse Sri Aurobindo
[Nehru got away with his agnosticism because it was still the afterglow of the freedom movement... UPA, under Sonia and her mostly Leftist NAC, lost their way. They began looking alien... clinical, near-agnostic secularism. SHEKHAR GUPTA]

Intellectuals in India have not been able to take advantage of two outstanding books that appeared quite early: The Integral Advaitism of Sri Aurobindo (1957) - Ram Shankar Misra (BHU) & The Political Philosophy of Sri Aurobindo (1960) - Vishwanath Prasad Varma (Patna University)

Understanding life and the world has been a continuous process across continents and cultures. Fresh insights are being added everyday. So, no point in praising some writings over the others since no metaphysical proposition can be proved to be correct. Sri Aurobindo is an anchor

Reading ancient texts for deriving aesthetic satisfaction is an individual's choice but it comes about through social recommendations. Bias acquired at an impressionable stage lingers and hardens with age; but when one starts endorsing the same to others, the fallacy multiplies.

Tracking the tweets of a dozen South Indians gives the impression that Hindutva is firmly in the saddle and people are zealously organising their lives around religion and rituals but the reality is otherwise. Sri Aurobindo completed The Life Divine hundred years ago. A must read

Education encourages to generalise, find common principles whereas introspection and contemplation unveil subjectivity. Yoga too is a means of connecting to universality but at its core is purely personal with a unique trajectory. Sri Aurobindo however talks about the Supramental

By firmly positing rising to the next level of Evolution as the target Sri Aurobindo alerts us to present imperfections. While rejection of what is wrong is necessary aspiration for the good qualities is primary. Both however must proceed in an attitude of surrender before Grace.

RW commentators never bother about the dynamics of how events occur or possible hidden reasons behind them. What they dish out, day in and day out, is a bland version of out and out materialist account of people. The philosophical approach of looking at history is totally absent.

It might be tempting to characterise certain phenomena with precision but words are insufficient to describe complex and multi-layered reality. Looking for the good side and drawing lessons from the flaws is a more balanced approach than outright vilification and condemnation.

Peter Heehs' new book, Spirituality without God: A Global History of Thought and Practice is perhaps a comprehensive study on the theme this post draws a thumbnail sketch of. Sri Aurobindo, however, remains the most authentic voice on this ancient debate. https://t.co/KUshVeBA29

Struggle for existence is a reality and achieving easy as well as big success in a complex and competitive environment is a challenge for everyone. Politics, in this scenario, is more of a career than any service motive, owing to compromising with values is a foregone conclusion.

If I may butt in, and today we are celebrating the death anniversary of Sri Aurobindo, subjective experience as such may not be of much help to another. However, when narrated, it may generate certain experiences in the reader/listener. Journey of each person is absolutely unique

Are you sure? Sri Aurobindo wrote about R.D. Ranade's small treatise on Heraclitus. He has also written on similarities of Greek and Sanskrit.

Offices and Institutions created by the Constitution are too distant and intimidating for an ordinary citizen. Those are for those who can influence, mobilise, and organise. Ideas however have a trajectory of their own and at times catapult a lay person to large-scale recognition

Vacillation and ambivalence are hallmark of RSS which has helped it to survive. (Syādvāda or Anekantavada, of course, are old doctrines reinvented by postmodernism.) The only definite assertion made by Mohan Bhagwat recognising worship of Sai Baba has enough subversive potential.

No one believed us then, but now many great minds are repeating that Modi is fake. In actuality, Modi is the same and holds up a mirror to others that they are all fake. Everyone is in love with stars and celebrities on TV and Modi exploits this weakness of the people to the hilt

Three important debates: Triple Talaq, 377/LGBT, and #Sabarimala unfolding during the Modi regime have far reaching effects. Apart from the claims on economy and development, these social sector churning are surely outstanding feathers in Modi's cap. Obviously, no fakery here.