The Philosophy of Sri Aurobindo: Indian Philosophy and Yoga in the Contemporary World

Description

Indian philosopher, poet, mystic and Yogi, Sri Aurobindo, argued that human society has evolved throughout history and is destined to move towards better organization of life. Applying his ideas to problems confronting the world today, this collection presents an in-depth exploration of Aurobindo's evolutionary philosophy and Integral Yoga. Written by an international team of scholars and practitioners, each chapter takes a theoretical aspect of Sri Aurobindo's philosophy, positions it alongside policy debates on the individual and the state and explains its practical and educational benefits. Contributors discuss his vision of unity in diversity, shed light on his poetry and offer a comprehensive view of his concept of ethics as well as his metaphysics of consciousness. They examine his contribution to the Indian response to post-Enlightenment modernity and reveal how his philosophy illuminates some of the fundamental problems of our times, offering possible solutions. By presenting the first sustained discourse between Sri Aurobindo and the contemporary world, this collection addresses the relevance of his philosophy for everyday life and highlights the lasting work of this important 20th-century Indian thinker.

Debidatta Aurobinda Mahapatra is Professor of Political Science at Florida State College at Jacksonville, USA.

This anthology offers an in-depth exploration of Sri Aurobindo's ideas on religion, philosophy, history, poetry, ethics, and yoga. The book contributes to the literature on Indian philosophy and religion by clarifying some of the subtle elements of Sri Aurobindo's integral philosophy and yoga. * Yudit Kornberg Greenberg, George D. and Harriet W. Cornell Endowed Chair of Religion, Rollins College, USA * This collection of essays by leading Sri Aurobindo scholars provides an accessible introduction to his wide-ranging thought. It should bring the work of this important philosopher to a new generation of readers. * Peter Heehs, Author of 'The Lives of Sri Aurobindo' and 'Spirituality without God' * A comprehensive anthology of several aspects of the Mahayogi's vision. While some of the articles are excellent introductory studies, as a whole the compilation is expected to arouse a creative quest in the readers for the luminous horizon of Light nonpareil. * Manoj Das, Author and Professor of English Literature, Sri Aurobindo International Centre of Education, India * The learned essays in this volume establish that the philosophy of Sri Aurobindo brilliantly reconciles dualities, including spirituality and practicality, metaphysics and politics, local utopias and world culture. This entire volume is relevant and inspiring; may it enjoy wide distribution and influence. * Robert McDermott, President Emeritus and Professor of Philosophy and Religion, California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS), USA *