Sri Aurobindo's writings on himself (excluding the letters in volume 35) and other material of historical importance.
Sri Aurobindo's writings on himself (excluding the letters in volume 35, Letters on Himself and the Ashram) and other material of historical importance. The volume is divided into four parts: (1) brief life sketches, autobiographical notes, and corrections of statements made by others in biographies and other publications; (2) letters of historical interest to family, friends, political and professional associates, public figures, etc; also letters on yoga and spiritual life to disciples and others; (3) public statements and other communications on Indian and world events; (4) public statements and notices concerning Sri Aurobindo's ashram and yoga. Much of the material is being published here for the first time in a book.
THEME/S
For fourteen years he had lived in England, divorced from the culture of his forefathers; he had developed foreign tastes and tendencies and he had been de-nationalised like his own country itself and Aurobindo was not happy with himself.
Page 34
He should begin all again from the beginning and try to re-nationalise himself; ...
There was no unhappiness for that reason, nor at that time any deliberate will for renationalisation—which came, after reaching India, by natural attraction to Indian culture and ways of life and a temperamental feeling and preference for all that was Indian.
He was leaving, he wished to leave, and yet there was a touch of regret as well at the thought of leaving England.... He felt the flutter of unutterable misgivings and regrets; he achieved escape from them by having recourse to poetic expression.
There was no such regret in leaving England, no attachment to the past or misgivings for the future. Few friendships were made in England and none very intimate; the mental atmosphere was not found congenial. There was therefore no need for any such escape.
Aurobindo was going back to India to serve under the Gaekwar of Baroda; he cast one last look at his all but adopted country and thus uttered his "Envoi".
No, the statement was of a transition from one culture to another. There was an attachment to English and European thought and literature, but not to England as a country; he had no ties there and did not make England his adopted country, as Manmohan did for a time. If there was attachment to a European land as a second country, it was intellectually and emotionally to one not seen or lived in in this life, not England, but France.
The steamer by which Aurobindo was to have left England was wrecked near Lisbon. The news came to Dr. Krishnadhan [Ghose] as a stunning blow. He concluded that all his three sons were lost to him for ever.
Page 35
There was no question of the two other brothers starting. It was only Aurobindo's death that was [reported]1 and it was while uttering his name in lamentation that the father died.
After his father's demise the responsibility of supporting the family devolved on him and he had to take up some appointment soon.
There was no question of supporting the family at that time. That happened some time after going to India.
[The name "Aurobindo Acroyd Ghose"]
Sri Aurobindo dropped the "[Acroyd]"2 from his name before he left England and never used it again.
Page 36
Home
Sri Aurobindo
Books
Share your feedback. Help us improve. Or ask a question.