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
The Amrita Bazar Patrika asked editorially: " ... but why were they (Aurobindo and others) pounced upon in this mysterious manner, handcuffed and then dragged before the Police Commissioner...."
No, tied with a rope;1 this was taken off on the protest of Bhupen Bose, the Congress Moderate leader.
The hands were not tied, the cord was put round his waist, but before leaving the house it was removed on the remonstrance of Bhupendra Nath [Bose],2 the Moderate leader, who on hearing of the arrest had come to question the police about its motive.
[Earth from Dakshineshwar was found in Sri Aurobindo's room when the police searched his house in May 1908.]
The earth was brought to me by a young man connected with the Ramakrishna Mission and I kept it; it was there in my room when the police came to arrest me.
The case commenced before the Alipore Magistrate's Court on the 19th May, 1908 and continued intermittently for a
Page 84
whole year. Mr. Beachcroft, the magistrate, had been with Sri Aurobindo in Cambridge.... The case in due course went up to the Sessions Court and the trial commenced there in October 1908.
[Sri Aurobindo indicated that the last sentence should be placed before "Mr. Beachcroft", changed "magistrate" to "Judge in the Sessions Court", and wrote:] The preliminary trial (a very long one) took place before Birley, a young man unknown to Sri Aurobindo. Beachcroft was not "magistrate" but Judge in the Sessions Court.
In his dignified statement to the court, Sri Aurobindo pointed out that it was perfectly true that he had taught the people of India the meaning and the message of national independence....
Sri Aurobindo never made a public statement in the Court. When asked by the Court, he said he would leave the case to his lawyers, they would speak for him; he himself did not wish to make any statement or answer the Court's questions. If any such statement as the one spoken of was made, it must have been drawn up by the lawyers on his behalf, not made by himself.
[While in the Alipore jail Sri Aurobindo became ill.]
Sri Aurobindo did not fall ill while in prison; he was in normal health except for a superficial ailment for some time which was of no consequence.
A year's seclusion and meditation in the Alipore jail no doubt worked a great transformation in Sri Aurobindo.... Once again—now as ever—"service" was Sri Aurobindo's urge to action.
The idea was "work" for the country, for the world, finally for the Divine, nishkama karma, rather than an ideal of service.
Page 85
Home
Sri Aurobindo
Books
Share your feedback. Help us improve. Or ask a question.