Sri Aurobindo believed human nature to be an interim stage

 To understand Leszek Kołakowski by comparison to Sri Aurobindo, one must see them as two highly intellectual figures whose concerns with truth, freedom, and human destiny led them in dramatically different directions. Sri Aurobindo was an optimist who sought a positive spiritual transcendence of human limitations, while Kołakowski was a skeptic who sought to defend human limits and freedom against the 'nightmare' of deterministic ideologies like Marxism. 

The comparison can be broken down into fundamental differences in their core philosophy, approach to history, and view of human nature:

Core Philosophy

Feature	Sri Aurobindo	Leszek Kołakowski
Philosophical Tradition	Indian Vedanta, evolutionary metaphysics.	Western secular philosophy, phenomenology, history of ideas, Marxism critique.
View of Reality	Monistic and spiritual (Brahman is All), with Matter as an emanation of Spirit.	Pluralistic, emphasizing human experience, historical context, and the limits of totalizing systems.
Approach to Knowledge	Relies on "integral knowledge," blending reason with direct, intuitive spiritual experience as the highest form of truth.	Emphasizes critical reason, skepticism, and the role of doubt and intellectual vigilance against certainty.
Role of Reason	Reason is a transitional faculty, a step toward higher, "supramental" consciousness.	Reason is crucial for human freedom and critical thinking, a defense against irrational dogma and totalitarianism.

View of History and Politics

• Sri Aurobindo (Evolutionary Optimism): He saw history as a purposeful, though often circuitous, process of spiritual evolution, moving humanity towards a future "divine life upon earth" and an "ideal human unity" beyond the state. He believed a fundamental transformation was inevitable.
• Kołakowski (Historical Skepticism): He was a fierce critic of historical determinism (a core element of the Marxism he abandoned), arguing against any grand narrative that claimed to know the inevitable end of history. He emphasized human fallibility, contingency, and the ongoing struggle between good and evil, rejecting utopian promises. 

View of Human Nature and Freedom

• Sri Aurobindo (Potential for Divinity): He believed human nature is an interim stage, destined to be fundamentally transformed into a divine nature with the advent of the Supermind. Freedom (Swaraj) is ultimately spiritual self-mastery.
• Kołakowski (Limits and Choice): He focused on the enduring complexities of the human condition, celebrating ambiguity and the necessity of moral choice within inherent limits. Freedom for Kołakowski was the ability to choose and act spontaneously, a triumph over rigid, deterministic systems that sought to mechanize human life. 

In summary, Sri Aurobindo offers a positive, albeit radical, philosophical agenda for human transcendence and divine realization. Kołakowski offers a profound defense of human limitation, skepticism, and reason against all forms of absolute, deterministic ideologies. They both valued freedom, but defined it and the means to achieve it in entirely different ways. - GoogleAI

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Collated by Tusar Nath Mohapatra

Adapting to suit Indian conditions

 Collated by Tusar Nath Mohapatra

Acharya Narendra Dev and Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya held fundamentally different and often opposing philosophical views on society, economy, and polity, primarily stemming from their alignment with democratic socialism and Integral Humanism (rooted in Hindu nationalism), respectively. 

Acharya Narendra Dev's Philosophy: Democratic Socialism

Acharya Narendra Dev was a key figure in the Indian socialist movement, co-founding the Congress Socialist Party. His philosophy was rooted in: 

• Socialism and Democracy: He advocated for the establishment of a socialist society, aiming to abolish poverty and exploitation, but believed this must be achieved through democratic means.
• Abolition of Inequality: His primary concern was the upliftment of the deprived sections of society, seeking a classless society with equal opportunities for all.
• Western Influence (Modified): While inspired by Western socialist ideals, he sought to adapt them to suit Indian conditions, rejecting aspects that overly regulated individual freedom or neglected the specific context of India. 

Deendayal Upadhyaya's Philosophy: Integral Humanism 

Deendayal Upadhyaya was a prominent thinker of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, and his philosophy of "Integral Humanism" is the guiding principle of the modern Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). His key tenets included: 

• Rejection of Western "isms": He was a staunch critic of both Western capitalism (which he felt encouraged greed and inequality) and Marxist socialism (which he felt replaced individual freedom with state domination).
• Indigenous Model: Upadhyaya stressed the need for an indigenous, culture-specific economic and social model for India, rooted in its own traditions and values.
• Four Hierarchical Attributes: He viewed the human being as an integrated whole with four attributes: body, mind, intellect, and soul. He argued that all four need to be addressed for complete human development, not just the material aspects emphasized by Western ideologies.
• Supremacy of Dharma: Upadhyaya's philosophy placed "Dharma" (ethical and moral principles, laws of life) as the foundational element, arguing that it should guide all aspects of life, including democracy and the economy.
• Antyodaya and Decentralization: He proposed "Antyodaya" (reaching the poorest of the poor) as an objective and advocated for a decentralized economic model with a focus on small industries and local communities to promote self-reliance and reduce inequality, inspired by ancient Indian village structures.
• Hindu Nationalism: His ideas were intrinsically linked to the concept of Hindu nationalism and an integrated society based on Indian culture. 

In essence, Narendra Dev sought a progressive, egalitarian society through a state-led democratic socialist framework, while Upadhyaya advocated for a holistic, indigenous model based on traditional Indian values, culture, and a balance between the individual and society, fundamentally opposing Western ideological frameworks. 

- GoogleAI

https://www.google.com/search?q=Acharya+Narendra+dev+vs.+Deendayal+Upadhyaya%27s+philosophy

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Complete transformation and perfection

 Collated by Tusar Nath Mohapatra

Sri Aurobindo and The Mother actively sought to avoid creating a new religion, viewing their work and the practice of Integral Yoga as a dynamic, supramental action and a spiritual path beyond the rigidities of religious systems. A "religion" formed by them would be a contradiction in terms of their core philosophy; however, if a new one were to be formally established, it would be fundamentally different from present conventional religions in several key ways:

Key Differences from Conventional Religions

• Emphasis on direct spiritual experience over fixed beliefs: The path emphasizes individual, direct experience and inner realization over dogmas, fixed mental beliefs, rituals, and set practices. There are no rigid rules, dress codes, or prescribed mantras; the only necessities are aspiration, sincerity, and surrender to the Divine Consciousness.
• Affirmation and transformation of life: Unlike many traditional spiritual paths that advocate world-renunciation and escape from material life (considering the world an illusion or "Maya"), Integral Yoga asserts that all life is a manifestation of the Divine and must be embraced. The goal is not just individual salvation or mukti, but the complete transformation and perfection of all aspects of earthly existence—mind, life, and body—into a divine life in Matter.
• Integral approach vs. partial paths: It is a synthesis of all traditional Yogas (Karma, Jnana, Bhakti, etc.), aiming for the integral perfection of the entire being, rather than the development of only one aspect (e.g., mental perfection, emotional devotion).
• Focus on individual and collective evolution: While old Yogas primarily focused on individual salvation, Integral Yoga also aims for collective transformation and the realization of human unity on Earth. The ultimate goal is an evolutionary leap in consciousness to the Supramental level, a state beyond the mind, which would manifest a "divine life" on Earth.
• Inner guidance over external authority: The process relies heavily on the individual's discovery of their own inner being (the psychic being) and their free progress guided by the Divine Presence within, rather than external religious authorities, moral codes, or hierarchies.
• Rejection of rigid morality: It moves beyond a rigid, constructed moral code that seeks to force all individuals into a single uniform pattern. Instead, it seeks to purify and perfect one's nature through the growth of a spontaneous divine consciousness, which is a movement of self-discovery, not a moral straitjacket.

In essence, a "religion" based on their teachings would be an open-ended, dynamic spiritual science focused on the future potential of human evolution and the manifestation of a new consciousness on Earth, remaining free from the fixed structures, dogmas, and divisions that typically characterize conventional religions.

- GoogleAI 

https://www.google.com/search?q=Had+The+Mother+%26+Sri+Aurobindo+formed+a+new+religion+how+it+would+have+been+different+from+the+present+form&client

My role has been to present an alternative view

 Collated X posts in original by Tusar Nath Mohapatra

The Idea of India (1997) by Sunil Khilnani can be said to be appearing right at the juncture of a new epoch. India Unbound (2002) by Gurcharan Das was equally seminal. Being Indian (2004) by Pavan K. Varma follows the same trajectory. The Second World (2008) by Parag Khanna also.

Social media has immense capability for publicity, but the philosophy of The Mother & Sri Aurobindo is not reaching people. Official institutions are reluctant to take any initiative in this direction. To make matters worse, those sympathetic to Hindutva are spreading confusion.

Framers of Indian Constitution never imagined a mobile phone in the hand of every citizen with Internet connection. The modalities of democracy therefore have become outdated. A large nation like India itself has become an absurdity due to overpopulation. States need Sovereignty.

Prospect of a #WorldUnion appears prominently in Sri Aurobindo's #FiveDreams Manifesto broadcast on August 14, 1947. Things look dismal at present. Yet Savitri Era Party rededicates itself for fruition of this inevitable evolutionary leap on the World Union day (August 20) today.

People are busy in peddling problems. Political parties as well as publishing houses are thriving by analysing them. Savitri Era Religion, owing allegiance to The Mother & Sri Aurobindo, however, is confident of a sublime destiny for the humanity. All may join in this great task.

Auroville is facing serious threats by its present mandarins as Hindutva lobby is hell bent on destroying its uniqueness. Savitri Era Party demands returning Matrimandir and Auroville to the devotees of The Mother & Sri Aurobindo to stop such evil designs.

seof.blogspot.com/2025/08/one-ca…

https://x.com/SavitriEra/status/1958846396490293397?t=Di17t0IFzZrp8BC_HZLVjg&s=19

The Life Divine by Sri Aurobindo is the highest political goal and Savitri is the same in the spiritual direction. Since the ontology of The Mother & Sri Aurobindo entails seamless divinity of the whole creation any form of voluntary collaboration towards this end turns into yoga

A misconception prevails that Auroville has no religion although Matrimandir with The Mother & Sri Aurobindo's symbols is right at the centre of it. Founded by The Mother, it represents an aspiration for Vedic ideal of Life Divine and so it's erroneous to look upon it as utopian.

Apart from the castes or ethnic groups, there is a district-level nationalism in most States of India. Specific dialect and culture along with historical associations create such distinct identities. Thus differences among people are myriad. Savitri Era Religion will forge unity.

Since narrative war is a continuous affair and my role has been to present an alternative view based on The Mother & Sri Aurobindo's legacy, I play down the spiritual element which is subjective or esoteric in favour of a more practical aspect like devotion and surrender to them.

No one remembers him today, but V.K. Krishna Menon was a very prominent figure in our childhood. Similarly, T.T. Krishnamachari was well known. V.R. Krishna Iyer, of course, remains relevant for his radical views. J. Krishnamurti used to be a dominant influence on many seekers.

Trying to understand the 20th century history or the journey of modern India without considering the occult as well as the overt contributions of The Mother & Sri Aurobindo would be highly warped. Studying philosophy or psychology without them, similarly, can be very misleading.

From Sitaram Goel, Koenraad Elst to M. Nageswara Rao, criticism of RSS continues. But understanding such a vast organisation with a century behind it isn't easy. Thus to dub it as this or that is immature. We are a free country and no one prevents to raise an alternative marquee.

Hegel spent a lot of time with Indian philosophy whatever was available to him in translation at that point of time. He also wrote on them quite a bit but unfortunately he confused between Brahman and Brahmin and America seems to have caught the contagion.

Having observed functioning and evolution of democracy in our country during the last sixty years, I'm of the view that full efflorescence of democracy isn't possible democratically. Like gold ornaments it must include some alloy. Modi is the first PM with complete hold on party.

Savitri Era Party reiterates its demand for returning the ownership and administration of Matrimandir and Auroville to the devotees of The Mother & Sri Aurobindo as the purpose of the Govt takeover has been resolved long back. Govt needs to be sensitive towards such new religions

No person is able to take care of his or her own nutrition in a perfect manner. So, to expect the same individual to select a political party or choose the right candidate by studying their past, present, and future is a tall order. Imposing such onerous burden on him is absurd.

Amusing to read daily debates on what is Hinduism, who is a Hindu, whether India is a Hindu Rashtra, why RSS and BJP are not protecting Hindu interests, how can Hindu traditions be incorporated in Govt programmes, etc. We at Savitri Era Religion are thankfully safe from all these

People were shocked when I talked about politics with relation to The Mother & Sri Aurobindo. In the process, I earned more detractors than followers. Launching Savitri Era Religion also added fuel to the fire. But I have carried on singlehandedly with utmost conviction and hope.

Many tend to portray Kejriwal in a simplistic fashion, but he continues to be a source of confusion and chaos. The whole chain of events from Ramdev to Modi can't said to have been neatly scripted and executed by Kejriwal. Evolutionary forces were at work.

x.com/SavitriEra/sta…

Supporting evolutionary forces is important but Savitri Era Party fails to find anyone in the current political milieu of India. Similarly, it doesn't take any stand on international situation since it's so chaotic. But churning is on and will lead to Sri Aurobindo's #WorldUnion.

Many new States have taken birth in India and creation of new Nations in future can't be ruled out. Geopolitical transformations are very much part of evolutionary plan and it would be much more profitable to explore such possibilities instead of constantly delving into the past.

Sri Aurobindo had welcomed the Cripps Proposal and had urged the Congress leaders for its acceptance. There is a belief that the partition could have been averted had his advice not rejected.

No other Prime Minister had enjoyed such spontaneous popularity and uninterrupted support from the masses. Leading the nation and the party undisputed for twelve years would have been impossible without evolutionary intention. But lack of transparency and accountability tarnishes

India ceased to be a modern and forward looking society in November 1990, when V.P. Singh govt. fell. Democratic ethos took a downward turn. Falsehood and Fascist tendencies grew. Media revolution has been in overdrive for reversing the emancipatory characteristics of evolution.

Wrong ontology can lead to defective worldviews. Each religion teaches one and Dharma is quite comfortable with Monarchy and subjugating dissent. Democracy, on the contrary, empowers the Individual and his voice. 1947 signifies a watershed, for this very reason. Let's protect it.

Leaders are surely capable but others are also waiting for opportunity. Retirement age or stipulating maximum number of terms is a must for justice in this matter. Democracy needs to discourage rise of personality cult and dynasty. There shouldn't be any room for indispensability

Upholding democracy is the responsibility of each citizen. Like spirituality, practicing it in the day-to-day life is also important. Social media interactions should reflect that. Savitri Era Party, drawing inspiration from The Mother & Sri Aurobindo, is an excellent alternative

I don't agree. Everything can change in the Congress except the centre. That's an anomaly; against democracy.

https://x.com/SavitriEra/status/1968962846412144699?t=IvYwBM9DpPzFlrJPygsxFw&s=19

Singling out Modi is not enough. You should also show where and how the whole Dharma bandwagon, of which he is a product, errs. That would be more constructive contribution.

https://x.com/SavitriEra/status/1968723097797685300?t=8ASjTF-zqzdHaCpq713wBQ&s=19

Hindutva has imprisoned Sri Aurobindo in Uttarpara. He is nothing beyond the speech he delivered there. His Puducherry period, and whatever he wrote there, is completely ignored. They are of no use! Still better than the Congress and the Left for whom Sri Aurobindo doesn't exist!

https://x.com/SavitriEra/status/1969106332331430256?t=K0HjgNwBeTSqqysARIjnjA&s=19