Collated by Tusar Nath Mohapatra (b. 1956), Director, Savitri Era Learning Forum (2005)
If a section of the population is devoted to The Mother & Sri Aurobindo and regards them as the one Supreme Divine, then no one should have any objection. Periodical pilgrimage to Puducherry is a known phenomenon. But there's reluctance to give it the recognition of new religion.
If we look at a century back the kind of intellectual muddle and scientific infancy surprises us. Today we are in a secure position and much more level-headed. It also dawns on us that mere scientific exploration won't provide the secret of the universe. Some philosophy is needed
India has an excellent environment for expression of opinions with admirable articulation. Columnists fight for just causes with courage. But when it comes to creating a new religion, most are lukewarm. Legitimate democratic right of creating a new religion doesn't get sympathy.
Social and political history after Independence forms a very rich field of research. Such data wasn't available when Sri Aurobindo was writing. In that sense, the present provides a much better lens to look at the future. Sri Aurobindo's theory thus is relatively more speculative
VIP VAK: Competition of ideologies is as real as the competition for products or services
vipvak.blogspot.com/2022/10/compet
Collated by Tusar Nath Mohapatra (b. 1956), Director, Savitri Era Learning Forum (2005)
H/T
Savitri Era of those who adore,
Om Sri Aurobindo & The Mother.
Present generation wouldn't even imagine the kind of austere living that was prevalent fifty years ago. Today, even religious places are prosperous and also their patrons. Thus, it may not be accurate to associate austerity with spirituality as the notion is against economic rise
Postmodernism is passé since all post-er boys have vanished. But I subscribe to Integral postmodernism although it sounds like an oxymoron. Fortunately the wrestling partner at present is another oxymoron viz. Hindu Rashtra. If one is good at being Hindu, he can't be good Rashtra
My concept of Market is Integral since nothing exists outside it. Also in the sense of linkages like Govt. purchases and kickbacks or Development and night life. That's the historical data but future is not just an extension of the past. Today is the first day of everyone's life.
My faith in the Market is complete in so far as all isms and prisms are in peaceful coexistence. Cognitive dissonance and irrational exuberance are the order of the day. Voluntary optimism coupled with intellectual gymnastics seek to outdo the hold of acrobatics of inauthenticity
The concept of human unity in Sri Aurobindo is complex. My identity by virtue of my birth as an Odia, Brahmin, and male has its own peculiarities. Further, English-knowing, city-living and appearance etc set one apart. Thus, the unity has to transcend all these or rather descend.
Philosophy in India is considered as KG level. Everyone knows everything from childhood. Festival rituals drill the lesson into heads. Hence curiosity is non-existent. Sri Aurobindo brings in the critical element. Now philosophy is possible, thinking is possible; irreverence too.
Those in media give the impression of triggering events and politicians are sure of making history. Philosophy however tells a different story and shifts the onus on unseen entities. This loss of human autonomy is the reason why philosophy is despised. But that's the first lesson
As Founder of the Savitri Era Religion (2006), I have been demanding handing over of Auroville administration to the devotees. Neither the Govt. nor the residents are the rightful owners of Auroville. All right-thinking people should lend their support to this legitimate demand.
Many Bollywood films feature a scene of police men reaching the spot when the crime is over. Our Supreme Court in many cases seems to be performing an identical role. It has strong views about many things happening in our country but they are known long after the damage is done.
Biggest task for Nitish Kumar is to establish his ideological credibility. Right now his moves appear as a mock fight in 2024 to make Modi's task easier. He can always reap the post electoral dividends. This may be harsh but his role in the last decade doesn't inspire confidence.
Glorified history coupled with mythological fiction is a perfect recipe for self-delusion. Theatrical rituals complete the heady concoction. The Mother & Sri Aurobindo have been showing a new path since 1914. Those who are unaware of must consent to give the possibility a chance.
[Ashis Nandy cautioned against blind rationality “I unfortunately live at a time when I have learnt to suspect every discipline and every knowledge system. These are post-normal times we are grappling with and it requires us to examine what we have held as gospel truths earlier”]
Sri Aurobindo is the fourth pillar which intellectuals love to ignore. He wrote extensively but universities failed to take them into account that continues.
[Yechury referred to the three prominent pre-Independence political schools — the Congress, the undivided CPI and the RSS]
In the absence of ideological rigidities there should be two parties in India. One opposing caste based reservations and the other in favour. Savitri Era is against reservations and any govt or legal provision for identifying or perpetuating castes. Any remedial action is welcome
Theatrical behaviour of the Prime Minister notwithstanding, his grassroots past is a sterling quality of Indian democracy. But quests for roots like ancient temples under mosques, Saraswati flowing at some spots or insisting on geographic location for mythology are disconcerting.
