“The image to the Hindu is a physical symbol and support of the supraphysical; it is a basis for the meeting between the embodied mind and sense of man and the supraphysical power, force or presence which he worships and with which he wishes to communicate.” (Sri Aurobindo, CWSA, Vol. 20, p. 147) It shouldContinue reading “Temple Worship and Murti Puja: Part VI”
Category Archives: Sri Aurobindo
The Fundamentals of Sanatana Dharma: Part V
In this section we deepen our understanding of Sanatana Dharma by looking at some of its fundamental ideas and distinctive characteristics. Let us begin with an important excerpt from Sri Aurobindo’s famous Uttarpara speech, delivered on May 30, 1909. This was his first speech after acquittal from Alipore jail, when for the first time spokeContinue reading “The Fundamentals of Sanatana Dharma: Part V”
Dharma or Religion? : Part IV
Having understood the Indian outlook on Religion and the fundamental characteristics of Indian religio-spiritual culture, let us now explore an important question – does the word “religion” as understood in the most ordinary sense of organised religion really make sense in the Indian cultural context, or should we invoke the uniquely Indian word “dharma” toContinue reading “Dharma or Religion? : Part IV”
Indian Perspective on Life, Human Development and Religion: Part II
The Indian outlook on religion and spirituality emerges from the Indian cultural view of existence and life itself. The Indian idea of the world, of nature and of existence is not physical, but psychological and spiritual. Sri Aurobindo explains that as per the Indian vision of Existence, everything that we see in this universe, inContinue reading “Indian Perspective on Life, Human Development and Religion: Part II”
INDIAN OUTLOOK ON RELIGION AND LIFE: PART I
We often hear from even some of the most casual observers of India that Indian culture in general is a deeply religious and spiritual one. It is often remarked that pretty much every week there is a religious festival in some part of India. Millions of Indians travel to faraway places on pilgrimages, to placesContinue reading “INDIAN OUTLOOK ON RELIGION AND LIFE: PART I”
ON LOVE AND ATTACHMENT
“Attachment is egoism in love.” This is how Sri Aurobindo once defined attachment (The Synthesis of Yoga, CWSA , Vol.23, p. 329). Perfect definition, if we deeply, seriously and sincerely think about it.Attachment, egoism and love — these three have an intimate connection. Let us start with the most immediate, the first circle of ourContinue reading “ON LOVE AND ATTACHMENT”
APASMARA 