Sri Aurobindo was an Indian philosopher and nationalist born on August 15, 1872 in Calcutta, India. His father was an atheist and so wanted his son to be influenced by ideals of western culture. So when Aurobindo turned seven, he sent him to England to complete his education. Aurobindo was successful in completing his education there but failed in the horse riding test related to the Indian Civil Services Examination.
On returning to India in 1893 he joined the Baroda State Service and worked in different capacities there for around 15 years. It was during this time that he developed deep reverence and love for Yoga, Nationalism and Culture in India. He indulged in translation of the works of Bhavabhuti, Kalidasa and other famous writers of ancient times. He also translated the Gita and a few Upanishads. At that the nationalist movement in India took a toll on the political situation in the country. Aurobindo however decided to participate in the revolutionary movement, in the process of overthrowing the British rulers, unlike many of the moderate, middle class and educated Indians.
He moved to Calcutta from Baroda in 1906 and joined as Principal of the National College. Here his inner transformation was completely remarkable and he started practicing meditation and Yoga. He was imprisoned for one year for his revolutionary activities. Aurobindo experienced Lord Krishna’s universal presence while he was sentenced in jail.
Sri Aurobindo moved to Pondicherry on being released from jail and spent remaining part of his life bringing surpramental consciousness into the consciousness of the earth and also exploring consciousness at various levels.
To help transform people in the world, he also wrote numerous books clarifying the process of descent of consciousness at higher levels. The Mother came from France to help Aurobindo in his work till she left the world in the seventies. Sri Aurobindo however died on December 5th, 1950.
