Highlights of an interview with Aravindan Neelakandan, where he speaks about the inner unity of India, the meaning of India as a Shakti, and the need to develop a good knowledge of our languages and heritage as the most effective way to counter the ‘Breaking India’ forces.
On Making India: An Interview with Aravindan Neelakandan Read More »
In the matter of yoga a little experience is worth much more than long dissertations. But it is also good to have a clear understanding of what has to be done and realised, of what is required and of the main lines of the process.
To a Seeker in the West – More Advice from Sri Aurobindo Read More »
It is true that Yoga demands an equipoise and that every weak point, physical or mental, is a source of much trouble and much difficulty. But what is, should always be taken as it is; it is inevitably the point from which one has to start. And the start must be made forthwith.
To a Beginner in Yoga: Some Advice from Sri Aurobindo Read More »
According to A V Sastri, the triple realisation of the Divine helped the Rishis to conceive a social order reconciling all conflict between the individual and society or nation by submitting both to a higher, the highest Truth. Essential ideals of the polity shaped by the Rishis are also mentioned.
The Psychology of Indian Nationalism – 4 Read More »
In this part, A V Sastri briefly outlines the historical evolution of the Indian polity from a simple organic community to its era of decline which was also marked by imposition of news systems and cultures from Western Asia and Europe.
The Psychology of Indian Nationalism – 5 Read More »
Our lead essay explores the roots of Indian nationalism from the perspective of Sri Aurobindo’s integral vision. Role of character-building education in nation-building is the focus of second essay. Also included is a review of a book on the brave heroes who valiantly fought against the invaders.
Of Nation and Nationalism Read More »
In these passages, Sri Aurobindo explains the true spirit and mission of Indian nationalism. The challenge before us is to develop our perception so that we can see their deep relevance of these words for our times, for a true rebirth of Indian nation.
The Ideal of Indian Nationalism Read More »
In this opening part, author A V Sastri suggests that to comprehend the idea of nationalism as interpreted by Sri Aurobindo requires one to enter the whole region of his thought as it shapes and expresses itself in his major works.
The Psychology of Indian Nationalism – 1 Read More »
Exploring India’s mission for the humanity, A V Sastri in this part explains that Indian nationalism at its core must be as inclusive, as many-sided, as much rooted in Divine and Humanity, at once as disciplined and liberal, as much one in spirit but myriad in expression as Sanatana Dharma.
The Psychology of Indian Nationalism – 2 Read More »
In this part, A V Sastri briefly explores the nation-making in the West, which has been primarily an external evolution. But a subjective approach to forming a national identity can also bring great danger, as shown by the example of Germany. A spiritual view of individual and society is necessary.
The Psychology of Indian Nationalism – 3 Read More »
We feature a review by Rajat Mitra of a new book “Saffron Swords.” The book tells the tales of 52 warriors who fought till their last breath to defend their motherland. Beloo Mehra introduces the book by invoking a few verses from Sri Aurobindo’s Bhavani Bharati.
A Review of “Saffron Swords” Read More »
This essay, presented in two parts, expounds on Swami Vivekananda’s views on character development and also briefly discusses the basic themes of his philosophy of man-making education in the light of practical Vedanta.
Build Character to Build Nation (Part 1) Read More »
In this concluding part of the essay, we learn about the key methods and content areas, which as per Swami Vivekananda’s educational thought must become the basis for a holistic education aimed at character-building of the students.
Build Character to Build Nation (Conclusion) Read More »
This issue reminds of the immense work needed to be done for a true Indian reawakening. We conclude the two series from the previous issue – an essay by Sisirkumar Mitra and a lecture by Kundan Singh, and also feature a recently released book on India along with an author interview.
Indian Renaissance – The Demand from Us Read More »
Sri Aurobindo explains why a full flowering of Indian civilisation was interrupted, why it is important for India to reassert its peculiar individuality, and why the future demands a true understanding of each civilisation’s unique strengths.
Beloo Mehra reviews Maria Wirth’s book — Thank you India: A German Woman’s Journey to the Wisdom of Yoga (2018, Garuda Prakashan).
A Review of Maria Wirth’s “Thank You India” Read More »
In this part of the essay, the author Sisirkumar Mitra describes the ideal role of the king in ancient India as the upholder of Dharma, and the ways in which this ideal worked in harmony with democratic freedom at the communal level of organisation.
Ancient Indian Polity and the Task Ahead (Part 3) Read More »
Sisirkumar Mitra describes the attempts made in ancient India to unify India politically, key reasons which led to political disunity of India and the impact of invasions. He concludes with highlighting the task ahead – to achieve a deeper unity from within.
Ancient Indian Polity and the Task Ahead (Conclusion) Read More »
A report of Abhyudaya Conclave, 2019, organised by Vision India Foundation, Delhi. SAFIC was one of the organising partners for this educational event. Senior Associate Dr. Beloo Mehra was a delegate at the Conclave and has prepared this report.
Report on Abhyudaya Conclave Read More »
Part 2 of a free-flowing conversation with Maria Wirth — about her new book, her love for India, the sure signs of an emerging Indian cultural renaissance, the ways to nurture and strengthen this reawakening and the factors that could possibly impede this resurgence.
Of Love and Turmeric Latte: A Conversation with Maria Wirth (Part 2) Read More »