We feature a special essay by Sri Aurobindo from Bande Mataram in which he writes about the birth and growth of Indian nationalism invoking the advent and avatāric work of Sri Krishna. The selection of this piece is most appropriate since this month we also celebrate Krishna Janmashtami.
The Life of Nationalism: When Sri Aurobindo Invoked Sri Krishna Read More »
This three-part essay was first published on August 15, 1950 in Mother India. It presents a remarkable overview of various world-forces that were at play around the time of India’s independence, and highlights the significance of the date August 15, heralding a new direction for the world and humanity.
August 15: Its World-Significance (Part 1) Read More »
In this part, we learn the inner meaning of why August 15, a date of momentous implications for the values of civilisation has been chosen by India to celebrate her independence. Amal Kiran reminds us that behind the conscious thought of individuals there is the working of that invisible yet potent being which is the national soul or genius.
August 15: Its World-Significance (Part 2) Read More »
Amal Kiran helps us contemplate on how befitting it is that the Independence Day of a country whose chief glory has been God-realisation should coincide with the occasion of Sri Aurobindo’s birth. It would be purblind on our part to miss a signal so pregnant with meaning and fail to see our future bound up with Sri Aurobindo’s presence—our future of true self-growth political as well as cultural and of leadership among the nations on the path of human evolution towards Godhead.
August 15: Its World-Significance (Part 3) Read More »
Our conversation with two educators takes us beyond the ordinary ideological and political debates that have plagued the discipline of Indian History and Historiography, and invites us to explore a more integral approach to learning and teaching of History.
Indian History in Indian Education: Beyond Ideologies and Politics (Video) Read More »
Exploring the theme of sincerity in history, we feature excerpts from a couple of introductory chapters from a book authored by Prof. Kittu Reddy, a long-time resident of Sri Aurobindo Ashram and teacher of Indian History and Culture at Sri Aurobindo International Center of Education. The author suggests that when examining Indian history from a subjective point of view, external events gain greater importance in the light of the inner psychological vision and deeper forces behind them.
Book Excerpts – ‘History and Culture of India: A New Approach’ Read More »
This article tries to dispel some common misconceptions about Sanskrit. The author is a passionate learner of this language and has also recently started teaching beginners in Canada.
समृद्धसंवृद्धसंस्कृतम् (Rich and Thriving Samskrita) Read More »
In this part, the author argues that the time of moral phase of nationalism is over. The need of the hour is a spiritual nationalism, but before we get there we must recognise the ethical-moral development as a necessary stage in human evolution.
The Psychology of Indian Nationalism – 10 Read More »
In this part, A V Sastri briefly outlines how the unique Indian spirit of nationalist struggle for independence led by Sri Aurobindo, Lokmanya Tilak and others was gradually replaced by the moral-ethical nature of Gandhian call for political freedom. He also writes of the limits of such moralistic attempts.
The Psychology of Indian Nationalism – 9 Read More »