Sri Aurobindo and the Mother on Education

by Sri Aurobindo, The Mother

Education does not mean that learning is just for the sake of earning money through ones life, although that too is a necessary objective, but the education should indeed involve all parts of our being, physical, vital, mental, psychic and spiritual.

168 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1956

About the author

Sri Aurobindo (Bengali: শ্রী অরবিন্দ Sri Ôrobindo) was an Indian nationalist and freedom fighter, major Indian English poet, philosopher, and yogi. He joined the movement for India's freedom from British rule and for a duration (1905–10), became one of its most important leaders, before turning to developing his own vision and philosophy of human progress and spiritual evolution.

The central theme of Sri Aurobindo's vision is the evolution of life into a "life divine". In his own words: "Man is a transitional being. He is not final. The step from man to superman is the next approaching achievement in the earth evolution. It is inevitable because it is at once the intention of the inner spirit and the logic of Nature's process."

The principal writings of Sri Aurobindo include, in prose, The Life Divine, considered his single great work of metaphysics,The Synthesis of Yoga, Secrets of the Vedas, Essays on the Gita, The Human Cycle, The Ideal of Human Unity, Renaissance in India and other essays, Supramental Manifestation upon Earth, The Future Poetry, Thoughts and Aphorisms and several volumes of letters. In poetry, his principal work is Savitri: a Legend and a Symbol in blank verse.

Reviews

[Samyuktha jayaprakash · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cannot believe we are still ignoring these basic principles. The book was written in 1950s and is still relevant to the education system cz not much has really changed! I found aurobindo’s a bit repetitive and too densely written to follow. Loved mother’s clear organisation of thoughts, made it really easy to follow what she was trying to say. Although I may not always agree with what she is trying to say.

[Anu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sri Aurobindo's philosophy of education/teaching is based on several principles. Such as the role of teacher - the teacher is not an instructor but a facilitator/guide. Everyone expands knowledge according to their innate nature. Knowledge cannot be forced from outside. Its not accumulation but growth from within. The journey of education is always from near to far or from local to global. We can never ignore the student's background, history, family etc.

These principles of teaching and other philosophical ideas related to education have been well reflected in 'Mirambika' a progressive school in New Delhi.