SRI AUROBINDO THE STORY OF HIS LIFE

by Sri Aurobindo Ashram

Written for young readers, this biography of Sri Aurobindo presents the historical facts of his life in twelve chapters. The language is simple and the format, which breaks the narrative into easy-to-read lines, adds a special cadence and appeal. The style aims to engage readers in the events of Sri Aurobindo’s life, as if someone were telling them an interesting story.

Genres: Biography

98 pages, Soft Cover

Published January 1, 1972

Reviews

[S.Ach · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had tried reading Sri Aurobindo's writings before, but I was too lowbrow to appreciate the beauty and too immature to understand the depth of his writings. Anyway, I don't think I have the brain to understand the likes of "manifestation of the super consciousness in the manifested reality of sublime divinity."

Since many of family members and some of my favourite authors/scholars are followers of Sri Aurobindo, last time when I went to Pondicherry, I visited his ashram. I decided to try my luck once again in understanding the works of this controversial hindu-nationalist turned spiritual guru. Before I did that I thought of knowing the man first, and bought one of the thinnest biographies available in the ashram's bookstore.

This book turned out to be a fanboy/girl's introduction of Sri Aurobindo's life to young readers. Written in very simple language, it gave a succinct picture of Sri Aurobindo's childhood, his contribution to India's freedom fight and later his spiritual journey. Everything was fine, till I reached this page -

-----------------------
And so, "each battle has to be fought and refought", he says.
But not only did Sri Aurobindo wage this spiritual war secretly, he also used his force in constant action upon worldly forces.
When, for instance, during the Second World War
he saw that behind Hitler and Nazism
There were dark Asuric forces,
and that if they were victorious
all mankind would be enslaved to the tyranny of evil
and the spiritual evolution of man suffer a set-back,
he actively intervened,
just at the critical moment of Dunkirk,
and the whole tide of war turned
in favour of the Allies.

So, too, he intervened with his spiritual force against the Japanese aggression when it became evident that Japan intended to attack and even invade and conquer India. And once again the tide of Japanese victory changed immediately into a rapid, crushing and overwhelming defeat.

This spiritual dynamic power which many yogis hold is greater than any other force and more effective.
It was this power, also, that Sri Aurobindo put into the movement of India's liberation,
and indeed, it was
not a coincidence or chance accident
but "the sanction and seal of the Divine Force" upon his work,
that India declared herself free
on August 15, 1947.
It was Sri Aurobindo's birthday.
----------------------------

WHAT!!!!

Are these what Sri Aurobindo claimed himself or are these the imagination of his followers?

Intriguing and Interesting.

Time to read a thicker biography, perhaps. Or is there an autobiography written in understandable language?

[Aishu · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. An informative book, written in simple prose, this would make for an ideal read for young readers to learn in detail about Sri Aurobindo, the revolutionary freedom-fighter turned spiritual yogi. I enjoyed reading it.

[Rumi Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book needs editing and formatting... Very interesting and precise content.

[Venkatraman Ramachandran · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a beautiful and inspiring story - Short and Sweet. You cannot have a more satisfying read

[Sarath Krishnan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Last weekend, I visited Pondicherry and Aurobindo Ashram; there I bought this simple introductory biographical sketch about the life of Aurobindo. It is good for children and those who are beginners to his life and work, like me. I enjoyed reading it. This will inspire me to further explore the world of Aurobindo and Sanatana Dharama.

[Molshri · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just a regular book I picked up from Aurobindo Ashram in Pondicherry to learn more about Sri Aurobindo. It is a short introduction to his life, written in prose.
Easy for kids to understand. The philosophy, towards the end, is complicated. Maybe, the writers could have just kept this about his life..
Written in simple prose form.