‘Sri Aurobindo: The Life and Teachings of a Revolutionary Philosopher’ by Roshen Dalal (C) Aishwary Mehta.
Author – Rosehn Dalal | Genre – Biography, Spirituality, Philosophy
Publishing House – Pan Macmillan India
Source – Publisher | ISBN – 9789390742219
Published in – August 2023
Format – Paperback | Pages – 331
Quote from the book I Liked –
‘The animal is satisfied with the modicum of necessity, the gods are content with their splendours. But man cannot rest permanently until he reaches some higher good.’ (Page no. 155)
Stars – 🌟🌟🌟 (3 Stars)
Summary –
An illuminating exploration of the life and philosophy of an uncommon visionary. Widely revered as a preeminent philosopher and spiritual leader, Sri Aurobindo’s teachings and legacy inspire millions across the globe. Yet, the true essence of his wisdom remains an enigma, intensified further by the mystique surrounding his life. In this comprehensive new biography, veteran historian Roshen Dalal sets out to demystify Aurobindo’s unique journey. From his early years and education in England to his consequential return to India during its embryonic freedom movement, his arrest in the infamous Alipore Bomb Case and subsequent spiritual awakening and ascetic life at his ashram in Pondicherry, she unravels the intricate events and relationships that shaped his thinking – particularly his collaborations with his spiritual partner, the Mother. Through meticulous analysis of his writings, she sheds light on Aurobindo’s radical path for the future – towards a harmonious world order and the awakening of divine consciousness, culminating in the ultimate transformation of humanity. Drawing from over three decades of research, Dalal presents the most accessible, lucid and insightful portrait of Sri Aurobindo to date. She underscores the pioneering ideas of a visionary thinker and the enduring power of his legacy.
About the Author –
Roshen Dalal was born in Mussoorie, India and lived in various places in India, including Dehradun, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Delhi, before settling in Dehradun where she now resides, along with several rescued cats and one dog.
Roshen Dalal has an MA and PhD in ancient Indian History from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. She has taught at both school and university and has been involved in research in history, religion philosophy, and education. She is the author of the best-selling two-volume Puffin History of India; The Puffin History of the World, also in two volumes; The Religions of India: A Concise Guide to Nine Major Faiths; Hinduism: An Alphabetical Guide; The Vedas: An Introduction to Hinduism’s Sacred Texts; India at 70: Snapshots Since Independence and The Compact Timeline History of the World. Apart from books, she has written numerous articles and book reviews. After working for many years as an editor, she is now a full-time writer.
My Review –
Where do I start? Umm.. before reading this book, I didn’t know about Sri Aurobindo. May have heard his name but didn’t know a better context to know about him. Thus, my interest in getting hold of this book. As I initially skimmed about him, started reading about him and his life and philosophies, and dug deeper into his lessons and teaching, I started to realise who he was, A realised person. Realised as in, the one who introspected enough to know the workings of the universe and several workings of how to balance and grow into one’s higher self.
The book took it from his childhood to his study and views, marriage and later years as a spiritually transformed individual. Including his revolutionary and patriotic life for India’s freedom against the British. Also includes his inner workings of World War II and whatnot. Some, if thought from the generic mind, may seem rubbish and easy to throw this book away. But with a little bit of knowledge of self and inner workings and how the universe works, one might feel that anything is possible, especially with the ones who reside in higher reals.
How I felt about this book can be summarised as tough at some places for me to understand the vastness of the universe and at some places making me go all ‘with-in’ at others. Making me learn about several layers of consciousness. A welcome knowledge for my own journey.
Would I recommend this book? It might depend on who asks/wants to read. Such books are like – ‘This book comes to you and not the other way around’. If this knowledge and time is apt for you (spiritually) you might find yourself attracted towards it.
What I liked – Philosophical dialogues and his years of practice.
What could’ve been better – Everything was good.
11th BOOK of 2023 (208 books read overall)
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Review of my previously read books –
Book Review #145: Being Ram Dass by Ram Dass, Rameshwar Das
Book Review #139: Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey
The Tales of Fugitive Biker 
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