Sri Aurobindo's philosophy of evolution /

Reddy, V. Madhusudan

Sri Aurobindo's philosophy of evolution / V. Madhusudan Reddy - Hyderabad : Institute of Human Study, 2004. - xviii,385p. : Ill. ; 24cm

V. Madhusudan Reddy's "Sri Aurobindo's Philosophy of Evolution" delves into Sri Aurobindo's unique and profound understanding of evolution, presenting it not merely as a biological process but as a cosmic and spiritual progression. The book argues that Sri Aurobindo offers a "grand synthesis" that integrates the scientific understanding of evolution with a deeper spiritual teleology.

Central to Sri Aurobindo's philosophy, and thus to Reddy's exploration, is the concept of involution preceding evolution. The ultimate Reality, Satchidananda (Existence-Consciousness-Bliss), first involutes or descends into Matter, becoming progressively veiled in the Inconscient. Evolution then is the gradual unfolding and emergence of this veiled Spirit from Matter, moving through Life and Mind, with man as a transitional being.

Reddy emphasizes that for Sri Aurobindo, the current stage of human evolution is not the end. Humanity is destined for a further leap into a higher consciousness called the Supermind or Gnostic Consciousness. This is not merely an intellectual or ethical development but a radical transformation of human nature, leading to a divine life on Earth. The book highlights Sri Aurobindo's practical emphasis on Integral Yoga as the conscious means to accelerate this evolutionary process, allowing individuals and eventually the collective to realize their full divine potential and manifest the Supermind in the earthly existence.

The work contrasts Sri Aurobindo's Integral Evolution with Western materialistic views that often see evolution as purposeless, and with traditional Eastern philosophies that might prioritize individual liberation from the world over the transformation of earthly life itself. Reddy portrays Sri Aurobindo's philosophy as a hopeful vision for humanity's future, where the material and spiritual are reconciled and the Divine is fully manifested in the world.

9788185853116


Philosophy of Evolution
Integral Yoga
Satchidananda
Involution

181.49 / RED