Tweets in original by @SavitriEraParty and @NathTusar with ontological implications:
Two brothers: one is a doctor and another an engineer but when it comes to knowledge, each one is a kid before the other. Grounding in Sri Aurobindo, similarly, consumes many dedicated decades. Humility before stupidity is a sure recipe for idiots and scoundrels ruling the roost.
https://twitter.com/SavitriEraParty/status/1151014506744537089?s=19
Every situation or event will have at least four different types of response; of the Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras and many others overlapping of course. The Veda brings out this distinction which unequivocally becomes the cornerstone of Sri Aurobindo's contention.
Certain texts and temples are believed to be self-evident truths and the younger generation must free itself from such superstition. Since science has failed so far to explain any final configuration of our existence, diverse speculations compete to fill the space. Caution needed
Sri Aurobindo published The Life Divine during 1939-40. A book of pure philosophy, it makes the whole of Western philosophy obsolete. It also supersedes all streams of ancient Indian philosophy. Universities in India, unfortunately, are not allowing it to be studied in colleges.
Sri Aurobindo's interpretation of the Veda at one stroke alters all strands of received wisdom in India. Rituals and idols no longer enjoy any scriptural justification. Such a system of symbols, though available in Astrological literature, remains buried under mundane predictions
Two decades of the 21st century have confirmed utter groundlessness of all branches of human knowledge. Eulogising ancient texts and tradition, therefore, is fraught with hazards. Religious zeal needs to be re-evaluated so that younger generation musters courage to shed blinkers.
From an ontological point of view, designed in a different way, each individual is chugging along a unique destiny with biological or psychological commonalities distributed as abundantly as the differences. So, respect for diversity in a Democracy, though valid, is dysfunctional.
Managing man-woman relationships has been pivotal for civilisation and diverse aspects - from art to religion - have been pressed into the service of this crucial task. #Sabarimala is just one example of how the problem remains intractable and Dharma tenets are empty shibboleths.
Since science is becoming more and more shaky in its assumptions day by day, it's profitable to maintain an attitude of healthy scepticism without falling prey to atheism. To steer clear of a worldview founded on unfettered mythology and popular culture is another huge challenge.
A telescope, microscope, or stethoscope display the power of science and the urge for precision in knowing things beyond ordinary senses. The kaleidoscope however does the opposite and points to the infinite expanse of the universe and innumerable variations of its choreography.
Men and women are different in a hundred ways and recognising this reality by rejecting the hypocrisy of equality is the remedy. Reconstituting systems and situations by catering to psychological necessities should be the priority than facetious portrayals in fictions and movies.
https://twitter.com/SavitriEraParty/status/1051685556890025985?s=19
https://twitter.com/SavitriEraParty/status/1051685556890025985?s=19
Everything happens for the first time or nothing can be considered as a repetition. ("You cannot step into the same river twice" -Heraclitus). So, Democracy including the role of Judiciary is evolving by negotiating highly complex situations and navigating through wide diversity.
https://twitter.com/SavitriEraParty/status/1055854595916713990?s=19
Each one is wired in a specific way and chained to a certain spatial limits. So universality is an incoherent and inchoate concept. Ideas like Infinite or Perfection nevertheless persist and propel a sense of adventure and discovery. But most are unwilling to undertake the burden.
I have said it many a time in the past that Sri Aurobindo wrote till 1950 and it's not proper to expect that each and every historical development will unfold in accordance with his words. Present situation has to be dealt with by us and I try to say things with utter seriousness
Ethics is fictional and aspirational. To be found as formulated only in plays or epics. Attributing it to persons is partial or whitewash. Vices are intrinsic to human drama as conflicts are to biology. So expecting politicians, judges, or journalists of pure virtue is but absurd
Exclusive Concentration like Extended Release or Paramarasa limiting itself like in Aletheia is another way of looking at Democracy vis-a-vis Conscious Evolution. Dwapara or Tretaya being in certain ratio of Satya or Vaikhari and Madhyama as some proportion of Pashyanti analogical
https://twitter.com/SavitriEraParty/status/1137007318388752384?s=19
Aesthetics like nutrition must strive for the right-mix and avoid intoxication by a few dominant components. Not being natural or duly imparted by education, this aspect of personal development is a difficult proposition for many. Further, Media offerings often warp the scenario.
https://twitter.com/SavitriEraParty/status/1139115294792642560?s=19
Even after successive spiritual experiences, Sri Aurobindo chose the intellectual route to spread his synthetic knowledge and Integral vision. No single text can impart that and the right course perhaps is to rummage through one hundred primary volumes with a childlike curiosity.
https://twitter.com/SavitriEraParty/status/1142352498490871808?s=19
No one has experienced whole of life and consequently all portrayals of it are inchoate. Stretches of long years may be eventful but in terms of understanding reality of life can be a desert. Spectrum is merely a certain conception or visible aberration of light; not light itself.
https://twitter.com/SavitriEraParty/status/1148834256312926208?s=19
This much we know from The Mother & Sri Aurobindo: descent of the Supramental consciousness on earth was an uncharted path for which they "struggled, suffered, hoped, endured so much" and "attempted all, prepared, achieved all for us" but we can't produce evidence. It's all faith
https://twitter.com/SavitriEraParty/status/1105525275599736832?s=19
As long as science is not able to supply any valid explanation of our material existence, there's no other recourse than to believe in the Evolutionary ontology of Sri Aurobindo. Its Vedic orientation is more in line with sublime political dimension than mere individual salvation
https://twitter.com/SavitriEraParty/status/1102655978548457472?s=19
Promoting individualism among Indians is necessary by discouraging mythology and symbols of monarchy. Religious practices in a Democracy like election symbols, party flags, taking oath and similar pomp and ceremony should be banished. The very concept of national anthem is flawed.
https://twitter.com/SavitriEraParty/status/1149380527515791361?s=19
Each and every major narrative needs some measure of corrective. Western scholars have failed to accommodate or appreciate the Indian scenario and Indian public intellectuals are averse to an Integral view of things. So no need to be overwhelmed by the dominant political paradigm.
https://twitter.com/SavitriEraParty/status/1138466581271515137?s=19
Psychoanalytic therapy prods to speak more and more so that what's suppressed comes to light. Besides, each individual evolves, each moment, at each transaction. Possibilities, rather than preconceived impressions about one, therefore, are important.
Western thought hasn't been able to recover from the blow Derrida imparted to its truth-claims. Hindutva will encounter such a moment sooner or later even if it avoids Sri Aurobindo assiduously. In the meantime allow it to wallow in its shallow reservoir of knowledge of the world
Despite their best efforts, The Mother & Sri Aurobindo have not been able to craft a coherent ontology but from a practical angle, #FiveDreams of Sri Aurobindo offer a very tempting vista. Such a possibility is worth believing in so that a critical mass precipitates for fruition.
Spirituality teaches humility and surrender but not sycophancy. The stand of The Mother & Sri Aurobindo as regards nationalism, patriotism, philanthropy, or religious activism is very clear and so there is no need of being overenthusiastic. Personal preferences however are valid.
Freedom today means: Freedom from being certain,
Freedom from the tyranny of grand narratives;
Freedom from group thinking and herd moves.
Freedom from distortion of history books,
Freedom from mortgaging talent to money and career;
Freedom from Astrology, Mythology, and Rituals.
Nothing definite is yet known about the functioning of the universe or even the human body which is hostage to various Hormones and Enzymes. Since we undergo several phases of thought and mood within 24 hours, philosophy, culture, and spirituality serve as cushion against gloom.
Criticising some for the preponderance of their certain predilections against that of another set of persons is a common fallacy. Sri Aurobindo's delineation of Mitra, Varuna etc. clearly explicates fourfold division of social organisation as perceived by the Vedic seers of yore.
Our planet is one and a whole, yet many are convinced that it's run by two sets of powers: the so-called Abrahamic and Dharmic. Such a schizophrenia leads to many other maladies with fascist symptoms. Reading The Mother & Sri Aurobindo can cure such myopia and misunderstandings.
Sri Aurobindo's writings and conversations cover more than forty volumes but quotation-wallahs don't go beyond a couple of them. This sort of censorship is not only dishonest but also pernicious. Understanding him at one's own pace is okay but deliberate amnesia is unforgivable.
Freedom has negative connotations; freedom from some original bondage, tyranny, or subservience. So achieving freedom is supposed to be a struggle and constant striving. One possible meaning of All life is yoga is this. Sri Aurobindo chose the word Arya to convey this imperative.
Be it RM or DF, critical appreciation is the key. No one is perfect, so avoiding us & them approach is essential. True for all great men or saints and savants. Necessary to remember the cases of Savonarola, Bruno, or Galileo. Unadulterated adulation is an adolescent's infatuation
I have read a few posts by Bruno Marchal who speculates about numbers dreaming or machines going irrational at an advanced stage. So, what are the challenges to face such a prospect? Seems to be too dystopian; any insights on that? Thanks.
https://twitter.com/NathTusar/status/1168095830798061573?s=19
Sri Aurobindo spoke of the logic of the infinite; so, trying to find logic in spirituality doesn't hold water.
https://twitter.com/NathTusar/status/1168100711344685057?s=19
It may not be a spiritual path at all; just changing costume to avoid public attention. It's his freedom; needn't conform to any prior version.
https://twitter.com/NathTusar/status/1168111041684754432?s=19
The desire to be desired is crucial for self-esteem and how it activates hormones in a moment is the most complex mystery of social existence. Sublimation is not exactly what The Mother & Sri Aurobindo aimed at; Transformation into an altogether new configuration and we must wait
https://twitter.com/SavitriEraParty/status/1168059839039148033?s=19
Impersonality is integral to rationality but it's easier said than done. Other spheres of consciousness always wait in the wings and self-interest or self-protection is firm. Education, profession, financial position, age, gender, political affiliation; all have bearing on mind.
https://twitter.com/SavitriEraParty/status/1168067685504012289?s=19
War is the father and king of all, said Heraclitus. Randall Collins highlighted how conflicts spur philosophy. Without Heehs imbroglio, the philosophy of Sri Aurobindo would have remained moribund. New frontiers opened by the debates like IY fundamentalism https://t.co/RiwAtRyzGb
https://twitter.com/SavitriEraParty/status/1168092216331399168?s=19
I respect you both. Each person has his chosen intellectual trajectory, spiritual destiny, and Evolutionary assignment. Truth is a severely contested domain in the 21st century due to uncertainty of science and it's a catch 22 situation. So, let not there be bar on perspectives.
https://twitter.com/NathTusar/status/1167345207760707584?s=19
I feel pity for the Hindutva activists who undertake painstaking research for understanding various nuances of Islam in order to criticise it. Similar is the case of @devduttmyth who valiantly bears the burden of displaying the futility of mythology by wallowing in its quagmire.
https://twitter.com/SavitriEraParty/status/1167242542980554752?s=19
You have said many things; would seem as rambling rant but intention is laudable. It's a question of right attitude and convincing content. In the absence of right books people are confused about the ideology. When right knowledge comes humility will dawn. https://t.co/WlqusLsAAg
https://twitter.com/SavitriEraParty/status/1167722812414365697?s=19
Human affairs as perceived by way of current affairs is merely a tranche. Even in its totality it's like a few pieces of a jigsaw puzzle without any assurance of being the authentic ones since rest of the pieces are either missing or it's not known whether a puzzle exists at all.
https://twitter.com/SavitriEraParty/status/1167495554877673472?s=19
Hindutva votaries need to be polite therefore without flaunting any kind of certainty as regards cosmology or sociology. Superiority and exceptionalism are avoidable hubris. Berating others for their contesting point of view can be unsubstantiated chutzpah. Coexistence is basic.
https://twitter.com/NathTusar/status/1167501124665933824?s=19
Proof is the very fulcrum of science but since there are immeasurable fields of knowledge beyond the confines of science philosophical speculation comes to the rescue. There epistemology is as crucial as empiricism. I'm not an atheist but against Astrology, Mythology, and Rituals
https://twitter.com/NathTusar/status/1166953657440464896?s=19
No gainsaying that the world existed before the person but so far as the person is concerned his knowledge of the world existing before him is subsequent and would dissolve on his death or if he is in coma. So this awareness doesn't float outside the consciousness of human beings
https://twitter.com/SavitriEraParty/status/1169182788462862337?s=19
A spider's web can be described without the spider or with the spider. Then how it connects from different points from two walls can also be included. Thus there can be multiple perspectives. By pushing the spider out of the discourse webs of words can be multiplied exponentially
The individual is not a part of a bigger universe; the universe rather is a part of the individual. All one's perceptions therefore are unique to himself or herself; nothing universal, rational, or scientific about it. This is far more reductionist than the anthropocentric view.
Nothing exists outside oneself: no past or future; no myth or narrative. The world exists solely in an individual's consciousness; all knowledge is subjective. So peddling any authentic history is as illusory as philosophical coherence. Habitus can't be seen as a sign of veracity
https://twitter.com/SavitriEraParty/status/1181542566476406787?s=19
Suspect all myths and narratives being assiduously disseminated by the media and academia. Each one is a prisoner of his own trajectory and searching for any universally acceptable ontological framework is surely futile. Thus, all past philosophical formulations are mere stories.
Freedom has this outstanding feature of not believing in anything. It too can be a sign of utmost humility that one doesn't know. From that safety, it's prudent to reject all knowledge sources and philosophical streams. Then, only two dates matter: August 15 and March 29 (1914).
https://twitter.com/SavitriEraParty/status/1169282116070174721?s=19
All said and done, spirituality is of theoretical utility only for it can't deliver on demand. But philosophically, it offers the best possible explanation of our existence as Sri Aurobindo has shown in The Life Divine. Apart from generating optimism, it fights fundamentalism too
https://twitter.com/SavitriEraParty/status/1169202969100730368?s=19
Roy Bhaskar wrote many books to explicate reality but towards the end of his life he could spot the spider. Then there was nothing much to explain the web in isolation. However, his followers were aghast; how could he commit such a sacrilege! Publishing industry too was dismayed.
India is at the crossroads. No respect for knowledge; it's fashionable and prestigious to push planted narratives. Decibels are more credible than crucibles of truth. Entire corpus of Sri Aurobindo should have been part of syllabus but Universities are yet to evince any interest.
Scholarship shouldn't be resented; persons shouldn't be despised. The content should be the focus. What's good must be appreciated; what's flawed or distorted, deliberately or otherwise, needs to be countered. With sufficient caution and due academic humility; by producing fresh.
Reach of Savitri Era Learning Forum (SELF since 2005) is meager but immense in terms of significance. Many have met tangentially with the potential of engendering diversions in thought and attitude. Thirsting for an anchor by grappling with philosophical uncertainty is the need.
https://twitter.com/NathTusar/status/1169197952566345729?s=19
While a day has so much of variety in terms of circadian rhythm and allied psychological rollercoaster that we ride, annual Merry-go-round of seasons seems to have no noticeable effect or causal factors in human functioning. This disconnect is surprising when even sea sees tides.
One basic thing is true. Seduce a person into conversation and after a while he will go on and on revealing many aspects of his thinking or hopes. This can be ascribed to power of language reinventing the person also. But healing can't be thrown out like baby with the bathwater.
Agree. Can only empathise with a mother's burden; but that's again somewhat empty, for we are worlds apart. You may however consider Sri Aurobindo for some future paper, if an occasion arises. Thanks.
https://twitter.com/NathTusar/status/1168230616078274560?s=19
Women represent empiricism and men a healthy scepticism and ambivalence; that's what came out of the debate on myth and history. May be more to do with awareness level than any inherent trait but the evolutionary burden of child rearing appears ill at ease with a rearview mirror.
https://twitter.com/SavitriEraParty/status/1145627360621842432?s=19
Knowledge is not like a collage or a mosaic nor it's democratic. Rational quest for knowledge will certainly arrive at ontology after meandering briefly through epistemological questions. Once one is gripped by ontological concerns, the journey is bound to reach at Sri Aurobindo.
https://twitter.com/SavitriEraParty/status/1147560211441307650?s=19
Modern civilisation has prevented people to look at women and instead sends them to museums and art galleries to see their portrayal in metal, stone, or paintings. Movies are also kosher for watching them on screen. So, everyone is glued to phone in Metro. https://t.co/UmRHMiorIi
https://twitter.com/SavitriEraParty/status/1149942059928674304?s=19
Democracy has no perfect past model but relies on people's spontaneity and creativity. Agile representatives and not robots or puppets are crucial for its success or quality. So, multiplicity of voices are in a sense essential. Geography and nature teach the primacy of diversity.
https://twitter.com/SavitriEraParty/status/1135070889639174?s=19
Sri Aurobindo was well conversant with major schools of Indian philosophy and mythology. So undertaking fresh comparison is pointless. Even comparative studies with Western thinkers by S.K. Maitra is not very fruitful. Postmodernism is the only area which challenges Sri Aurobindo
https://twitter.com/SavitriEraParty/status/1140302856068534274?s=19
Arriving at the peak marks the beginning of negotiating with the decline. Yoga however aims at an endless progress in keeping with the spirit of Amrita invoked in the Veda. Many resign to an abstract and pragmatic conception but The Mother & Sri Aurobindo insist upon the physical.
https://twitter.com/SavitriEraParty/status/1146697607986606080?s=19
To tweet or intuit, that's the question. The nature of writing is such that quite unexpected turns of phrase sprout by sheer logic of grammar or syntax, thus altering the semantics. Besides, the aesthetic dimension has its own compulsion which forces fresh tenets of hermeneutics.
https://twitter.com/SavitriEraParty/status/1146800648161095680?s=19
Science has enabled us to disbelieve most of its findings and no firm assurance is available on how life and the world operates. All philosophical propositions similarly can be questioned. Religions are glorified superstitions. Sri Aurobindo, therefore, is the only reliable voice
https://twitter.com/SavitriEraParty/status/1144798467908235265?s=19
Even after reading "a shelf full of books" that Sri Aurobindo wrote, it's difficult to claim any sure hints on future events or political course. Turning a supporter of Modi govt after being a critic on the basis of its non-performance and ideological ambivalence embarrasses many
https://twitter.com/SavitriEraParty/status/1086871036774240258?s=19 20 Jan 19
Puru in Girish Karnard's Yayati denies having superhuman capabilities of his forefathers. Modi similarly steers clear of the imaginary glory of Hindutva and this ideological shift is no less significant than Deendayal, Nehru, or Roy. @Janamejayan may examine in his Dharma thread.
https://twitter.com/SavitriEraParty/status/1012959780057632769?s=19 30 Jun 18
Since science, philosophy, and religion have failed to provide any cogent explanation, Evolutionary paradigm proposed by Sri Aurobindo in The Life Divine proves to be the most plausible option. Worshipping The Mother & Sri Aurobindo is the sole condition of Savitri Era Religion.
Although plurality or multiplicity is ontologically incompatible with a monistic hypothesis, the Sun as Mitra, Varuna, etc. indicate different powers and personalities though not without the charge of being typecast or programmed. Democracy needs to cater to at least four orders.
Emergence or innovation, therefore, may seem random but even the worst evil or an avatar as its consequence thus are part of the Evolutionary plan. The infinite possibilities fostered by Hiranyagarbha might be so for the human eye as the countless voices obtaining in a Democracy.
So, is process merely an eyewash? No, surely not since Maya or Shunya is affirmative in the final analysis. Even nullifying causality is absurd. Thus, brainstorming or wisdom of the crowd has some validity in precipitating solutions and Democracy is the most appropriate platform.
Exclusive Concentration like Extended Release or Paramarasa limiting itself like in Aletheia is another way of looking at Democracy vis-a-vis Conscious Evolution. Dwapara or Tretaya being in certain ratio of Satya or Vaikhari and Madhyama as some proportion of Pashyanti analogical
Musical notes, Fractals, or Fibonacci numbers indicate a more precise mathematical order behind the reality sending shudders down the spine of a Democratic spirit. On the other hand "Doesn't occultism lead straight to fascism?" asks J Strube. Same old debate on fate vs. freewill!
Equality between men and women and concentrating on common human methods is a defining element of Sri Aurobindo's yoga. Thus, the empowerment dimension is downplayed but the magnetic function performed by women in any ecosystem is often neglected leading to lack of lubrication.
Spirituality doesn't evolve in a vacuum and involves all our faculties and activities. Politics or collective affair including physical facilities and amenities are an integral part of such a scenario. So, building an identity around shared values and a common faith is essential.
Many secrets of nature have come to light through science but there's no assurance that all the mystery will be disclosed. Human mind is a limited bowl and hence can't know the whole. Thus, those insisting on any particular religion are mistaken. Integral outlook needed to know.
Looking at the sky at night is the easiest means to be cured of religious fundamentalism since no single religion can claim to have created all the stars. [Remember that these innumerable worlds, ...are a million times more ancient than your Himalaya, ...] https://t.co/gx6MHXhQNp
Science told facts and the empiricist approach assumed a huge prestige leading to consumer behavior studies. Management however discovered that data don't give uniform results and turned to philosophy. Sri Aurobindo of course spoke of spiral course of evolution a century earlier.
Having seen several episodes of propaganda and disinformation during the last sixty years, I have been warning against grand narratives spun by those having vested interests. Working on current issues is a sound strategy for not being drawn into the vortex of analysing the past.
Instead of conjectures, it's better to accept Sri Aurobindo in terms of his actual achievements which are no less considerable. A positive environment of appreciation created around his future vision would have no place for hatred for other personalities who too helped in a way.
No doubt, The Life Divine by Sri Aurobindo is a difficult book but a certain density of orientation on its content as well as context will go a long way in understanding it. For this purpose, The Philosophy of Evolution by Rod Hemsell is an excellent help. https://t.co/VcmVg9BsFy
Commodity fetishism introduced by Marx is an important milestone in theory which also recognises an element of mysticism akin to spirituality of Sri Aurobindo. The glamour perceived in an object by a consumer can easily be compared with seeking the All Beautiful behind relations.
Nothing is self-evident truth since nothing definitively is known about our life or understanding. So a safe characterisation of all we know or think is a belief system or narrative. The Mother & Sri Aurobindo have forged a new narrative which needs to be pushed to topple others.
The tension between the individual and society is ordinarily given a political treatment but The Mother & Sri Aurobindo point to a psychological interconnectedness signifying the possibility of harmony replacing the present discord. They also tell of the Vedic domains of virtue.
If one doesn't subscribe to Divine manifestation of Sri Aurobindo and continuing action then a mere scholarly appreciation of his works doesn't mean much. Because his vast and diverse writings don't really add up to anything; can be utterly confusing. But he personifies Evolution
It's therefore absolutely necessary to be clear about the background of Sri Aurobindo's ideas and how he synthesises Western speculative wisdom with Vedic Evolutionary vision. The Philosophy of Evolution by Rod Hemsell is an excellent overview on the topic https://t.co/TvlkycHyK7
Considering the fact that humans have been inhabiting this planet since one lakh years, creativity relating to women by men through art, architecture, poetry, literature, music, and movies is recent. So much of content but women, unfortunately, are deprived of enjoying sentiment.
Almost all of Sri Aurobindo's writings can be said to be incomplete or work in process. He was never satisfied; always intended to revise. Even The Life Divine can be seen as incomplete as his essays (1949-50) revealing Mind of Light remained inconclusive. https://t.co/l3XsvPFLuM
Instead of the usual sense of love, the Vedic figures of Mitra and Varuna signifying fraternity can be the model for the future society. Such a scenario of course is unthinkable at present, but the fourfold forms a fundamental structure of any organisation or moulds of Evolution.
Science promised an era of transparency but AI smacks of a realm of Kafkaesque conspiracy. The snares of big data and deep state are ever increasing keeping pace with arms race. Carbon footprint and global warming hang like the sword of Damocles. Sri Aurobindo is the solution.
A rare instance where Sri Aurobindo approvingly hints at intellect's potential of expressing fraternity without mentioning a spiritual turn. Such a prospect however looks improbable when gender dynamics comes into picture to exert extraneous emotions. https://t.co/lX45lJHsyV
For instance, a technology like an ordinary boat is still so relevant and useful where nothing else is available, affordable, or feasible. Family skills also matter as no diploma or licence is required. Utility of bicycles or bullock carts similarly seem indispensable even today. https://t.co/B79lApEKju
