Vitality of the Indian Spiritual Tradition and its Future Greatness in Reference to Shri Aurobindo’s 'The Renaissance in India'.

Vitality of the Indian spiritual tradition and its future greatness in reference to Shri Aurobindo’s The Renaissance in India.

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 Sri Aurobindo's "The Renaissance in India" discusses the potential for a new awakening and rebirth of India's spirit and national ideals. He argues that if this renaissance is a genuine phenomenon, it holds immense significance for India and the world. For India, it means reclaiming and transforming its ancient spirit, while for the world, it presents new possibilities arising from India's evolving identity.

Aurobindo emphasizes that understanding what India intends to do with its own life is crucial before considering its impact on the wider world. He draws a parallel to the recent Celtic movement in Ireland, where a reawakened national spirit sought new self-expression rooted in its cultural heritage.

He portrays India as a powerful Shakti (divine feminine energy) awakening in a new and challenging environment, encumbered by self-imposed and externally imposed limitations. India is depicted as struggling to break free, with signs of these bonds weakening, but full liberation is yet to be achieved. The nation's vision is still unclear, and its soul's potential is only partially realized.

Aurobindo believes that while India will retain its essential spirit and unique soul, this renaissance will likely bring about significant changes in its outward forms – philosophical, artistic, literary, cultural, political, and social. These new forms will not contradict the fundamental truths of the past but rather express them in a revitalized manner.

He acknowledges a past period of decline in India's creative spirit but asserts that a "salvation" and "reawakening" have now arrived. He cautions against underestimating India's potential, drawing a lesson from Europe's misjudgment of Germany based on its philosophical and artistic achievements despite practical shortcomings.

Aurobindo highlights India's historical understanding that life's true meaning and perfect living cannot be solely based on external factors. While recognizing the importance of material laws, physical sciences, and practical arts, India has always understood the necessity of aligning the physical with the supra-physical and acknowledging the deeper, unseen powers within the universe and humanity