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श्री अरविन्द
1872–1950 CE · Calcutta — Pondicherry
Tradition: Integral Yoga
Integral Yoga — synthesis of all yogas leading to a transformation of life and matter through the descent of the Supramental into matter; evolution of consciousness as the cosmic purpose.
Educated at Cambridge; revolutionary nationalist; imprisoned by British in Alipore Jail; spiritual transformation in jail; left politics for spiritual life; settled at Pondicherry from 1910 with the Mother (Mirra Alfassa) as co-worker; took mahasamadhi in 1950.
Major figure of the Indian independence movement (early years); leading philosopher and spiritual teacher of the 20th century; founded the Sri Aurobindo Ashram in Pondicherry.
Sri Aurobindo stands within the lineage of Integral Yoga. Understanding a saint requires understanding the school of thought, the lineage of teachers, and the historical context that shaped them. The Integral Yoga tradition has shaped Hindu spiritual life through its philosophical foundations, its liturgy, its scriptures, and the institutions its founding ācāryas built and sustained across generations.
Saints in this tradition are not abstract figures from history — they are the living chain through which the tradition transmits itself. To read Sri Aurobindo correctly is to read both the writings (where they survive) and the institutions they founded, the disciples they taught, and the practices they reinterpreted. Where written works are listed above, they remain the primary source for studying their thought; for the practical transmission, one studies under a teacher of the same lineage.
The dates and biographical details preserved in tradition often differ from those accepted by modern academic historians. Where the difference matters for interpretation, both views are noted; otherwise the traditional account is given with sources cited.
Awaiting scholar verification. If you spot a factual error in dates, lineage, or teaching, please write to us.