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How does Sri Aurobindo's philosophy differ from traditional Hinduism?
Sri Aurobindo was a renowned Indian philosopher and yogi who developed a unique philosophy that differed from traditional Hinduism in several ways. While traditional Hinduism emphasizes on the attainment of moksha or liberation from the cycle of birth and death, Sri Aurobindo's philosophy focused on the evolution of consciousness and the transformation of the individual and society.
One of the key differences in Sri Aurobindo's philosophy is his concept of the Supramental consciousness. According to him, the ultimate goal of human evolution is to reach a state of consciousness beyond the mind, which he called the Supramental. This state of consciousness is characterized by a complete unity with the divine and a complete transformation of the individual's being. This differs from traditional Hinduism, which focuses on the realization of the self or Atman.
Another significant difference is Sri Aurobindo's emphasis on the role of the individual in the evolution of consciousness. While traditional Hinduism sees the individual as part of a larger cosmic cycle, Sri Aurobindo believed that individuals have the power to actively participate in the evolution of consciousness and bring about a transformation in themselves and the world around them.
Sri Aurobindo also differed from traditional Hinduism in his approach to the concept of maya or illusion. In traditional Hinduism, maya is seen as a hindrance to spiritual progress and something that needs to be transcended. However, in Sri Aurobindo's philosophy, maya is seen as a necessary aspect of the divine play and an opportunity for growth and evolution.
Another key difference is Sri Aurobindo's concept of integral yoga. While traditional Hinduism has various paths to spiritual realization, such as bhakti yoga, karma yoga, and jnana yoga, Sri Aurobindo's integral yoga integrates all these paths and emphasizes on the need for a complete and holistic approach to spiritual evolution.
In addition to these differences, Sri Aurobindo's philosophy also differs from traditional Hinduism in its approach to the relationship between the individual and society. While traditional Hinduism sees society as a means to achieve individual liberation, Sri Aurobindo believed that the transformation of the individual is intricately connected to the transformation of society. He believed that individuals have a responsibility to work towards creating a more harmonious and evolved society.
In conclusion, Sri Aurobindo's philosophy differs from traditional Hinduism in its emphasis on the evolution of consciousness, the role of the individual in this evolution, the concept of maya, the approach to spiritual realization, and the relationship between the individual and society. His philosophy offers a unique perspective on the purpose of human existence and the potential for individual and collective transformation.