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How does Sri Aurobindo's philosophy view the relationship between the individual and the collective?

Sri Aurobindo's philosophy presents a unique perspective on the relationship between the individual and the collective. He believed that the individual and the collective are not two separate entities, but rather interconnected and interdependent aspects of the same reality.

According to Sri Aurobindo, the individual is not just a limited and isolated being, but a manifestation of the universal consciousness. Each individual has the potential to evolve and expand their consciousness to become one with the cosmic consciousness. This process of evolution is not just for the individual's personal growth, but also for the betterment of the collective.

In Sri Aurobindo's philosophy, the collective is seen as a larger and more complex manifestation of the individual consciousness. The collective is not just a sum of its individual parts, but a dynamic and evolving entity with its own consciousness. The collective consciousness is influenced by the thoughts, actions, and evolution of its individual members.

Sri Aurobindo believed that the ultimate goal of human evolution is to create a harmonious and integrated relationship between the individual and the collective. This can be achieved through the process of integral yoga, which involves the transformation of the individual consciousness and the collective consciousness.

Integral yoga is a path of self-discovery and self-transformation, where the individual strives to awaken and manifest their inner divine consciousness. Through this process, the individual can contribute to the evolution of the collective consciousness and help create a more harmonious and enlightened society.

Sri Aurobindo also emphasized the importance of collective evolution, where the collective consciousness evolves through the conscious efforts of its individual members. He believed that the evolution of the collective is not a passive process, but requires active participation and contribution from each individual.

In Sri Aurobindo's philosophy, the individual and the collective are not seen as opposing forces, but rather complementary aspects of the same reality. The individual's evolution is necessary for the evolution of the collective, and vice versa. The individual's growth and progress are not separate from the collective's growth and progress, but interconnected and interdependent.

In conclusion, Sri Aurobindo's philosophy presents a holistic and integrated view of the relationship between the individual and the collective. It emphasizes the importance of individual evolution for the betterment of the collective and highlights the interconnectedness and interdependence of these two aspects of reality. Through the practice of integral yoga, individuals can contribute to the evolution of the collective and create a more harmonious and enlightened society.