Sri Aurobindo's philosophy is an integral synthesis that interweaves ontology, epistemology, and pragmatism, making it difficult to pinpoint a single dominant framework. However, at its foundation, his work leans heavily toward ontology in its pursuit of understanding the nature of ultimate reality, followed by a unique epistemology rooted in spiritual experience, and a pragmatic application of these ideas for human life.
Ontology (The Study of Being)
Ontology is arguably the central pillar of Sri Aurobindo's philosophy. His primary work, The Life Divine, systematically details his "evolutionary ontology of consciousness".
- Brahman as Reality: He posits that the ultimate reality is Brahman (Sat-cit-ānanda: pure existence, consciousness, bliss), which is both transcendent and immanent in the world. He rejects illusionism (the idea that the world is an illusion) and affirms the reality of the material universe as a manifestation of the Divine Unity.
- Involution and Evolution: His entire metaphysical scheme is based on a double process of involution (the Spirit descending into Matter) and evolution (consciousness emerging from Matter and rising to higher levels). The goal of this evolution is the emergence of a higher, "supramental" consciousness, which is an ontological shift in being.
Epistemology (The Study of Knowledge)
Sri Aurobindo's epistemology serves to justify his metaphysical (ontological) framework. He acknowledges the validity of ordinary sense experience and reason but considers them limited sources of knowledge.
- Integral Knowledge: He advocates for an "integral knowledge" that encompasses all forms of experience, from sensory to super-conscious.
- Intuition and Experience: The key to true or "supramental" knowledge is not mere intellectual speculation but direct, non-sensuous, intuitive experience, which can be cultivated through spiritual practice (Integral Yoga). This spiritual experience provides a verification mechanism for the concepts of pure reason.
Pragmatism (The Study of Action and Utility)
While focused on ultimate reality and spiritual knowledge, Sri Aurobindo's philosophy is intensely practical and has a strong pragmatic dimension.
- Life Transformation: Unlike philosophies that emphasize withdrawal from the world, his "Integral Yoga" aims for the complete transformation of human life and nature on Earth, integrating spirituality into all aspects of existence.
- Social and Individual Change: His philosophy has practical implications for education, social reformation, and politics, aiming for the development of individuals and society to achieve a "divine life". His work is not merely speculative but is intended to be applied for "practical purposes" like human liberation and evolution.
In summary, all three aspects are present, but the ontological vision of an evolving, divine reality provides the foundation and ultimate goal, while the epistemology outlines the means to attain knowledge of this reality, and the pragmatism emphasizes the application of this knowledge to transform human existence. - GoogleAI
The Invisible Forces: Unveiling Hidden Influences on Decision Making
NK Maurya - 2025
… The philosopher Sri Aurobindo described it powerfully, stating that intuition “is as strong as Nature herself from whose very soul it has sprung and cares nothing for the contradictions of reason or the denials of experience”. It is a knowing that arises …
Carnets de Pondichéry V: Vivre parmi les fleurs.
M Ferrier - Revue des Deux Mondes, 2025
… English The article focuses on the experience of a writer and essayist in the ashram of Pondicherry, founded by Sri Aurobindo and Mirra … French L'article se concentre sur l'expérience d'un écrivain et essayiste dans l'ashram de Pondichéry …… essayist in the ashram of Pondicherry, founded by Sri Aurobindo and Mirra Alfassa in 1926. The ashram, which has evolved to accommodate … et essayiste dans l'ashram de Pondichéry, fondé par Sri Aurobindo et Mirra Alfassa en 1926. L'ashram …
[HTML] De Smet's Interpretation of Creation in Sankara
S Jose - Jnanodaya
This study explores the interpretation of creation in the philosophy of Sankara, as understood and elucidated by Richard V. De Smet, a renowned Jesuit scholar of Indian philosophy. The paper begins by surveying diverse historical perspectives on …
[PDF] Interconnection of Rigveda, Mandukya Upanishad and Yoga Sutra for Spiritual Growth
S Tallapaka - Rigvedic Himalaya, 2025
According to ancient principles of Sanatana (eternal) dharma, the four Purusharthas include Dharma (righteous), Artha (just means for acquiring wealth), Kama (fulfilling basic desires and needs of human life), and Moksha ie enlightenment, be one with …
From opposition to oversight: the Vishva Hindu Parishad and religious nationalism in post-2014 India
M Katju - Politics, Religion & Ideology, 2025
This paper examines the role of the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and its offshoot, the Bajrang Dal, as ostensible margdarshaks (moral guides) or gurus (teachers or counsels) attempting to guide the Indian government on political matters. The Hindu-nationalist …
Collated by Tusar Nath Mohapatra
