This activist and evolutionary vision is a distinct addition

[Arguments that Sri Aurobindo's philosophy cannot be considered entirely independent from Hinduism center on the deep influence of Hindu texts and concepts in his work, especially in his development of Integral Yoga. However, those who see his philosophy as independent point to his criticism of religious dogma and his belief that his path went beyond any single religion, including Hinduism. 

Arguments for viewing Sri Aurobindo as distinct from Hinduism

Rejection of conventional religion: Sri Aurobindo explicitly distinguished his path, Integral Yoga, from religion. While he acknowledged the role that religious practices could play for some, he insisted that his yoga was not a religion and was aimed at a universal spiritual truth beyond religious creeds.

Agnostic upbringing and varied spiritual engagement: Raised in England without exposure to Hinduism, Aurobindo was agnostic in his youth. His spiritual evolution involved drawing from a wide array of sources, incorporating Western philosophy alongside Hindu thought. His approach was not to revive one tradition but to synthesize multiple traditions.

Spiritual experience over dogma: Aurobindo's philosophy was founded on his own direct spiritual experiences, which began during his imprisonment in Alipore jail, not on adherence to traditional Hindu scripture. He viewed traditional Hindu texts like the Upanishads and the Gita as insights into eternal spiritual truths, but not as infallible dogma.

Critique of Hindu sectarianism: Aurobindo wrote critically about conventional and sectarian aspects of Hinduism, making a distinction between what he called "the Hinduism of the kitchen" (ritualistic, dogmatic) and a higher, truer spiritual Hinduism. He believed that true spirituality rises above religious theology and cultural conventions.

Integral vision beyond salvation: While Hinduism has various goals, including liberation (Moksha) from the cycle of rebirth, Aurobindo's Integral Yoga aimed for a transformative evolution of consciousness and the divinization of life on Earth, not an escape from it. This activist and evolutionary vision is a distinct addition to the spiritual landscape. 

Arguments for viewing Sri Aurobindo as part of Hinduism

Deep roots in Vedanta: Despite his unique synthesis, the foundations of Sri Aurobindo's thought are firmly embedded in Vedantic philosophy. Concepts like Brahman, Maya, Karma, and liberation are central to his work, but reinterpreted to serve his integral vision.

Interpretation of Hindu scriptures: His work includes extensive commentaries, such as on the Bhagavad Gita and the Upanishads, through which he drew out the spiritual essence of these texts and provided a path forward within their framework.

Reinterpretation of core Hindu concepts: His Integral Yoga can be viewed as a reinterpretation of classic Hindu yoga paths (Karma, Jnana, Bhakti) for a modern context, rather than a total rejection of them.

"Sanatana Dharma" and Indian nationalism: During his political career, Aurobindo referred to Indian nationalism in spiritual terms, connecting it to the eternal religion, Sanatana Dharma. While his views on this evolved, it remains a point of reference for those who see him as a Hindu revivalist.

Supreme Court ruling: A 1982 Supreme Court of India ruling found that the teachings of Sri Aurobindo represented a philosophy, not a religion, when determining the status of Auroville. However, this ruling did not address the ultimate origin or independence of that philosophy. 

Conclusion

The question of whether to see Sri Aurobindo as independent or as part of Hinduism is subject to interpretation. While his philosophy is deeply influenced by and engages critically with the Hindu tradition, his explicit rejection of religious dogma, his unique synthesis of Eastern and Western thought, and his distinct spiritual goals mark a significant departure. Whether one sees him as a revolutionary within Hinduism or as a founder of a new, independent spiritual path largely depends on which aspects of his complex legacy are emphasized.] - GoogleAI