Unfinished Agenda of Spirituality, Sri Aurobindo and the Indian Intelligentsia

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NEW TITLES
Matagiri has an extensive selection of books by Sri Aurobindo, The Mother and numerous disciples including Sri Aurobindo's major works and many rare and out-of print editions. We list a small selection here, including some new titles and audio cassettes. Please check back as we increase our selection. Please call or email for a specific title.
BOOKS
Awareness Through the Body: A way to enhance concentration, relaxation and self-knowledge in children and adultsby Aloka Marti and Joan Sala. 304 pp, 264 color photos, 7 ¼ x 9 ½ Published by SAIIER Price: $28.00 “infinitely graceful way of teaching is warm and uncluttered…”www.auroville.org/journals&media/books&cds/Body_awareness.htm
INDIA'S SPIRITUAL DESTINY: A way to enhance concentration, relaxation and self-knowledge in children and adults by Mangesh Nadkarni. Hard Cover 135 pp 6 x 9 Sri Aurobindo Society Price: $16.00 Collection of six lectures given by Dr. Nadkarni: “The Current Hindu Upsurge in Sri Aurobindo’s Light, Can India Ever Be Great Again?, “In Matter shall be lit the spirit’s glow”, Acting on the World: the Unfinished Agenda of Spirituality, Sri Aurobindo and the Indian Intelligentsia, Two Perspectives on Man and His Future.
DELIBERATIONS ON THE LIFE DIVINE:VOLUME ONE (BOOK I: CHAPTERS I-VI)CHAPTERWISE SUMMARY TALKS by ANANDA REDDY 187 pp 5.5 x 8.5 Sri Aurobindo Centre for Advanced ResearchPrice: $9.95This book is a transcribed edited version of talks delivered by the author on the first six chapters of Sri Aurobindo’s The Life Divine. Dr Reddy’s approach is to explain in the simplest of terms the main philosophical arguments presented by Sri Aurobindo.
Introduction to Integral Education:An Inspirational Guide By Sraddhalu Ranade 290 pp 5 ½ x 8 ½ Price: $19.00Based on teacher training programs on Integral Education conducted by the author all over India, it charts out the broad lines along which teachers, parents and schools can make a smooth transition into the new educational paradigm.
Integral Education by Partho HB 306 pp 5 ¾ x 9 Published by Sri Aurobindo Society, Pondicherry Price: $26.95Based on his own practice as a teacher and teacher educator, the author describes the characteristics of an integral teacher and an integral learning environment and how these differ, in essence and in detail, from the current mode of education generally followed in the modern world.
Death, Dying and Beyond by Dr. Alok Pandey 327 pp 5 ½ x 8 ¾ Sri Aurobindo Inst of Research in Social SciencesPrice: $16.95In this book the author examines the complex questions on the nature of death, and follows Sri Aurobindo's deeper vision behind the veil of death to find the answers to some of the most perplexing ethical and existential problems.
Alchemy of the Soul Integral Healing: The Work of Psychology and Spirituality by Arya Maloney 200 pp., 5.5 x 8.5, paperback, Blue Dolphin PublishingPrice: $17.95"Arya Maloney updates the basis and practice of transpersonal psychology by using the spiritual principles of India's masters and the transformational alchemy inherent in his clients' processes. His work is both enlightening and informative." - Arnold Mindell
Integral Psychology Yoga, Growth, and Opening the Heart SUNY Series in Transpersonal and Humanistic Psychologyby Brant Cortright 232 pp SUNY Press 8.8 x 5.9 Price: $21.95 It's a pleasure to read someone who is so steeped in an Eastern approach, and who can relate it to contemporary psychological, clinical issues. For example, whole chapters link behavior change therapy to karma yoga, mindfulness to jnana yoga, and heart-opening to bhakti yoga. In these and other chapters, sometimes with clinical examples, Dr. Cortright demonstrates his superior integration of Aurobindo's original theory, his own adaptations, and his use of such understanding in psychotherapy. – Jeff Shapiro, Amazon review
Yoga Psychology and the Transformation of Consciousness Seeing Through the Eyes of Infinity
by Don Salmon and Jan Maslow 440 pp, Index, Notes, Bibliography, Audio CD with Various Breathing Exercises, Contemplative Exercises, And Reflective Meditations, 6 x 9"Price: $19.95" The human future depends on a spreading awakening to a spiritual reality that Western cultures have been prone to deny. Salmon and Maslow bring together ancient Eastern spiritual teachings with the most advanced of Western science to help us penetrate the illusions of culture, helping us not only to understand the nature of spirituality, but even more, to experience it. A profoundly important book."—David C. Korten, Ph.D., board chair YES! magazine and author The Great Turning: From Empire to Earth Community
Hitler and His God by Georges Van Vrekhem, Rupa & Co. 6 x 9 index 700 pp.Price: $28.00
Hitler remains an enigma in spite of everything that has been written abouthim. Historians confess their perplexity openly. How was it possible that anunknown, solitary and futureless front-soldier in 1918 became some yearslater the Leader and Messiah of the German people?
To explain the foundations of a people who made Hitler possible, Van Vrekhemundertakes, in the book's second part, a deep-probing analysis of thehistorical background.
All this brings Van Vrekhem to his central theme: Hitler's possession by the"god" who inspired him, guided him, brought him to power -- and dropped himwhen no longer needed. This leads the author, in the third part of the book,to the unexpected but well-documented role of Sri Aurobindo in the actionagainst Hitler before and during the Second World War.

OVERMAN The Intermediary Between The Human Being & The Supramental Being by Georges Van Vrekhem 189 pp. quality paperback Price: $12.00"As man arose out of animal, so out of man superman shall come," said Sri Aurobindo. Overman is a metaphysical book which dwells upon the evolutionary vision of Sri Aurobindo and Mother and in particular her concept of "surhomme" as a transitional being, the Overman.

THE ESSENTIAL AUROBINDO edited by Robert McDermott 288 pages, paperback 6 x 9 1 / 4 Price: $18.95 Lindisfarne Press has released The Essential Aurobindo in a new edition. Edited by Robert McDermott, philosopher and former President of the California Institute for Integral Studies. He has written an interesting afterward since the Shocken edition. Highly recommended as an introduction to Sri Aurobindo, the Mother and Auroville. Ask your local bookstore to carry at least this book.

THE SAVITRI LEGEND by Savitra with a forward by Robert A. Johnson 224 pp paper Price: $17.95The book left me in a golden haze. I believe it will touch the hearts and speak to the souls of those sincerely seeking to make sense of themselves and these terribly trying times. - Robert A. JohnsonThe Savitri Legend...a unique and potent insight probing into the very terms of our present mortality and future of the body... - Michael Murphy, cofounder of Esalen Institute, author of Golf and the Kingdom and The Future of the Body
The Savitri Legend is a masterpiece of spiritual adventure. Beautifully and intricately crafted, calling forth the rich kaleidoscope of sound, sight and psyche that is India, it is also a weaving of the strangely interconnected lives of those who would find the soul's true purpose. Gods and humans, myth and mystery are the matter of this compelling work. We are reminded that each of us is living a part of a Greater Life, reflecting ancient myths in modern themes. Indeed, the reader is set forth on a spiritual journey of her own following the brilliant path of the Savitri legend as it unfolds in us today. This is a work to be savored as much for its luminous writing as it is for its spiritual power. - Jean Houston, Author of A Mythic Life Other books by Savitra: Auroville, The First Six Years (out of print) Auroville, Sun Word Rising

THE FATE OF TIBET by Claude Arpiforward by the Dalai Lama 432 pp hardboundPrice: $24.00This book is an in-depth study of the origins of the fate of a nation. The newly formed United Nations granted recognition as 'nation-state' to a number of small political groupings with no past and no previous historical existence, yet a two-thousand year old nation-culture was, almost without an international whimper, completely erased from the map of Asia. Friendship at any cost with China led India to the very brink of war in 1962. Nehru, the idealist, realized the blunder too late and personally never recovered from the blow. The one person who could have rewritten this script, Sardar Patel, died in December 1950.Fifty years later, this 'friendship' with China remains elusive. Claude begins from the time Buddhism was introduced in Tibet and studies the evolution of the Priest-Patron Relationship with the Mongol Khans and later the Manchu Dynasty. He observes the effect of the British Empire with its expansionist policies and its rivalry with the Russians. He looks at the conservative attitude of the Tibetan clergy that blocked all the efforts for modernization by the Thirteenth Dalai Lama, who in his prophetic Testament, warned his people of the impending avalanche: "and long and dark shall be the night". URGENT REQUESTThe Pavilion of Tibetan Culture is the first building to go up in the International Zone of Auroville since Bharat Nivas, the Indian Pavilion. H.H. the Dalai Lama laid the foundation stone and already a monk- practitioner of Tibetan medicine is coming to run a monthly clinic for Aurovilians, the first of numerous activities to take place there. But funds are urgently needed to complete the first phase. Please send your donations to directly to Auroville or to AVI USA, P O Box 1534, Lodi, CA 95241-1534. Please make your checks payable to AVI-USA with a note mentioning the Pavilion of Tibetan Culture. Or on line at aviusa.org

BEYOND THE HUMAN SPECIES (Paragon House, 1998) by Georges Van Vrekhem Forward by Dr. Karan Singh. 548 pp, including six pages of photos and extensive references. Price: $34.95 for Indian HarperCollins edition $18.00 for paperback edition Many consider this to be the most important book on Sri Aurobindo and the Mother to be published in the West since The Adventure of Consciousness. Includes interesting historical, philosophical and spiritual perspectives combined with thorough research from the source material including Mother's Agenda.

THE BHAGAVAD GITA translation and commentary by Sri Aurobindo 469 pp paper Includes Sanskrit verses, English translation and extensive commentary primarily from Essays on the Gita, along with Appendix and References. Price: $17.95The argument of the Gita resolves itself into three great steps by which action rises out of the human into the divine plane leaving the bondage of the lower for the liberty of a higher law. First, by the renunciation of desire and a perfect equality works have to be done as a sacrifice by man as the doer, a sacrifice to a deity who is the supreme and only Self though by him not yet realized in his own being. This is the initial step. Secondly, not only the desire of the fruit, but the claim to be the doer of works has to be renounced in the realization of Self as the equal, the inactive, the immutable principle and of all works as simply the operation of universal Force, of the Nature-Soul, Prakriti, the unequal, active, mutable power. Lastly, the supreme Self has to be seen as the supreme Purusha governing this Prakriti, of whom the soul in Nature is a partial manifestation, by whom all works are directed in a perfect transcendence, through Nature. To Him love and adoration and the sacrifice of works have to be offered; the whole being has to be surrendered to Him and the whole consciousness raised up to dwell in this divine consciousness so that the human soul may share in His divine transcendence of Nature and of His works and act in a perfect spiritual liberty.

THE INTEGRAL YOGA Sri Aurobindo's Teaching and Method of Practice Collected Letters of Sri Aurobindo 401 pp. paper Includes Notes, Glossary of Names and Terms Price: $18.00An excellent introduction to Sri Aurobindo's thought with excerpts of letters to disciples. Topics include "The Integral Yoga and Other Systems of Yoga and Philosophy", "Planes of Consciousness and Parts of the Being", "Experiences and Realizations", "Difficulties in Transforming the Nature" and much more.

ESSENTIAL WRITINGS OF SRI AUROBINDO edited by Peter Heehs 388 pp. paperIncludes Preface, Introduction, Notes, Appendix, Further Reading, Chronology, Glossary Price: $26.00An excellent compilation of Sri Aurobindo's writing divided into six parts: Nationalism and Beyond, The Indian Tradition and the Future, The Individual - Society - Humanity, The Evolution of Consciousness, Yoga and Life, Poetry of the Spirit. All excerpts are introduced and all selections are complete pieces (essays, letters or poems) or main divisions of longer works.

FLOWERS AND THEIR MESSAGES by The Mother 309 pp paper Black and White pen and ink illustrations, one color plateIncludes References, Glossary of Flowers Price: $19.95 Contains more than 800 flowers arranged alphabetically by botanical name with significances given by the Mother and many quotes from Sri Aurobindo. Alphabetical indexes of common names and spiritual names are listed at the back for easy reference.

MIND OF THE CELLS by Satprem 231 pp paper Price: $14.00 Could it be that life's raw material, the cell, conceals a power of consciousness of a "vibratory mode" that would make obsolete all our cerebral means and our dead-end devices? A "mind of the cells" that will open up new energy sources to us, new means of communication, a new power to handle Matter: a new biology and new consciousness that will enable us to meet the challenge of a species on its way to self-destruction. -Satprem Culled from his extensive conversations with The Mother, as chronicled in the 13 volume Agenda, Satprem documents the progress of her inner journey, her own yoga of the body. Numerous quotes from the Agenda are referenced throughout the book.
AUDIO CASSETTES

THE OVERMENTAL BEING 90 minutes Price: $10.00A most interesting talk, by Georges Van Vrekhem, given at the All USA meeting 2000, and the basis for his new book in progress. Highly recommended.

THREE TALKS ON SAVITRI (The Book of Fate) 90 minute cassettes Price: set $27 plus $3 S&HProf. Mangesh Nadkarni has been one of the outstanding lecturers on Sri Aurobindo's epic poem, Savitri. He has conducted week long intensives all over the world, especially during the Darshans in Pondicherry. We have hosted him a number of times at Matagiri and had him as one of our principal speakers at our All USA meeting in Connecticut in the summer of 2000. We are delighted to present his series of talks given at Matagiri on "The Book of Fate" where he gives a basic introduction to Savitri.
INCENSE
SRI AUROBINDO ASHRAM INCENSE Manufactured by Cottage Industries at the Sri Aurobindo AshramPrice: $1.50 per packet 10 packet minimum, $4.00 S&H for any quantityNEW SCENTS: FRANKINCENSE, MYRRH, NAGCHAMPA now join Amber, Jasmine, Ketaki, Mattipal, Musk, Patchouli, Rose, Sandalwood
ORDER INFORMATION
Please send your check payable to "Pondicherry" or mail, fax or email your credit card information to:Pondicherry, PO Box 676, Woodstock NY 12498 Phone: 845-679-2926 Email: info@matagiri.org Please include $3 for the first title and $1 for each additional title. Please email for international rates. New York State residents please add sales tax and mention your county.
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The voice and words of Dr. Reddy transported with great clarity the knowledge of his insearch and research

News Archive Back to the Main Page First International Seminar At Van Nivas - Nainital
Deepshikha Reddy

The calm and serene atmosphere of the Himalayan Ashram of Van Nivas turned vibrant once again with our International Camp held from 1st to 9th October, 2006, with 20 participants from Europe and 21 of us from India. Primarily it was a study camp on Savitri along with all the associated joyful activities that such camps provide us with.

First and foremost let me acknowledge that Van Nivas, thanks to Taradi and her team of helpers, has become both an inviting and a welcoming place for all who visit it. Let me also emphasise at this point that the inconspicuous presence and assistance of Nalinji was very significant in our stay for his benign humility added great warmth to those crispy and chill days.

On the intellectual level, the profound deliberations by Dr. Ananda Reddy on the four aspects of Savitri as defined by the Mother in general:
The daily record of the spiritual experiences of the Author,
A complete system of Integral Yoga…
The yoga of the earth…
The yoga of the Avatar…

were a painstaking research work on the subject presented for the first time by any scholar. He did take support of other Aurobindonean scholars in his study, but he incorporated them with his own deep study and with the words, experiences and realizations of the Mother and Sri Aurobindo. All the explanations were supported by corresponding lines from Savitri. It was indeed a week long yajna that evoked deep gratitude and love for the Divine. In his last talks, specially, some of us felt very concretely the higher aspects of the Mother, aspects that are hidden behind the beauteous veil of Sweet Mother.

The atmosphere of these deliberations was often so charged with Their presence that some participants suggested that the first morning session conducted by Dr Reddy should have been followed by a brief spell of meditation for the talks had taken them too deep or too high and they needed a break before doing anything else. The voice and words of Dr. Reddy transported with great clarity the knowledge of his insearch and research. Interestingly, we, the audience, felt that something or someone seated within each of us was also experiencing that supremely high and unique content of Savitri.

Dr. Ramesh Bijlani brought us back to the earth with his detailed discussions on the life-issues and their solutions mostly in the light of Patanjali yoga. He also discussed the methods of meditation and its effect as well as topics like what is true health and how to keep oneself integrally fit and happy. Both the facilitators conducted group activities in the night sessions which brought in a great collective fervour in the camp. They were greatly appreciated by the participants for it was at the same time a living experience of unity.

On the physical level, Sankaran and Deepshikha, conducted yogasanas and Pranayama sessions in the early mornings which proved to be beneficial. We also greatly enjoyed the long and short treks led by Sankaran and Nandakumar. The Kainchi trek of 12 km. was of course the peak-experience that was much enjoyed by the young in mind and body!

Of course all this enjoyment could not have been possible without the excellent food that was provided under the supervision of Anubhabi. On the spiritual level, the activity that made the evenings very prayerful and meditative was the learning of Mantra chantings conducted by Deepshikha. This hour of chantings and invocations invocations prepared everyone for the deep meditations that followed.

After this daily routine for seven days, we had, on the last evening, a cultural programme presented by six nations from Europe and six states of India. The songs and the dances were so very thrilling and perfect that we wondered if the participants were not professionals!

On the last day, the 9th of October, all the participants were taken for a whole day tour of the nearby Himalayan valleys and hills surrounding Bhavali, Mukteshwar, Ramgarh, / Madhuban. We all enjoyed the experience of driving through other small sleepy little villages nestled in the bosom of the huge green and lush mountain ranges at the foot of the Himalayas.

On the whole what came home to us, apart from the wonderful knowledge through the study of Savitri, was the learning process on every level, especially on the level of human relations.. A very sweet relationship of harmony and joy was established between the European and the Indian participants. A long bond of friendship among us all is now there to stay and we shall cherish it fondly for long many years to come. Sri Aurobindo Darshan: The University of Tomorrow

29 March - The Mother's First Arrival at Puducherry

News from Puducherry (formerly Pondicherry)
Upcoming Events
29 March - The Mother's First Arrival at Puducherry
The Mother in Japan
The Mother came to Puducherry on 29 March 1914 and met Sri Aurobindo for the first time. The Mother, after Her first meeting with Sri Aurobindo, wrote in Her diary:
It matters little that there are thousands of beings plunged in the densest ignorance, He whom we saw yesterday is on earth; his presence is enough to prove that a day will come when darkness shall be transformed into light, and Thy reign shall be indeed established upon earth.
The day, 29 March 1914, was also the beginning of what has now grown into the Sri Aurobindo Ashram and a worldwide spiritual movement.
There will be a collective meditation at 7:45 pm in the Ashram playground on this day.
Recent Events
130th Birth Anniversary of the Mother - 21 February 2008
The Mother's 130th birth anniversary was observed on 21 February 2008 at the Ashram with a collective meditation around the Samadhi from 6:00 to 6:30 am. The devotees visited the Mother's and Sri Aurobindo's rooms from 4:30 am to 6 pm. In the evening, there was a march-past in the playground with the Vande Mataram song played by the Ashram band. This was followed by collective meditation.
'Golden Day' - Anniversary of the Supramental Manifestation - 29 February 2008
The year 2008 is the year of the 13th leap-year anniversary of the Supramental Manifestation which took place on 29th February 1956. Sri Aurobindo and the Mother's rooms were open for darshan for devotees on that day.
All India Youth Camp for National Integration - 8 to 16 January 2008
The annual All India Youth Camp for National Integration was organised by the Society at Pondicherry from 8 to 16 January 2008. The Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), New Delhi, sponsored the entire Camp. 50 youths (30 girls and 20 boys) in the age group of 16-25 yrs. from 14 States of India participated. The full report is available here in PDF format.
Study Camp by Dr. Alok Pandey on 'Savitri' - February 2008
The Savitri Study Sessions, conducted by Dr. Alok Pandey, were held at the Beach Office Hall, Puducherry, from 22-27 February and 1-2 March 2008. The Talks were regularly attended by about 200 devotees from all over the country.
Visit by Yogasana Students from Mumbai - 16 to 20 December 2007
Shri Sraddhalu, speaking to the Yogasana students
From 16 to 20 December 2007, a group of 15 yogasana students with their teacher Ms. Anahita Sanjana, came to Puducherry for a visit. Various sessions were arranged for them. Shivakumar welcomed them and gave an introduction to the Ashram and the work of inner preparation needed to take up the Integral Yoga. Shri Sraddhalu held a half day interactive session with them where the fundamentals of sadhana were discussed. Dr. Sampad explained to them the beauty and wonder of the Sanskrit language. The group also visited several departments of the Ashram and visited Auroville also.
Visit by the Students of J.B. Petit High School, Mumbai - 3 to 6 January 2008
From 3 to 6 January 2008, a 4-day Camp was organised by Sri Aurobindo Society for the students of J. B. Petit High School, Mumbai. 31 girls studying in 9th and 10th Standard of the school, accompanied by 10 staff of the school, came to Puducherry for the Camp. These girls are students of Yoga (optional subject provided by ICSE Board) and the Camp was organised in collaboration with the Yoga teacher of the school Ms. Anahita Sanjana. The sessions were mainly conducted in the morning from 10:00 am to 11:45 am and in the afternoon from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm. During these sessions, the students had the opportunity of interacting with Prof. Kittu Reddy, Dr. Sampadananda Mishra, Shri Sraddhalu and Shri Vijaybhai.
Some Special Days in March 20087 March - Maha-Shivaratri
Lord Shiva
Maha-Shivaratri - "Lord Maha-Shiva's Night" - this year falls on 7th of March. The sacred day is usually observed with a feast and a night of strict vigil in which devotees keep awake by engaging in various spiritual practices. Sri Aurobindo has said about Lord Shiva:
"Shiva is the Lord of Tapas." "…Mahashiva means a greater manifestation than that ordinarily worshipped as Shiva-the creative dance of a greater Divine manifesting Power."
21 March - Holi
Holi or Holikotsava, one of the most colourful of Hindu festivals, is celebrated on 21st of March this year. According to some legends, Holi was instituted to commemorate the killing of Holika, a female demon, by fire, when she tried to kill Prahlada, a great child devotee of Lord Vishnu.
It is also a Spring festival, celebrated over two days. On the evening of the first day, bonfires are lit, usually in a public place, to re-enact the scene of cremation of the she-demon Putana who was sent to kill the baby Krishna. On the second day people throw coloured powder and water at each other in gay merry-making. The first day is the Holi proper, and the second day is called Dhuleti or Rangapanchami (ranga - colour, panchami - fifth day). Ranga-panchami was originally the fifth day as the festival was earlier spread over five days and was celebrated till the fifth day of that fortnight.
News from Branches and Centres
News from Abroad
Nairobi
Nairobi Centre of Sri Aurobindo Society presented forty sets of booklets in twelve different titles to Securex Ltd., on 11 January 2008 at Sri Aurobindo Bhavan, Riverside Drive. The marketing manager of Securex Ltd. received the booklets on behalf of the company.
News from India
Surat (Gujarat) - Installation of Relics and Centenary Celebrations of Sri Aurobindo's Visit to Surat
Savitaben, carrying the relics for installation
The enshrinement of the holy Relics of Sri Aurobindo and the centenary celebrations of Sri Aurobindo's visit to Surat took place at the Surat branch on 25 and 26 December 2007.
Centenary Celebrations of Sri Aurobindo's visit to Surat were organised on a large scale and on all India level, on 24, 25 and 26 of December 2007. About 200 active workers from 50 different Centres and Branches from of India and about 200 devotees from Surat participated in the event. In the town hall in the evening the audience numbered to about 600.
The devotees at the Installation ceremony at Surat
24 Dec. '07: Holy Relics of Sri Aurobindo were received with full dignity at the Surat Branch. There was meditation with the Ashram music and then the members of the Branch chanted Sri Aravindopanishad in Sanskrit.
The Surat Centre
25 Dec. '07: In the morning all gathered at the Centre and the Relics were enshrined in complete silence, collectively by Shri Vijaybhai, Tara-didi, Shri Manoj Das and Shri Aniruddha Smart. There was collective meditation with Ashram music before and after enshrinement.
Shri Manoj Das, speaking to the audience about Sri Aurobindo's historic visit to Surat
After the enshrinement all went to the "French Garden" area, the place where the historic Annual Convention of the Indian National Congress was held 100 years ago and for which Sri Aurobindo had specially come to Surat. Shri Manoj Das (Puducherry) and Shri Vijaybhai (Puducherry) addressed the audience and transported everyone back into the history. There was collective singing of Vande Mataram, led by Shri Mohanbhai Mistri (Puducherry).
In the evening in the town hall Shri Vijaybhai (Puducherry) was the main speaker and talked on Resurgent India. Shri Manoj Das talked on "Indian Spirit and the World Today".
26 Dec. '07: Delegates' Conference was held in the morning and the topic was "Our Work Ahead". Shri S. C. Tyagi (Saharanpur), Shri Sharad Joshi (Vadodara), Shri Thiruvenkatam (Coimbatore), Shri Kireet Thakkar (Vadodara), Shri J. P. Sing (Sultanpur) expressed their ideas. Shri Vijay K Poddar (Delhi), Shri Hanskumar Mankad (Vadodara), Shri Ajit Sabnis (Bangalore) and Shri Vijaybhai (Puducherry) Summed up and concluded.
Visit to a diamond factory of a devotee was arranged in the afternoon. Sri Aurobindo's full life size statue (same as that of the Parliament House) is installed at the factory and there is also a beautiful meditation hall where full size oil painted portraits of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother are installed. There was collective meditation in the meditation hall.
In the evening in the town hall Shri Manoj Das (Puducherry) was the main speaker. He talked on "Sri Aurobindo in Surat". Shri Aniruddha Smart gave a talk on "The Eternal Religion". A book titled "Sri Aurobindo in Surat" was released and introduced by the author Ms. Hiranmayi Smart (Surat). The function concluded with a dramatic recreation of "Sri Aurobindo in Surat" in Gujarati, managed by Shri Hitesh Jariwala and directed-acted by Shri Shailendra Vadnere and group.
Dhari (Gujarat)
The enshrinement of the sacred Relics of Sri Aurobindo took place at the Dhari branch on 13 Jan 2008, at 9.00 a.m. The Mother's flag was hoisted. Sadhaks and devotees from various Centres and Branches were warmly welcomed by the "Unmilan" Parivar. Prof. Jyotiben Thanki gave talk regarding "Relics and its importance". Other guest speakers also addressed the gathering. The Gujarati version of Chapter 5 of "The Mother" in Sundarm-ji's recorded voice was played. The Relics were taken from meditation hall with great respect and honour to the shrine unit. At about 11 am the Relics were enshrined in the newly constructed shrine by Sri Hanskumar Mankad, the Chairman of the Sri Aurobindo Society - Vadodara. During the ceremony, the Mother's organ music was played. All the Sadhaks and devotees present offered flowers and Pranam to the sacred relics. All took Bhojan-Prasad with great joy at lunch break.
In the evening Prof. Jyotiben Thanki gave a second talk, on "Sri Aurobindo's Purna Yoga". The ceremony ended with prayer and meditation and there was " Dhwaj avataran". This was indeed a great golden historical moment for Dhari branch and for this whole area.
Amravati (Maharashtra) - Centenary of Amravati Aagman
Sri Aurobindo Society, Amravati Branch, celebrated the centenary of Sri Aurobindo Aagaman Diwas on 27th, 28th and 29th of January 2008. Sri Aurobindo visited this place during his Maharashtra tour and delivered his inspiring speech on the topic "Vande Mataram" on 28th January 1908.
Lighting of Lamp by Smt. Mandatai Gandhe
The opening session started at 9:30 am on 27 Jan. 2008 with traditional Lamp lighting by Shri Kaivalya Smart from Surat and Mandatai Gandhe from Amravati. Meditation and talks followed.
Shri Kaivalyabhai, speaking on the occasion
The Second session was held at Vidya Bharati college, amphitheatre in the form of workshop for personality development. Shri Kaivalyabhai's address and guidance to the young participants was a novel experience for all who were present in the hall. Third session was a feast of musical programmes, rendered by Surmani Prof. Kamaltai Bhande, HoD, Music Dept. of Mahila Mahavidyalaya.
The second day of the celebrations began with the Sanskrit stavan sung by Mira Ganorkar and talks by various speakers followed. In the afternoon all the participants visited the place where Sri Aurobindo's speech was delivered 100 year's ago. The place is now known as Joshi Hall. 'Vande Mataram' cassette sung by sadhaks of Puducherry was played there and about 40 people meditated.
A view of the audience
Celebrations concluded at Sri Aurobindo Yoga Center, Gadgenagar, Amravati, where a full day's programme was organised. In the morning the function started with hoisting of Mother's flag. Prof. Uttara Huddar (Nagpur), Dr. Sarla Nagraj (Amravati) and Shri Kaivalyabhai (Surat) spoke on different aspects of Sri Aurobindo's philosophy, Divya Jivan and Supramental Yoga. Delegates from the Centre of Vidarbha region such as Walgaon, Chandur Railway, Narkhed, Moshi, Yeotmal, Wardha, Bhatkuli, Nagpur and Nashik also attended the session.
Noida (U.P.) - February 2008 Programmes
Programme of devotional songs and bhajans
5 Feb. 2008: A programme of Devotional Songs and Bhajans by Shri Ajoy Chakraborty and Mrs. Kuntala Dasgupta was held at Sri Aurobindo Bhavan on 5th February 2008 from 6:00 to 7:30 pm. The Programme started with Prayers to the Mother. Mrs. Kuntala Dasgupta sang Bhajans on the Mother and Sri Aurobindo. About 40 devotees and their families participated in the programme.
21 Feb. 2008: The Mother's 130th Birth Anniversary was celebrated at Sri Aurobindo Bhavan, Noida, by organising Collective Meditation from 7 to 7:30 pm. About 35 devotees and their families attended the Collective Meditation. In the morning, free stationary and sweets were distributed to the students of the school being run by Sri Aurobindo Society, Noida Branch.
Discourses
Shri O.P.Dani, Cahirman Noida Branch welcoming the dignitaries. On the dais : Prof. Sidheswar Prasad, Former Governor of Tripura; Shri Vishwa Mohan Tiwari (AVM Retd.); Shri T.N. Chaturvedi, Former Governor of Karnataka; and Shri S.C. Gupta, Jt. Secretary, Noida Branch.
A view of the audience
9 Feb. 2008, 5:30 to7:30 pm: Shri Vishwa Mohan Tiwari, Air Vice Marshal (Retd.), gave a talk on 'India of 21st Century - Challenges of Old Age' followed by Question - Answer session at Sri Aurobindo Bhavan, Noida. Shri Tiwari made references to Sri Aurobindo's teachings in this context. Shri T.N. Chaturvedi, Former Governor of Karnataka & Prof. Sidheswar Prasad, Former Governor of Tripura also graced the occasion. The talk was attended by about 50 persons.
22 to 24 Feb. 2008: As in the last year, the Noida Branch participated in a 3-day Flower Show organised by NOIDA Authority jointly with Floriculture Society of Noida. The theme of the Noida Branch Stall was 'Spiritual Significance Of Flowers' (Phoolon Kaa Aadhyaatmik Mahatva). The Video CD of Sri Aurobindo Society on Spiritual Significance of Flowers was continuously played on Television which was installed at the Stall.
The Stall had products of Ashram for sale e.g. various books, agarbatties, CDs, cassettes etc. which were bought by the visitors. About 2,250 copies of booklets on the Mother and Sri Aurobindo were distributed to the visitors. About 5,000 people visited the Stall and many of them evinced their interest to participate in the future activities of Sri Aurobindo Society.
Education Sri Aurobindo Shiksha Niketan: 11 Feb. 2008: The students of Sri Aurobindo Shiksha Niketan participated in the Play - 'Aisa Bhee Hota Hai' organised by Lioness Club, Noida, at KRIBHCO Auditorium. The children enjoyed the same very much.
7, 14 & 21 Feb. 2008: On every Thursdays in February 2008, Shri Vishwa Mohan Tiwari, Air Vice Marshal (retd.) and Dr. Keshav Rattan came to Sri Aurobindo Bhavan and interacted for two hours with the children of Sri Aurobindo Shiksha Niketan. Poems, stories, good manners and discipline are taught to children. Impact of their visit is being felt on the behaviour of the children. The visiting dignitaries along with the children also visited the Holy Shrine and paid tributes to the Mother and Sri Aurobindo.
HealthFree Eye Check-up/Consultation on every Sunday at Sri Aurobindo Bhavan: Free Eye Check-up/ Consultation on every Sunday for two hours from 11 am to 1 pm by Dr. P.S. Chauhan, Eye Specialist and Project Director, National Blindness Control Programe, Govt. of India, at Sri Aurobindo Bhavan, Noida, is going on very well. In the month of February '08, thirty one individuals got benefited by the above.
Treatment by Acupressure Therapy & Third Acupressure Therapy Training Camp: Acupressure Treatment for two hours daily from Monday to Friday by Mrs. Sudha Kesharwani at Sri Aurobindo Bhavan is going on well. While giving treatment, she is also using the relevant quotations of the Mother and Sri Aurobindo, and the persons coming for acupressure treatment are evincing keen interest in them. The third Acupressure Therapy Training Camp by Mrs. Sudha Kesharwani, Acupressure Therapist, in association with 'Acupressure Shodh, Prashikshan Evam Upachar Sansthan, Allahabad' is scheduled at Sri Aurobindo Bhavan, Noida, from 10 to 14 March 2008. Development of Women: Agarbatties, Candle, Chalk and Toys Making Classes: Agarbatties, Candle, Chalk and Toys Making Classes at Sri Aurobindo Bhavan are going on well and currently about 20 girls are learning these activities. Sewing & Tailoring Classes: Sewing & Tailoring Classes are being conducted daily from Monday to Friday at Sri Aurobindo Bhavan by Smt. Jaya Nigam and currently about twenty ladies/girls are learning the same. Other Activities: Besides above, regular activities of Meditation with the Mother's music daily in the morning and evening, library, Playing of spiritual audio-video CDs etc. are being held regularly. 'Savitri' is being read daily at Sri Aurobindo Bhavan from 5 to 5:30 pm.
New Delhi Branch
The participants of the drawing activity programme
The 130th Birth Anniversary of the Mother was celebrated by holding a Drawing Activity programme for school children between the age group 4-12 at Delhi branch on 21 February 2008. Letters of invitation were sent to 80 schools. 200 students participated, including children from Delhi Public School, Blue Bells Public school, Army Public school, Kendriya Vidayala and APJ School.
The three topics were given on the spot: "Love", "Earth" and "My Dream" Ms. Nandita Bose of Navakriti School run by the New Delhi Branch of Sri Aurobindo Society explained the topics and their endeavour to try and draw out the inner being of children to explore creativity.
Mr. Jatin Das, Ms. Bulbul Sharma, Ms. Lily Raina, Mrs. Shanta Sarabjit, all eminent persons from the field of art, were the judges on the occasion. Cash prizes and art material were given to the winners. Mrs. Meera Juneja introduced the guests and spoke on the occasion. The judges distributed the prizes. Mr. Ranjit Puri, Chairman of Delhi Branch, gave the vote of thanks.
The event received an overwhelming response.
Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh)
12 Jan. 2008: Sri Aurobindo society Bhopal organised a seminar in Barkatullah university Bhopal. The subject was "Bhartiya Sanskriti Aur Bharat Ki Niyati". Shri Manoj Sharma was the keynote speaker. Shri D.N. Sharma and Shri R.J. Mourya also spoke on the occasion. Dr Sadhana Dauneria, Head of the Dept. (Yoga), conducted the function. A large number of students and staff members attended the program.
29 Feb. 2008, The Golden Day celebrations: The Bhopal branch organised different programs on the occasion of Golden day.
Talks on Nayi Chetna (New Consciousness): Program began with rendering of the national song Vande mataram. English translation done by Sri Aurobindo was read by Smt. Nalini Patel, Principal of Sri Aurobindo School, Bhopal. Shri K.D. Mishra, member Sahkari Commission, and Shri D.P. Sharma, Ex-Vice Chancellor of Tirupathi University, spoke on the occasion. Shri Satish chitwar read out a few poems of Sri Aurobindo. Dr D.N. Joshi explained the various aspects of "Poorna Yoga". Shri Manoj Sharma spoke about "Atimanasik Chetna".
Program ended with Bhajans sung by Smt.Niharika Agrawal and her group.
Siliguri (West Bengal)
The Siliguri Branch celebrated the 8th anniversary of the enshrinement of Sri Aurobindo's holy Relics on 9 January 2008. The celebrations started by hoisting the Mother's flag followed by invocation and meditation around the Shrine. Dr. K.D. Sengupta spoke on "The Political ideal of Sri Aurobindo" and Dr. Usha Ranjan spoke on "Sri Aurobindo on Divine and Undivine". The function ended with distribution of Prasad.
Chennai (Tamil Nadu)
About 900 people attended the collective meditation at the branch on 1 January 2008.
The Chennai branch conducted the following lectures during the month of January 2008.
Date Name of the speaker Subject01.01.2008 Shri M.K. Ramaswamy "The Inscription on the Samadhi"06.01.2008 Shri N. Rajagopal "The Spiritual Significance of 24 Nov. & 5 Dec."13.01.2008 Shri S. Venkat "Deathless Rose (contd.)"20.01.2008 Shri M.K. Ramaswamy "Our Relationships and the Mother"27.01.2008 Shri Janagan "Sparks and Sprincles"
Tirupati (A.P.)
The Tirupati Branch organised a meeting in collaboration with the Chittoor District Yoga Association on 10 January 2008 at the Sri Aurobindo Vidyalaya, Tirupati. Shri M. Balarama Reddy presided over the meeting. The key-note speaker was Sri Venu Bhagavan, founder, V. Build Training Services, Hyderabad. He spoke on "Vyaktitva Vidasa Prerana - Encouragement of Personality Development", in Telugu. After the speech, Shri Venu Bhagavan was presented with Sri Aurobindo's book "Synthesis of Yoga".

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Lecture on Sri Aurobindo and Ancient Greece

Thursday, 06 Mar
Golden Moments : Photos by Lalit Verma ::: Sri Aurobindo Auditorium Foyer: Ground and First Floor ::: Thu ::: 11:00 AM
Exhibition: ‘South Calcutta Artists’ Academy’ ::: Aurelec Cafeteria & Art Gallery (until 16 March) ::: Thu ::: 8:00 AM
INFINITE MATTER : Group show by Auroville Artists ::: Gallery Square Circle : Kala Kendra (until March 2) ::: Thu ::: 11:00 AM
Exhibition of Urban Architecture ::: Town Hall (until March 15) ::: Thu ::: 11:00 AM
Exhibition: "The Blue Invasion" ::: Pitanga (until 12 March) ::: Thu ::: 8:00 AM
Pottery Poetry ::: Pavilion of Tibetan Culture until 10 March) ::: Sat ::: 4:00 PM
Workshops and performances of GONG MASTERS (registration) ::: Verité Hall ::: Thu ::: 7:00 PM
Friday, 07 Mar
Meditation with Crystal Bowl Sound (weekly till 25 April) ::: Pitanga ::: Fri ::: 6:15 PM
Golden Moments : Photos by Lalit Verma ::: Sri Aurobindo Auditorium Foyer: Ground and First Floor ::: Fri ::: 11:00 AM
Exhibition: ‘South Calcutta Artists’ Academy’ ::: Aurelec Cafeteria & Art Gallery (until 16 March) ::: Fri ::: 8:00 AM
INFINITE MATTER : Group show by Auroville Artists ::: Gallery Square Circle : Kala Kendra (until March 2) ::: Fri ::: 11:00 AM
Exhibition of Urban Architecture ::: Town Hall (until March 15) ::: Fri ::: 11:00 AM
Exhibition: "The Blue Invasion" ::: Pitanga (until 12 March) ::: Fri ::: 8:00 AM
Pottery Poetry ::: Pavilion of Tibetan Culture until 10 March) ::: Sat ::: 4:00 PM
Workshops and performances of GONG MASTERS (registration) ::: Verité Hall ::: Fri ::: 7:00 PM
FOOLS RUSH IN ::: SAWCHU ::: Fri ::: 7:30 PM
C I N E M A - Bharat Nivas - AUDITORIUM ::: Bharat Nivas - Auditorium ::: Fri ::: 7:45 PM
Saturday, 08 Mar
Lecture on Sri Aurobindo and Ancient Greece ::: Unity Pavilion ::: Sat ::: 9:30 AM
Golden Moments : Photos by Lalit Verma ::: Sri Aurobindo Auditorium Foyer: Ground and First Floor ::: Sat ::: 11:00 AM
Exhibition: ‘South Calcutta Artists’ Academy’ ::: Aurelec Cafeteria & Art Gallery (until 16 March) ::: Sat ::: 8:00 AM
INFINITE MATTER : Group show by Auroville Artists ::: Gallery Square Circle : Kala Kendra (until March 2) ::: Sat ::: 11:00 AM
Exhibition of Urban Architecture ::: Town Hall (until March 15) ::: Sat ::: 11:00 AM
Exhibition: "The Blue Invasion" ::: Pitanga (until 12 March) ::: Sat ::: 8:00 AM
Pottery Poetry ::: Pavilion of Tibetan Culture until 10 March) ::: Sat ::: 4:00 PM
Workshops and performances of GONG MASTERS (registration) ::: Verité Hall ::: Sat ::: 7:00 PM
Bharata Natyam Dance Drama ::: Sri Aurobindo Auditorium, Bharat Nivas ::: Sat ::: 7:00 PM
av40 dance drama: Kaluveli Siddhar - Mahaleesa puranam ::: Sri Aurobindo Auditorium, Bharat Nivas ::: Sat ::: 7:00 PM
DVD screening The Yogis of Tibet ::: Aurelec Cafeteria ::: Sat ::: 7:30 PM
Classical Bharatanatyam Workshop/Performance ::: Sri Aurobindo Auditorium, Bharat Nivas ::: Sat ::: 8:00 PM
Sunday, 09 Mar
Golden Moments : Photos by Lalit Verma ::: Sri Aurobindo Auditorium Foyer: Ground and First Floor ::: Sun ::: 11:00 AM
Exhibition: ‘South Calcutta Artists’ Academy’ ::: Aurelec Cafeteria & Art Gallery (until 16 March) ::: Sun ::: 8:00 AM
INFINITE MATTER : Group show by Auroville Artists ::: Gallery Square Circle : Kala Kendra (until March 2) ::: Sun ::: 11:00 AM
Exhibition of Urban Architecture ::: Town Hall (until March 15) ::: Sun ::: 11:00 AM
Exhibition: "The Blue Invasion" ::: Pitanga (until 12 March) ::: Sun ::: 8:00 AM
Presentation of poetry anthology ::: Creativity Hall of Light ::: Sun ::: 3:00 PM
Pottery Poetry ::: Pavilion of Tibetan Culture until 10 March) ::: Sat ::: 4:00 PM
Workshops and performances of GONG MASTERS (registration) ::: Verité Hall ::: Sun ::: 7:00 PM
Monday, 10 Mar
Golden Moments : Photos by Lalit Verma ::: Sri Aurobindo Auditorium Foyer: Ground and First Floor ::: Mon ::: 11:00 AM
Exhibition: ‘South Calcutta Artists’ Academy’ ::: Aurelec Cafeteria & Art Gallery (until 16 March) ::: Mon ::: 8:00 AM
INFINITE MATTER : Group show by Auroville Artists ::: Gallery Square Circle : Kala Kendra (until March 2) ::: Mon ::: 11:00 AM
Exhibition of Urban Architecture ::: Town Hall (until March 15) ::: Mon ::: 11:00 AM
Exhibition: "The Blue Invasion" ::: Pitanga (until 12 March) ::: Mon ::: 8:00 AM
Presentation of poetry anthology ::: Creativity Hall of Light ::: Sun ::: 3:00 PM
Pottery Poetry ::: Pavilion of Tibetan Culture until 10 March) ::: Sat ::: 4:00 PM
Tuesday, 11 Mar
chant your heart open ::: Verite Hall ::: Tue ::: 5:00 PM
Golden Moments : Photos by Lalit Verma ::: Sri Aurobindo Auditorium Foyer: Ground and First Floor ::: Tue ::: 11:00 AM
Exhibition: ‘South Calcutta Artists’ Academy’ ::: Aurelec Cafeteria & Art Gallery (until 16 March) ::: Tue ::: 8:00 AM
INFINITE MATTER : Group show by Auroville Artists ::: Gallery Square Circle : Kala Kendra (until March 2) ::: Tue ::: 11:00 AM
Exhibition of Urban Architecture ::: Town Hall (until March 15) ::: Tue ::: 11:00 AM
Exhibition: "The Blue Invasion" ::: Pitanga (until 12 March) ::: Tue ::: 8:00 AM
Presentation of poetry anthology ::: Creativity Hall of Light ::: Sun ::: 3:00 PM
Wednesday, 12 Mar
chant your heart open ::: Verite Hall ::: Wed ::: 7:30 PM
Golden Moments : Photos by Lalit Verma ::: Sri Aurobindo Auditorium Foyer: Ground and First Floor ::: Wed ::: 11:00 AM
Exhibition: ‘South Calcutta Artists’ Academy’ ::: Aurelec Cafeteria & Art Gallery (until 16 March) ::: Wed ::: 8:00 AM
INFINITE MATTER : Group show by Auroville Artists ::: Gallery Square Circle : Kala Kendra (until March 2) ::: Wed ::: 11:00 AM
Exhibition of Urban Architecture ::: Town Hall (until March 15) ::: Wed ::: 11:00 AM
Exhibition: "The Blue Invasion" ::: Pitanga (until 12 March) ::: Wed ::: 8:00 AM
INTRODUCTION TO SUSTAINABLE FARMING IN AUROVILLE ::: Buddha Garden Community Farm ::: Wed ::: 10:00 AM

30th May - Uttarpara Speech Day

Home > Culture > Sri Aurobindo Parishad
Uttarpara cherishes a special association with Sri Aurobindo. It is here on, 30th May, 1909 that Sri Aurobindo delivered his historic "Uttarpara Speech" at Uttarpara Jaykrishna Public Library ground before a ten thousand strong crowed. In this speech he revealed, for the first time, his "Vasudev Darshan" in the prison cell and indicated a shift in his life towards the spiritualism.
While celebrating Sri Aurobindo's birth century celebration in 1972, few eminent citizens of Uttarpara decided to set up an organization dedicated to Sri Aurobindo. A steering committee was set up in the same year. The committee tried to build a building in memory of Sri Aurobindo, but could not accomplish it for certain constraints.
Library of Aurobindo Parishad
In 1991, Uttarpara Sri Autobindo Birth Century Committee was transformed into Uttarpara Sri Autobindo Parishad, as the former outlived its relevance. Initially the Parishad functioned in Jai Krishna Public Library. It was in 1999 that Sri Debasis Mukhopadhyay very generously permitted the Parishad to carry out its activities from the Ist floor of his residential building Sarasi Kunja at 150, G T Road, Uttarpara.
Uttarpara Sri Autobindo Parishad is engaged in generating and sustaining public awareness about the life, works and philosophy of Sri Aurobindo and the mother. Periodical talks are arranged not only on Sri Autobindo and the mother but also on the life and spiritualism of famous Indians. The Parishad is controlled by a Trust and run by a steering committee. Mrigyanka Bhusan Bandopadhyay is the first President of the Trust.
Aurobindo Parishad has published many books and journals, some of which are described below:
Savitri Anudhyam (in Bengali) - Tarakdas Mitra
Sri Autobindo O Hooghly Zela (in Bengali) - Rathindra Chattopadhyay
Mayer Bhalobasa (in Bengali, 2nd edition) - Kanupriya
Ritam - A Bilingual (in Bengali and English) Magazine

Meditation room of Aurobindo Parishad adorns huge photographs of Mother and Sri Aurobindo
Ritam - the Parishad Journal is published 4 times a year to commemorate dates significant in the lives of Sri Aurobindo and the mother
30th May - Uttarpara Speech Day
15th Aug - Sri Aurobindo's Birthday
24th Nov - Sri Aurobindo's Siddhi Divas
21st Feb - Birthday of the mother
The first issue of Ritam was published on 30th May, 2002. The magazine contains writings on Sri Aurobindo and the mother as also on art, culture and spiritual heritage of India. The magazine has been well received by discerning readers.
Lack of a suitable accommodation of its own stands in the way of the Parishad in carrying out its activities. We appeal to the public to help us procure a suitable land/building so that the aims and objectives of the Parishad find their fulfillment.
Men behind Aurobindo Parishad Uttarpara Speech (30 May 1909) - by Sri Aurobindo