NEW PUBLICATIONS

ENGLISH

To manifest a divine life in a material world requires the development of a strong body and a receptive physical consciousness. This two-volume narrative and pictorial history documents how the Mother in her central role encouraged and promoted physical activities in a manner that would help prepare the body to manifest a higher consciousness. From the beginning of the Ashram school and the subsequent organisation of physical education in 1945 to the network of playing fields and facilities designed and created by members of the community, from the sports and physical exercises introduced for both boys and girls, men and women, to the Mother's intensive involvement in all activities, from gymnastic marching and a brass band to body-building and asanas, from competitions and tournaments in quest of self-perfection to the cadre of group captains at the forefront of physical education—all are described and brought to life with numerous photographs, often full-page, to tell this remarkable story. The book, which is printed entirely on art paper, also draws on interviews and reminiscences, and recognises those who contributed in special ways.

Tracing the beginnings of the physical education activities in the Ashram under the Mother’s guidance, the book pays special attention to physical education for women. The narrative encompasses various aspects of the overall program: the philosophical underpinnings of the approach – aimed at awakening the body consciousness to become a fit instrument for the Divine work of self-perfection –, the attention to discipline and healthy physical habits, the accretion of playing fields, grounds, equipment, and expertise as the activities multiplied and expanded. The Mother’s presence and intimate involvement in physical exercise and sport are constantly highlighted and her ground-breaking attitude towards equal physical education opportunities for women and girls was considered radical for the times. The numerous photographs and recollections from early participants reinforce the organic growth of what has become a complex and well-rounded program for the students and members of the Ashram community.

These visions and inner experiences recorded by Champaklal between 1978 and 1987 form the centerpiece of this book. They are accompanied by introductory and background material related to Champaklal’s life and service to Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, a narrative related to Auroville and the Matrimandir, extracts from the writings of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother on the symbolism in visions, and a few personal comments by Nirodbaran and other friends of Champaklal. The work is enhanced by a number of photographs, colour plates, and facsimiles of messages in the handwritings of the Mother and Sri Aurobindo.

BENGALI

ASSAMESE

A translation of twenty-eight essays – "Indian Culture and External Influence", “Is India Civilised?”(three essays), and "A Defence of Indian Culture" (twenty-four essays) – covering all aspects of Indian culture: spirituality, religion, art, literature, and polity. These essays are found in The Renaissance in India and Other Essays on Indian Culture, formerly The Foundations of Indian Culture.

Assamese translation of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee

Description of content for original work:
        Based on a talk given at Sri Aurobindo International Centre of Education on the occasion of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee's birth centenary, this book highlights his major contributions to Indian education and politics. Later known as "the lion of the Parliament", Mookerjee was an ardent son of India who led a courageous crusade against the partition of Bengal. The Mother chose him as chairman of the Sri Aurobindo Memorial Convention in 1951, where he concluded his speech with a call for India to fulfill her destiny and for the world to heed the voice of Sri Aurobindo and his message for the future of humanity.

TAMIL

KANNADA

ITALIAN

Tutto ciò che Sri Aurobindo ha scritto su se stesso è stato raccolto in questo volume straordinario. Si tratta in prevalenza di lettere in risposta alle domande dei discepoli, soprattutto in relazione alla loro pratica dello yoga, o di comunicati dati in ricorrenze particolari o per chiarire la sua posizione di fronte a certi eventi di interesse nazionale o mondiale. Risalta, attraverso le sue dirette parole, tutta l’azione da lui svolta per portare sulla terra la nuova forza evolutiva che egli ha chiamato Supermente.

Il volume include anche quanto Sri Aurobindo ha scritto ai discepoli sulla Madre: Lui e Lei espressione di una stessa coscienza.