This paper was presented at the
National Seminar on
Indian Psychology: Theories and Models
SVYASA, Bangalore,
December 26 - 28, 2007
 

Yoga: A perspective of Gita and Sri Aurobindo

K.R. Rajani — Andhra University, Visakhaptnam

This paper is an earnest attempt to understand the concept of Integral Yoga of Sri Aurobindo. From time to time great Acharyas like Ramanuja, Madhva and Nimbaraka have interpreted the Gita concept of Karma Yoga. Coming to the modern times two great thinkers Sri Bala Gangadhra Tilak in his “Gita Rahasya” and Sri Aurobindo in his “Essays on Gita” and “Letters on Yoga” has been reinterpreted the concept of Karma Yoga. When a classical concept is reinterpreted by modern thinkers it is bound to take a new shape. In certain aspects the thinker may agree with the classical concepts, and in other aspects he may modify, enlarge, amplify the essential meaning so as to meet both the philosophical and doctrinal requirements of the thinker. It is shown here how Sri Aurobindo reinterpreted the Gita concept of Karma Yoga as a universal principle. The paper also draws a distinction between Karma Yoga and Integral Yoga.

Email the author, Dr. K.R. Rajani, at remirajaniau@gmail.com