In this dissertation I have gone through the political topics like Swaraj and Boycott as conceived by Sri Aurobindo. When we go through Sri Aurobindo’s social-political thought we cannot leave these topics aside. As a political leader and social reformer he in his social-political thought praised all of them and therefore I tried hard to discover whether there is any slight possibility of spirituality hidden there. The result is mesmerizing which has been discussed elaborately in my conclusion.
Swaraj and boycott are two different topics of Sri Aurobindo. His social-political thought is very unusual topic to discuss. Most thought that he was mystic and yogi but he was also a well known political leader. At the time of Indian Independence he developed there theories.
In this proposed dissertation our basic aim is to develop Sri Aurobindo’s political thought invariable to bring Indian independence on 15th August, 1947. He was completely reluctant to call himself either as a Yogi or a philosopher, but to his disciples he appears both. Here could raise a severe question – how as a student of Philosophy I can co-relate between philosophy and social-political thought? As a student of Philosophy I am trying hard to show the inherent relationship of Sri Aurobindo’s social-political thought along with his philosophical doctrine. Actually, we cannot be able to differentiate between his social-political thought with the arena of his entire philosophical doctrine. It is really hard to decide whichever of his writings are meant for philosophy and whichever for social-political thought. Even though his entire life-span is thought to be divided into two prominent eras by his critics – the hard-core politician (1905-1910) and a profound yogi (1910-1950), but in my view this division is not appropriate in nature. He was actually a yogi in the disguise of politician in his entire life-time.
Table of Contents
1. Preface
2. Chapter One: Introduction
3. Chapter Two: Swaraj
4. Chapter Three: Boycott
5. Chapter Four: Conclusion
6. References
7. Index
Objectives and Themes
This work explores the socio-political thought of Sri Aurobindo, specifically focusing on the concepts of "Swaraj" (self-rule) and "Boycott." The primary research aim is to demonstrate that these political tools were not merely strategic instruments for Indian independence, but were deeply rooted in Aurobindo’s spiritual philosophy, aiming for collective salvation and the eventual realization of a "Life Divine."
- The spiritual and metaphysical foundation of political action in Aurobindo's thought.
- The dual nature of "Swaraj" as both a political independence tool and a spiritual journey.
- The categorization of "Boycott" into five distinct forms: industrial, educational, judicial, administrative, and social.
- The concept of the "Nation-soul" and its divergence from Western state-centric ideologies.
- The reconciliation of nationalism with universalism and the goal of human unity.
Excerpt from the Book
A. Etymological Meaning of Swaraj:
In the etymological sense, ‘swa’ stands for ‘self’ and ‘raj’ stands for ‘rule’. Hence swaraj literally may be taken to mean self-rule. But this type of over-simplification is really harmful in consequence. We have to understand first the inherent meaning of ‘swa’ or ‘self’. The word ‘swa’ or ‘self’ seems to have two senses accordingly as it is taken to stand for individual or group. Hence ‘swa’ means –
1. One man
2. One group
Hence ‘self-rule’ or ‘swaraj’ seems to stand for two meanings or connotations –
1. The rule by a man i.e. Autocracy
2. The rule by a group i.e. Democracy
Then what is swaraj? Is it autocracy or democracy? Now, for understanding it, let us try to comprehend the meaning of swaraj.
Chapter Summaries
Preface: The author details their academic journey and initial encounter with Sri Aurobindo's works, emphasizing the inspiration found in his ability to reconcile intense political activity with a profound spiritual outlook.
Chapter One: Introduction: Introduces the core thesis regarding the inadequacy of viewing Sri Aurobindo’s life as divided into two separate phases, arguing instead for a continuous spiritual evolution behind his political writings.
Chapter Two: Swaraj: Analyzes the concept of Swaraj through its etymological roots and its spiritual evolution from a political demand for independence to a vehicle for collective spiritual liberation.
Chapter Three: Boycott: Examines the five categories of boycott as tools for passive resistance, framing them as a "just war" (dharma yudhha) essential for the purification of the nation.
Chapter Four: Conclusion: Summarizes the unique contribution of Sri Aurobindo, affirming that his nationalism serves as a gateway to universal brotherhood and the "Life Divine."
Keywords
Swaraj, Boycott, Sri Aurobindo, Nationalism, Sanatana Dharma, Life Divine, Passive Resistance, Nation-soul, Spiritualism, Independence, Collective Salvation, Dharma Yudhha, Political Philosophy, Swadeshi, Brahman.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this publication?
The book examines the political philosophy of Sri Aurobindo, specifically how he integrated his spiritual beliefs into concepts like Swaraj and Boycott during the Indian independence movement.
What are the central themes of the work?
Central themes include the spiritualization of politics, the concept of the nation as a living soul, the necessity of collective salvation, and the moral justification of resistance.
What is the primary research question?
The author investigates whether Sri Aurobindo's political tools, such as Swaraj and Boycott, contained a hidden spiritual dimension that aimed beyond mere political independence toward universal human unity.
Which scientific methodology does the author apply?
The author employs a philosophical and historical analysis, cross-referencing Sri Aurobindo’s political writings with his spiritual treatises and ancient Vedic/Vedantic literature.
What is the focus of the main content?
The main content provides a detailed analysis of the etymology and categorization of Swaraj and Boycott, contrasting Aurobindo's perspective with Western political theories like those of Karl Marx.
How would you characterize this work with keywords?
Key terms include Swaraj, Boycott, Spiritual Nationalism, Nation-soul, Passive Resistance, and Collective Salvation.
How does Aurobindo define the "Nation-soul"?
He views the nation not as a mere mechanical state, but as a living entity possessing a mind and soul, capable of awakening to its divine potential.
Why does the author argue that "Boycott" can be a form of "Just War"?
Based on Gita's principles, the author argues that when a nation is oppressed, its struggle for survival and independence—even involving resistance—becomes a sacred duty for the "Kshatriya" (warrior) spirit.
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- Debashri Banerjee (Autor:in), 2013, Swaraj and Boycott as envisioned by Sri Aurobindo, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/490833
