In the casual error of the world’s ignorance—A plan, a hidden Intelligence is glimpsed. There is a purpose in each stumble and fall…
Sri Aurobindo
There Is a Purpose
Topic: Overcoming Adversity
In the casual error of the world’s ignorance
A plan, a hidden Intelligence is glimpsed.
There is a purpose in each stumble and fall;
Nature’s most careless lolling is a pose
Preparing some forward step, some deep result.
Ingenious notes plugged into a motived score,
These million discords dot the harmonious theme
Of evolution’s huge orchestral dance.
Sri Aurobindo (1872-1950) was an Indian philosopher, poet, and spiritual teacher whose writings have significantly influenced modern spiritual thought. Born Aurobindo Ghose on August 15, 1872, in Kolkata, India, he was sent to England for his education, attending St. Paul's School in London and later King's College, Cambridge. Despite his Western education, Sri Aurobindo reconnected deeply with India's spiritual heritage upon returning to India, where he became involved in the movement for independence from British rule.
In 1910, after narrowly escaping arrest due to his revolutionary activities, Sri Aurobindo moved to Pondicherry (now Puducherry), a French colony in India, dedicating himself to spiritual practice and writing. He developed Integral Yoga, a philosophy aimed at transforming human life by integrating all aspects of one's being—physical, vital, mental, and spiritual. His major works include "The Life Divine," "Savitri," and "Essays on the Gita," which explore his vision of human potential and spiritual evolution.
The Mother, born Mirra Alfassa on February 21, 1878, in Paris, France, joined Sri Aurobindo in 1920 and became his spiritual collaborator. She played a crucial role in establishing the Sri Aurobindo Ashram in Pondicherry. Together, they worked to create a spiritual community dedicated to the practice of Integral Yoga. After Sri Aurobindo's passing in 1950, The Mother continued their work, founding the experimental township of Auroville in 1968 as a place where people from around the world could live in harmony and pursue spiritual development. Her efforts have left a lasting legacy, inspiring spiritual seekers globally.
Savitri
Aurobindo, Sri. Savitri: A Legend and a Symbol. 2nd ed., Sri Aurobindo Ashram Publication Department, 1997.
Sri Aurobindo
Theme: Adversity
About This Excerpt from Sri Aurobindo’s Poem—Savitri [Commentary]
Sri Aurobindo’s quote, “In the casual error of the world’s ignorance—A plan, a hidden Intelligence is glimpsed. There is a purpose in each stumble and fall; Nature’s most careless lolling is a pose—Preparing some forward step, some deep result,” invites us to see beyond the apparent chaos of life. It suggests that what we perceive as random mistakes or ignorance are actually part of a grander, divine plan. This “hidden Intelligence” signifies a profound order and purpose underlying our experiences, even those that seem most confusing or adverse.
The line “There is a purpose in each stumble and fall” emphasizes that our challenges and setbacks are not mere accidents but integral parts of our journey. Sri Aurobindo encourages us to recognize that every difficulty holds meaning and potential for growth. These moments of adversity are essential for our evolution, pushing us towards greater understanding and consciousness. This perspective transforms our view of hardships, seeing them not as obstacles but as necessary steps in our personal and collective evolution.
Sri Aurobindo further elaborates with “Nature’s most careless lolling is a pose—Preparing some forward step, some deep result,” highlighting that even in periods of apparent inactivity or disorder, nature is methodically preparing for significant advancements. This view fosters a sense of trust and patience, reassuring us that even the most discordant elements of our lives are contributing to a larger harmonious process. By understanding this, we can embrace life’s orchestral dance, where each note, no matter how dissonant, plays a crucial role in the symphony of our evolution.
M. P. Pandit’s Commentary on this Passage [*]
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