The author is a student of Aurobindo's and 'The Mother'. Aurobindo's experience and description have an uncommon breadth and depth to them. Where most disciplines stop (Nirvana) Aurobindo is just getting started. This book is well written in readable english. Satprem does a fine job of presenting some history of Sri Aurobindo as well as the core teachings of this rare individual.

Sri Aurobindo was, in the opinion of many yogis, the greatest saint who was generally available to the public in modern times. (The caveat is because there are great souls who prefer to remain hidden.) Though his wisdom was vast and his discoveries in deep meditation greatly advanced our understanding of humanity's capabilities, his writings are so huge and dense, that comparitively few have understood the majesty of the man's philosophy. That is why Sat Prem's book is so valuable. You will never find a more succinct or readable tome on Aurobindo. It is the perfect introduction to the work of this great master, who deserves to be much better known in the West.

The writings of Aurobindo are enormous. As much as one might wish to bathe in the wisdom of this extraordinary man, the task is too much for most of due to the massive tomes we would confront. However, Satprem has magnificently synthesised the life work of Aurobindo. Not only has he accomplished this task well, but the subtelty, the depth of vision that Satprem manages to convey, says to me that he is himself someone who has great insight, has great life experience and spiritual maturity.

This is the best modern commentary on the Bhagavad Gita. The scripture itself is a synthesis of many of the most important Indian spiritual philosophies, and is, in my opinion, by far the most relevant to modern humanity and the most inspiring to westerners. It contains instruction in the highest forms of Yoga with an eye towards the needs of practical people involved in the often confusing and distressing activities of life in the world.

Sri Aurobindo clearly states his intentions towards this text in the introduction: to put the teachings of the Gita in a modern context, that is, to see how they can be made relevant to readers in the present day.

In addition, he asks for a more objective look at the text than certain other interpretations. While I found that he, in general, carried this out, it is not dry, nor is there any vacillation: the book is imbued with the author's ideas about evolution and the role of man in relation to the divine and the author is clear in his interpretive bent.

Most important, however, is that his explinations of the meaning of the scripture are truly magical. He clarifies confusing points with such ease and lucidity, I often found myself thinking "Ah, but that's so clear! How'd I ever have a problem with it?"

This is NOT, however, an easy text to read. Sri Aurobindo went to Cambridge during the 1890's and the language he uses is not what most people are used to. He is deliberately thorough and has no inhibitions about repeating himself with slight variation if there is an even slightly different context shedding light on the passage. He uses long sentences when expressing large, transcendent ideas (that is, most of the time) and it is easy to get lost in his paragraphs.

In addition, the scope of the Gita when expressed in this way is tremendous. Not all of the text can possibly be relevant to someone's life, and at times it can seem as if he's belaboring the point. Often, however, such troubling passages become the ones that are most inspiring when reread in a different context.

Therefore, I strongly recommend this book, but only to people who are interested in serious, deep study of the Gita and are willing to invest a lot of time and effort into it. The rewards can be truly fabulous.

This book occupies the highest place among the modern commentaries on Gita because it is original, profound and written in a language that is powerful and poetic. There are no digressions from the main argument of the Book. All the complexity, subtle beauty, grace and the vast synthesis of Gita is captured perfectly. The last chapter titled "Message of the Gita" provides such an excellent summary that reading it gives the satisfaction of the study of the entire Gita. This book is a treat for both the beginner as well as the scholar. The normal commentaries which give interpretation for each stanza usually miss out the connecting themes, underlying ideas and the progression in the argument of the eighteen chapters of the Gita. This book is an exception. It is unique in form and style among the modern commentaries of the Gita.

The most truthful, profound, exact, powerful and sincere interpretation of the Gita. It would be safe to assert that only the original author of the Gita could have come up with such an interpretation. No other interpration of the Gita comes close.

This book is for those who want to conquer their everyday problems for ever and not seek temporary escape from them. Besides it is written in easy prose. You could open this book when Tylenol fails to bring sleep after a bad day, and assure yourself of a good dream. Or you can read it first thing in the morning to prepare yourself for a great day ahead!

It is not a typical book that you must begin on its first page. It is a compilation of individual solutions that were arrived at by Sri Aurobindo after his experiments with Integral Yoga. Depending on what area of your life you are seeking to deal with on a given day, you can jump to the topic directly.

Whether you are seeking a higher peace or running away from your lower order problems, it is a book for you, for your spouse, for your child and for your parent. If you want to raise your purpose in this life to a higher possibility then this book is your best chance.

I've seen this book referenced more than a dozen times by Wilber in his books so when the book presented itself I jumped
at it. It's not a book written by Aurobindo but personal instruction to those who have written to him seeking guidance.
This book is packed with the knowledge of one of India's most accomplished saints. This book reveals valuable insights
for the spiritual traveler as well as a road map of the journey. A book I would say is indispensable for anyone on
the path.

This is one deep book. Aurobindo is masterful in his analysis of the mind & brain, especially its limitations. As a person approaching everything in life via intellect I found his explanations right on the dot & revealing. He explains why we need to transcend our faculties to something higher. One can make more sense of the book if accompanied by spiritual practice & experience to relate to. Not for the faint hearted.

A poem to live the future destiny of man

If Shakespeare prepared the English language for its future then Sri Aurobindo immortalized it. Savitri churns your thoughts in unimaginable ways and makes you experience the bliss that is not ordinarily possible without the aid of external stimulants.

To the lovers of poetry, Savitri is a vindication of the quality of their taste.

To the students of English Language, Savitri represents the summit of expression.

To those seeking reconciliation with their maker, Savitri is the road map.

To those who want to move in the higher realm of consciousness, Savitri is the springboard.

To those who value history, Savitri is the bond.

Wowie Zowie. Where to begin?

I think the power of this poem comes from its encyclopedic scope and also from its beautiful language. Aurobindo's ear is phenomenal; this book begs to be read out loud. If you're interested in prosody, Savitri is written in such sparkly iambic pentameter (no enjambment) that it would make Marlowe or Milton blush with envy. I do not think this is an exaggeration. Like Paradise Lost, Savitri attempts to fold The Whole Shebang into one text. I suggest you judge Aurobindo's success or failure in this regard for yourself. I don't think you'll regret the effort.

Now, I can't recommend this book without mentioning that it's not easy going. At first glance Aurobindo's verse seems vague, prolix, and hopelessly "purple." After all, his favorite English poet is Percy Bysshe Shelley. Aurobindo's Cambridge vocabulary is enormous and specialized; keep a dictionary handy. It takes a patient and appreciative reading to pierce this and see the concreteness of Aurobindo's poetic vision. Aurobindo literally spent decades writing and revising it as the inspiration hit; in places it seems a bit fragmented and unfinished (but to a lesser degree than The Canterbury Tales or The Faerie Queene). And it's 720 pages long.

Hope this is helpful.

Of the many Indian art books I would rate this the best as it not only is visual but poetic and philosophical at the same time. I highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in reading about this Indian goddess.

This is an elegant book. It is at once philosophical, poetic, and visually stunning. The text and images beautifully complement each other. After reading this book, I not only appreciated the richness of the Parvati tradition, but also of the Hindu artistic and philosophical tradition. Never again will I look at work of Indian art as merely beautiful at a sensory level. Hindu art exists harmoniously within a cultural, philosophical, and literary context, as does this wonderful book.

I have not come across any better translation better than this. Anyone interested in the Upanishads... look no further. This one is a polished version of an earlier edition.

The language is, the far, the clearest that I have come across compared to translations by other authors. Sri Aurobindo has also shown the Sanskrit text with his English translation---no author would do such a thing unless he/she is confident of doing a good work at the translation.

Strongly recommended and my gratitude to the author for his good work and effort.

This book , together with 'Lights on Yoga' and 'More Lights on Yoga' by the same author is the perfect read for anyone who is interested in practical guidelines, rather than mere filosophy. The book is eminently practical, but at the same time written with a power, depth and even beauty, which leaves the reader breathless and it propels one firmly onto the path of Yoga before even realizing it. It is written as answers to questions asked by disciples and as such is relatively simple to read.

"The ascent to the divine Life is the human journey, the Work of works, the acceptable Sacrifice," Sri Aurobindo writes. "This alone is man's real business in the world and the justification of his existence" (pp. 55-6). Ken Wilber calls Aurobindo (1872-1950) a founder of integral spirituality and practice, and recognizes that "Aurobindo has much to teach us" about the integration of body, mind, soul and Spirit.

This collection of "essential" writings will appeal to anyone interested in integral and evolutionary spirituality. Aurobindo teaches us that all beings are united in a reality of being and consciousness--"a self of all things, one and eternal" (p. 39)--beyond the appearances of the universe. He believes liberation is possible through the evolution of spiritual and supramental consciousness (p. 41). "There is therefore no reason to put a limit to evolutionary possibility by taking our present organisation or status of existence as final," he writes. "The animal is a laboratory in which Nature has worked out man; man may very well be a laboratory in which she wills to work out superman, to disclose the soul as a divine being, to evolve a divine nature" (p. 54). Aurobindo writes, "man is not a vegetable nor an animal; he is a spiritual and a thinking being who is here to set to shape and use the animal mould for higher purposes, by higher motives, with a divine instrumentation" (p. 176).

Because "the hour of God" is close at hand, Aurobindo recommends cleansing the "soul of all self-deceit and hypocrisy and vain self-flattering that thou mayst look straight into thy spirit and hear that which summons it" (p. 191). "Make the work you have to do here your means of inner spiritual rebirth, the divine birth, and having become divine, do still divine works as an instrument of the Divine for the leading of the peoples" (p. 124).

For those who enjoy reading Ken Wilber's books, and for those interested in living life with more spirit, this fascinating introduction to Aurobindo should not be missed. And for those readers who want to explore Aurobindo's ideas further, I recommend Dalal's A GREATER PSYCHOLOGY (2000) and Wilber's INTEGRAL PSYCHOLOGY (2000).

G. Merritt

Last summer, I stumbled across a Pema Chodron book. Thus, by serendipity, began my love affair with Buddhism and Eastern philosophy. Chodron's books are notoriously soothing and easy to read, perfect fodder for a blossoming Buddhist neophyte. Intuitively, I understood and experienced the healing power of the Buddhist outlook. It wasn't long before I graduated to more challenging material. I developed a particular interest in the Abhidharma and Buddhist psychology.

Several weeks ago, I bought "A Greater Psychology". Upon settling into the sofa for a good, long read, I felt that I was looking at an opaque mirror. The sentences flowed on and on endlessly, but I could not comprehend any meaning. I put aside the book, thinking at it was surely pure gobble-de-gook. However, I was nevertheless chomping at the bit to learn about Eastern thought, beyond Buddhism.

I picked up an amazing book by Dhruv S. Kaji, "Common Sense About Uncommon Wisdom: Ancient Teachings of Vedanta". Kaji's book seemed to start a little slow, but quite soon I became enthralled, as if I was approaching the last chapters of a great mystery novel. I had never heard of nondualism, and the unfolding concept answered some profound question I had never thought to ask.

Thereafter, I immersed myself in other Vedanta readings and similar material -- Easwaran's translation of the Bhagavad Gita and the Upanishads; Torwesten's "Vedanta: Heart of Hinduism"; "The Spiritual Teaching of Ramana Maharshi"; Wilber's "No Boundary"; Zimmer's "Philosophies of India".

So, last week, I pulled "A Greater Psychology" from my bookshelf, and started afresh. To my amazement, Aurobindo's writing metamorphosed from opacity and pompous wordiness to subtle, sublime profundity. Never have I encountered such an insightful description of the human condition -- a supremely lucid and all-encompassing treatise shedding light on every layer of consciousness from our lower animal selves to highest reaches of spiritual realization. As each new jeweled concept flowed from the book, I found myself nodding over and over, "Yes, that rings true in my experience" or "Yes, that idea fits seamlessly with my own understanding of what it means to be human".

I have often complained that someone took the "psyche" out of psychology. Our worship of the scientific method has tended to restrict our burgeoning knowledge to what is observable and what is measurable, even despite Einstein's legacy. So psychologists get steeped in statistics and experimental design, virtually ignoring the unseen motivations, emotions, passions, and cravings of the human -- and spiritual aspect of healthy psychological development is simply a taboo topic. Except for those trudging after Freud's tradition, even the unconscious is unmentionable.

To have available Aurobindo's comprehensive, experiential psychospiritual teachings is priceless. It puts conventional Western psychology to shame. The book will not be easy reading, even for those with a background in psychology and a strong familiarity with Vedanta and Eastern philosophy. But if you have the backbone for a fearless and arduous education in the human condition, all-inclusive, with guideposts to your own place in the cosmos, then I could not recommend this book more highly.

Sri Aurobindo exposes the radiant hymns of the ancient Vedic period of India, a knowledge obscure and mistreated and now brought to clear light to lead the seeker to spiritual truths. This is a translation unlike no other, and is a pointer to those who quest for an explanation of past mysteries.