The Mother - US Edition

This small Book is the work of a great Spiritual Teacher, Sri Aurobindo, who condensed his immense knowledge and understanding into an incredibly small text [only 64 pages in small format in this edition] which is, to all extent, a Manual for spiritual practitioners. All Hindus and seekers alike may find relevant teachings in it, but individuals interested in Shaktism, the particular Path within Hinduism focused on the Divine in Feminine form, Shakti, may find this book particularly important.Aurobindo (1872-1950), was born in Bengal and became one of the great spiritual thinkers of India, acquiring fame also in the West for his universalist message and his extensive knowledge of western culture, including western philosophy, western languages (in addition to English, he had a profound knowledge of Classical Greek and Latin, as well as French and German) and history.However, not all are fully aware of how deeply rooted in Shakta philosophy his message is. This small manual is a sort of spiritual guide from a Shakti standpoint.In the first five chapters, the important ethical guidelines for a spiritual practitioner are outlined.The sixth chapter outlines a sequence of attributes of Shakti inHer Four aspects: MahaShakti, MahaKali, MahaLaksmhi and MahaSaraswati. For their intensity, power, and depth, the descriptions of the four aspects of Shakti remind me more of Hymns taken from a Purana, or from the Poetry of a Ramprasad (the 18th century Bengali poet who wrote magnificent Hymns to the Goddess), than of a modern essay.Yet, they were written in the 20th century, in a poetic English,for use of the modern people.My words cannot convey the intensity of Aurobindo's thought, and I prefer to simply quote from him, to give the readers a hint of this book. From Aurobindo's own words:``Imperial Maheshwari is seated in the wideness above thethinking mind and will and sublimates and greatens them into wisdom and largeness or floods with a splendor beyond them. For she is the mighty and wise One who opens us to the supramental infinities and the cosmic vastness, to the grandeur of the supreme Light,..''When describing Mahakali: ``MahaKali is of another nature. Not wideness but height, not wisdom but force and strength are her peculiar power. There is in her an overwhelming intensity, a mighty passion of force to achieve, a divine violence rushing to shatter every limit and obstacles.''When describing MahaLakshmi... ``all turn with joy and longing toMahaLakshmi. For she throws the spell of the intoxicating sweetness of the Divine: to be close to her is a profound happiness and to feel her within the heart is to make existence a rapture and a marvel;..''Finally, Aurobindo's words on MahaSaraswati: ``MahaSaraswati is the Mother's Power of Work and her spirit of perfection and order. .. ``Always she holds in her nature and can give to those whom she has chosen the intimate and precise knowledge, the subtlety and patience, the accuracy of intuitive mind and conscious hand and discerning eye..''I have been interested in Hinduism for more than 30 years, butstrangely enough I came very late to read Aurobindo. It was for me a stunning discovery: I can say that I rarely found a spiritual Author who can convey so much in such a small Book.This, I believe, is the mark of truly enlightened Teachers.

A beautifully written and incredibly concise book by the inspirational Sri Aurobindo. The book explains the concept of The Mother - the Supreme's Divine Energy - and how it works in this world through Nature. The book also touches on what one must carry out in order to be fit for The Mother's work. It is a spiritual work and can be appreciated by all people.The book contains several specific terms, but I imagine that their definitions can be found on the internet. Understanding the terms will be key to understanding the text because, while not many, they are key.Sri Aurobindo was a gifted author who knew the languages of Latin, Greek, French, Sanskrit, English, and Bengali, among others.

This is an amazing text expounding the nature of the Divine Feminine and the stance the seeker needs to take to reach Her. The journey is not casual nor does it support idle curiosity. Sri Aurobindo is a modern man describing an ancient and profound consciousness unknown in the West.

This is a very powerful book. It’s DEPS go way beyond what the human mind is capable of understanding or integrating only the soul can’t touch this divine essence and I will spend the rest of my life attempting to do it

Easy to read and very encouraging words about the role of the Mother in our lives. I plan to read this often as a source of encouragement and inspiration.

I have been reading Sri Aurobindo for over 40 years. At one time I owned the complete library of his works, but years later gave it away. This work, The Mother, is a very short piece -- but with so much information. When I purchased it I was expecting a discussion of the woman who ran the Aurobindo Ashram who was known as The Mother. But this is strictly about the Divine and how She (or He, or That) presents to us in four aspects: Maheshwari, Mahakali, Mahalakshmi, Mahasaraswati. For reading, meditating, and for growing.

It is a quick read. Well written. It reads like an affirmation.

This is a short, intense read. It defines spiritual purity. Of course I fall short but it is helpful to know what would be expected of perfection.

As described at the back of this magnificent work, it is so concise and relevant, a good little classic that helps with uplifting you even if you only read a paragraph at a time; it is quite energising and fulfilling. One of the best works of its type, perfect as a gift to those who would value and appreciate its content and wisdom. Great value for such a little literary masterpiece. I read a few paragraphs every night before I go to sleep and contemplate its meaning, and when I get to the end of the book I start again from the beginning. You will never become tired or weary of reading it from cover to cover.

the entire book, every word spoke to my soul. i recommend it too all spiritual seekers. it truly is medicine for the heart and mind

Truly there is no suppliment to MOTHER..The author has illustrated very well.Though it cannot be explained through words, but author has made a best try..

This is a small (and short) book that is worth reading two or three times, particularly chapter 5. One does have to 'interpret' Aurobindo's expressions which contain much of the language that would have been used in his ashram. It is necessary to 'get inside' his thoughts expressed in this way and can be tedious if one is not motivated to do so, but the effort is well worthwhile for those with an open mind not hampered by religion or scientism. This book defines the 'Superman' role that he believes is mankind's destiny.

Divine truth and love from The Mother's heart and much much more. Thank you. The way forward for each one of us and therefore humanity as a whole. Wake up and choose a new way to live your life by recognising your spirituality. Be free.