tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8492774704026276830.post134372729357824909..comments2023-10-25T12:50:37.376+05:30Comments on A critique of "The Lives of Sri Aurobindo" by Peter Heehs and its consequences in the Ashram life: Historian dubbed heretic for his Aurobindo 'barbs' -- By M. C. RajanGeneral Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08357387091233027707noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8492774704026276830.post-55005471245014216382012-04-09T13:51:39.493+05:302012-04-09T13:51:39.493+05:30>>...scholars have defended Heehs and called...>>...scholars have defended Heehs and called his work 'the finest biography' rather than being a hagiography. It is critically acclaimed for treating Sri Aurobindo as human.>><br /><br />I am yet to see even one critical article of theirs bringing out the professional merits, if there are any, of the biography. And most of our TV anchors and newspaper reporters keep on saying the same thing without ever critically reading the book.RYDhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10619346864770502159noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8492774704026276830.post-24746611017761060812012-04-09T13:13:59.207+05:302012-04-09T13:13:59.207+05:30It appears that the respected Mr M.C.Rajan is not ...It appears that the respected Mr M.C.Rajan is not privy to the circumstances on the controversy generated by Peter Heehs; he has presented the summary of views.<br />There is mention that Peter Heehs has landed in trouble for demystefying Sri Aurobindo. But facts are otherwise.<br /> Large amount of literature is already there , written and narrated by those who lived in the times of SriAurobindo and who had the privelege of contact with him. These bring out the human side of Sri Aurobindo and also sidelights on the Yogi Sri Aurobindo. Further, Peter has had no direct contact with Sri Aurobindo to appreciate the context and events concerning the human side of Sri Aurobindo's life.So the socalled effort at de-mystefication of Sri Aurobindo by Peter lacks credentials and authenticity. <br /><br />Regarding Integral Yoga, there is enough literature , Viz the Mother's work, writings of associates and disciples like Nolini Kanta Gupta, MP Pandit, Nirodbaran, to name a few; these very well serve as step by step guideposts for progressing in the yoga.Peter's work cannot rank anywhere near such writings, as he does not seem to be a practioner of Integral Yoga either; <br /><br />Merely working at the Archives at Sri Aurobindo Ashram( he being one of those who worked there and definitely not the founder of the Archives, as claimed by him in his controversial book) does not confer any special qualification on him to be christened as Historian.<br /><br />He does not seem to be be an objective historian either, in as much as his version, is through his subjective prism which has covert and overt prejudices against Sri Aurobindo. His work lacks finess and objectivity to stand any test of scrutiny.The proof of this is the long list of errors and distortions and falsities by Peter, which are at the centre of the current debate on his work.<br /><br /> In his efforts for trying to present Sri Aurobindo to the world in poor light, Peter Heehs has unwittingly shown himself in poor light.<br /><br />Given the above, it is not clear as to for whose benefit , and for what purpose he wishes to stay in India. <br />India cannot be the refuge of the refuse of overseas toxic stuff.<br /><br />My request to the General Editor of this site is to send the clean summary of the misdeeds of Peter and the prevarications and falsity at different stages by him, to the journal carrying Mr. Rajan's piece.This will help them to appreciate the facts and circumstances -which have led to protests by many of us. That will put the record straight, for the public at large to also appreciate the real issues.<br />If Peter Heehs is such a celebrity historian, he can find suitable berth at any of the Universities in places other than India. Indians can understand Sri Aurobindo more effectively than Peter and do not require his footnotes and headnotes on Sri Aurobindo.rajendram chackravartisrihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17169269054831989907noreply@blogger.com