tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8492774704026276830.post6756856790949850849..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: The Book that Bombed -- by Krish PatwardhanGeneral Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08357387091233027707noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8492774704026276830.post-76905695345147064412012-01-10T07:14:17.452+05:302012-01-10T07:14:17.452+05:30For, according to this kind of academia (which car...For, according to this kind of academia (which cares a hoot for spirituality), you have to scorn all spiritual phenomena, otherwise you are branded as superstitious and relegated to the Middle Ages. It is this horror of being rejected by this academia which is at the root of Peter Heehs’s antics. <br /><br /><br />This does not only apply to Peter Heehs, as there is a small coterie of western intellectuals in the IY community that hold similar fears. The enlightenment group, as I tend to label them share a refusal to recognise that the Yoga of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother is at the highest reaches of spirituality and this is combined with persistent attempts to drag Sri Aurobindo and the Mother into the mire of western scientific rationalism and reductionist thought. This is of course there right, but personally to me it reeks of white male privilege and unconscious adherence to19th century class structures and beliefs<br /><br />I cannot comment on the book as I have not bothered to read it, but It is good to see this article and the earlier one by Vishwas Patel, i have been waiting for some years for the Indian community to develop a thorough critique, rather than flapping their hands about and singing woe is me. Western males unfortunately are bullies, and more unfortunate still, totally unaware of it, as self reflection is not part of their tool kit. A final comment, beware of big fish in little ponds, self agrandissment is common.<br /><br />diane<br /><br />Krish PatwardhanDianehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00287467688302457411noreply@blogger.com