THE WOMAN AS SHAKTI: SRI AUROBINDO’S INTEGRAL APPROACH TO GENDER AND LIBERATION

Abstract

The philosophical and spiritual system proposed by Sri Aurobindo presents a very deep reframe of gender in the light of Shakti - creative, dynamic, transformative force of the Divine. In his experience of the Integral Yoga, he does not regard the woman as a social being but rather a representation of Shakti the force according to which the universe unfolds and consciousness changes. This article explores the sideline of the integrative attitudes towards gender and Liberation by Sri Aurobindo dealing on the centrality of Shakti in his thought, the possibilities of women spiritual empowerment referred to it and social and cultural transformations envisioned by him. The view of womanhood as a force of divine manifestation as opposed to something to be defined by the society makes all the three aspects of liberation (spiritual, psychological and social) congruent with Sri Aurobindo. The paper further examines the problems of being an embodiment of the Shakti ideal in the modern times and how it is relevant in the creation of more inclusive and spiritually aware society.