THE ROLE OF SOCIO-SPIRITUAL ELEMENTS IN LIFE: COMPARATIVE STUDY ON HERMANN HESSE AND SRI AUROBINDO GHOSH, LITERATURE

Abstract [English]

The present research study deals with the role of socio-spiritual elements in life, and for this, a comparative study of the writings and literature of Hermann Hesse and Sri Aurobindo Ghosh has been examined and explored. It is a known fact that Hermann Hesse and Sri Aurobindo Ghosh, both influential figures in literature and philosophy, explored the role of socio-spiritual elements in life, albeit from different perspectives and backgrounds. Hermann Hesse, a German-Swiss novelist, delved deeply into the individual’s inner journey and the search for self-discovery. In works like “Siddhartha” and “Steppenwolf,” Hesse explores the quest for meaning, spiritual fulfilment, and the reconciliation of the self within a larger societal context. His protagonists often undergo profound personal transformations through experiences that involve detachment from societal norms, seeking enlightenment through introspection, and embracing spiritual teachings from diverse sources. On the other hand, Sri Aurobindo Ghosh, an Indian philosopher, yogi, and poet, emphasised the evolution of consciousness and the integral development of individuals and society. He proposed a synthesis of spirituality and practical life, envisioning a spiritual transformation that encompasses not just personal growth but the collective progress of humanity. Sri Aurobindo’s philosophy focuses on the unity of all existence with the realisation of a divine consciousness within each individual, seeking to manifest this consciousness in all aspects of life, including social, political, and cultural dimensions. The paper explores how Hermann Hesse and Sri Aurobindo Ghosh gave an insight into the philosophy of life through different spiritual education and policies with different dimensions so that humans can achieve the goal of cultivating internal strength and talent with distinctive and focused characteristics. While analysing Hermann Hesse and Sri Aurobindo comparatively, Hesse’s works often concentrate on the individual’s internal struggles and his quest for self-realisation through diverse spiritual experiences, while Sri Aurobindo’s philosophy expands to encompass a broader societal transformation through the evolution of consciousness and the integration of spiritual values into every aspect of human existence.