“Savitri: A Legend and A Symbol” is not an ordinary poem - nor even an ordinary epic poem.
Yes, it’s made up of 12 Books, and runs to 724 pages. However, the language of “Savitri” has been called “Mantric poetry”. That is, the act of reading the words and phrases, the rhythms and meters of this profound poetic masterpiece and taking them in deeply, serves to elicit the experience in the reader of the very spiritual Consciousness with which it was written. This is only possible because, as Sri Aurobindo wrote, "I used Savitri as a means of ascension. I began with it on a certain mental level, each time I could reach a higher level I rewrote from that level... In fact Savitri has not been regarded by me as a poem to be written and finished, but as a field of experimentation to see how far poetry could be written from one's own yogic consciousness and how that could be made creative”.
In this class, we approach reading Savitri as an embodied experience, a personal experience, taking in the words, phrases and images deeply so as to enhance that mantric experience. Rather than treating it as an esoteric or profoundly philosophical work [which it is, as well], we approach the text as though it were a personal communication, and communion, with Sri Aurobindo Himself. In this way, each reader can have their own individual experience that is exactly right for them.
We are taking certain cantos within the larger Work that can stand alone, and do not depend on having read the whole poem. At this time we are exploring The Book of the Divine Mother - four cantos of unmatched depth and beauty that help make the most profound spiritual realms accessible.
Purchasing the printed version is not necessary for this class — the work is available online and can be followed along as we read. However, if you decide you would like a printed copy, we can help you find the format you would prefer.
Taught by
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Karun Das
Karun Das has been a devotee of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother for over 50 years, and for the past 35 of those has immersed himself in the study of Savitri: A Legend and A Symbol. He has led a number of workshops and classes focused on The Integral Yoga of Sri Aurobindo, the most recent one called “Foundations and Practice of Integral Yoga.” In 2018 he moved to Western Massachusetts to be close to his Teacher, GurujiMa, who has been instrumental in furthering his yogic sadhana.