Savitri: A Legend & A Symbol - New U.S.Edition [Paperback]

Sri Aurobindo (Author)

Book Description

Series: Guidance from Sri Aurobindo | Publication Date: January 1, 1995

In this epic spiritual poem, Sri Aurobindo reveals his vision of mankind's destiny within the universal evolution. He sets forth the optimistic view that life on earth has a purpose, and he places our travail within the context of this purpose: to participate in the evolution of consciousness that represents the secret thread behind life on Earth.

Product Details

• Paperback: 816 pages
• Publisher: Lotus Press; 1 edition (January 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0941524809
• ISBN-13: 978-0941524803
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.8 x 1.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #723,149 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Powerful stuff., October 24, 2001

By 

Myron Makewater "redcrosseknight" (Laramie) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Savitri: A Legend & A Symbol - New U.S.Edition (Paperback)

Wowie Zowie. Where to begin?

I think the power of this poem comes from its encyclopedic scope and also from its beautiful language. Aurobindo's ear is phenomenal; this book begs to be read out loud. If you're interested in prosody, Savitri is written in such sparkly iambic pentameter (no enjambment) that it would make Marlowe or Milton blush with envy. I do not think this is an exaggeration. Like Paradise Lost, Savitri attempts to fold The Whole Shebang into one text. I suggest you judge Aurobindo's success or failure in this regard for yourself. I don't think you'll regret the effort.

Now, I can't recommend this book without mentioning that it's not easy going. At first glance Aurobindo's verse seems vague, prolix, and hopelessly "purple." After all, his favorite English poet is Percy Bysshe Shelley. Aurobindo's Cambridge vocabulary is enormous and specialized; keep a dictionary handy. It takes a patient and appreciative reading to pierce this and see the concreteness of Aurobindo's poetic vision. Aurobindo literally spent decades writing and revising it as the inspiration hit; in places it seems a bit fragmented and unfinished (but to a lesser degree than The Canterbury Tales or The Faerie Queene). And it's 720 pages long.

Hope this is helpful.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A POEM TO OUTLIVE THE DESTINY OF MAN., February 13, 2003

By 

Samesh Braroo (Walnut Creek, CA United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Savitri: A Legend & A Symbol - New U.S.Edition (Paperback)

If Shakespeare prepared the English language for its future then Sri Aurobindo immortalized it. Savitri stokes your thoughts in unimaginable ways and makes you experience the bliss that is not ordinarily possible without the aid of external stimulants.

To the lovers of poetry, Savitri is a vindication of the quality of their taste.

To the students of English Language, Savitri is a perching to expression.

To those seeking reconciliation with their maker, Savitri is the road map.

To those that want to move in the higher realm of consciousness, Savitri is the springboard.

To those that value hope, Savitri is the bond.

To those that want to make history, Savitri is the future.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Adventure of consciousness, October 15, 2005

By 

Tusar N. Mohapatra "Savitri Era of those who ... (Indirapuram, India) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Savitri: A Legend & A Symbol - New U.S.Edition (Paperback)

Yes, it was originally written in English, it's not a translation from some Indian language. The whole book is one poem, a long poem, one of the longest, they call it an epic. A poem is not meant for the poets only, it can be read by anyone. But it is so difficult to understand? OK, a poem or a song is primarily meant for the ears, so reading aloud is the key. Can it be one page a day? Yes, and then the power and music of the words play magic. The message seeps in by and by.

SAVITRI is the finest substitute for those who can't access the VEDA because of the difficult sanskrit language. As a modern scripture it synthesizes the wisdom of all cultures. So, go for the pure gold; what better way to read SAVITRI than to start reading, right away? Bon Voyage.