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

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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.

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.

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.

Reading Sri Aurobindo's "Savitri" is endlessly fascinating. It is based on an Indian mythological tale of a woman going into the underworld in order to bring back her husband from death. That is the 'legend' in the subtitle. The resulting 'symbol' has to do with the conquest of death itself. The poem meanders through all the layers of consciousness of the human being, exploring the highest to the lowest and in exquisite poetry reveals humanity's essence and infinite variety of manifestation.

If you are ready for such a journey, there is nothing better.

Savitri has gone much beyond then a poetry could go. Its truely inspirational . I think this a best kind of self help poetry which helps to guide in all problems in life. Its a great work
of uncomparable perfection and I would recommend to every one who needs and thinks that poetry could be thier friend , philoshoper and guide.