Lyrical Poems (1930-1950)

by Sri Aurobindo

Sri Aurobindo once wrote that he wanted his short poems published in two separate books, one of sonnets and the other of "(mainly) lyrical poems". His sonnets were published in 1980.

This book contains all other significant short poems composed between 1930 and 1950. Most of the poems included are "lyrical" in the technical sense: they are short and express the writer's personal thoughts and feelings. Unlike most other examples of the genre, however, their lyricism is spiritual and psychic.

Along with the later sonnets and the epic Savitri, they represent Sri Aurobindo's highest achievement in spiritual or yogic poetry. This book is brought out in the same shape and format as Sonnets.

About the Author:

Sri Aurobindo was an Indian/Hindu nationalist, scholar, poet, mystic, evolutionary philosopher, yogi and guru. After a short political career in which he became one of leaders of the early movement for the freedom of India from British rule, Sri Aurobindo turned to the development and practice of a new spiritual path which he called the "integral yoga," the aim of which was to further the evolution of life on earth by establishing a high level of spiritual consciousness which he called the Supermind that would represent a divine life.

Sri Aurobindo wrote prolifically in English on his spiritual philosophy and practice, on social and political development, on Indian culture including extensive commentaries and translations of ancient Indian scriptures, on literature and poetry including the writing of much spiritual poetry.