<p style="text-align: justify">A dear email friend of mine Pramod Kumar sent me this book
by Sri Aurobindo. After reading it, I could only admire Aurobindo's understanding of
Bharat - the West. Remarkable were his comments on Gandhi - Ahimsa. The book is a
compilation of extracts from Aurobindo's words starting 1893 to 1950. These are
arranged date wise in the book. Against each comment made on a particular date I have
given the Topic so it is easier for you. At the beginning of a period there is Background
note given so that you know the circumstances during which the words were said. After
reading them you might find some of them eternally relevant. My comments are in brackets. <br>
<br>
Let me start with Sri Aurobindo's words at the beginning of the book &#147;I write,
not for the orthodox, nor for those who have discovered a new orthodoxy Samaj or Panth,
nor for the unbeliever. I write for those who acknowledge reason but do not identify
reason with Western materialism, who are skeptics but not unbelievers, who, admitting the
claims of modern thought, still believe in India, her mission, her gospel, her immortal
life and her eternal rebirth&#148;. 1911 <br>
<br>
This essay is dedicated to Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Sardar Patel. The former was a
close associate of Aurobindo while the latter was admired by him. The essay has the
following chapters - 

<ol style="text-align: justify">
  <li>Revolutionary Writings 1893 to 1910. - includes Congress, education, partition of
    Bengal, caste, dharma vs. democracy, emulating Europe, Hindu - Muslim unity. <br>
  </li>
  <li>Essays, Letters and Articles 1910 to 1922 - includes decline of India, Veda, hunger -
    strike, Europe and cause of India's weakness. <br>
    &nbsp; </li>
  <li>Talks (1st series) -includes community Dharma, Hindu Muslim unity, Gandhi Ahimsa, Gandhi
    is a European. <br>
    &nbsp; </li>
  <li>Letters 1929 to 1938 - includes Hindu Muslim problem, Gandhi's style of
    decision-making - Christian view, Gita says on fighting. <br>
    &nbsp; </li>
  <li>Talks (2nd series) 1938 to 1940 - includes belief in freedom, Gandhi's
    non-violence, Hitler, singing of Vande Mataram, Gandhi's attitude to Muslims. <br>
    &nbsp; </li>
  <li>Letters and Messages 1940 to 1950 - includes on Independence, me a meek Pacifists! </li>
</ol>

<p>Oh Bhagwan please forgive me if I have made any errors. I have improved my
understanding of India by reading this book, would suggest you read it too. </p>