Transformation by Sri Aurobindo Summary
The poem “Transformation” by Sri Aurobindo was written around 1933 and first published in the Calcutta Review in October 1934. The poem’s first draft appears in a notebook shortly after another poem titled “Trance,” which is dated October 16, 1933, supporting the idea that “Transformation” was composed in the same year. There are two handwritten and two typed manuscripts of this poem.
Between 1933 and 1947, Sri Aurobindo wrote a total of seventy-five sonnets, although only three were published in book form during his lifetime. He expressed his desire in 1934 for his sonnets to eventually be published in a dedicated volume, a wish that came true in 1980 with the release of Sonnets. Sri Aurobindo specified that he wanted the sestets of his Miltonic sonnets to be formatted as seen in the published book, irrespective of their rhyme schemes.
The poem “Transformation” by Sri Aurobindo describes a journey of spiritual awakening and growth. It shows how the speaker moves from being limited by their physical body to reaching a higher, more divine state of being. This change brings light, joy, and freedom, allowing the speaker to connect deeply with something greater than themselves.
In the first part of the poem, the speaker feels a calm and gentle energy flowing through them, suggesting a sense of peace and connection to the divine. This energy fills every part of their body with power, making them feel strong and connected to something vast and limitless. The speaker describes this feeling as if they have “drunk the Infinite,” suggesting they have experienced a powerful and overwhelming sense of the divine.
The speaker also talks about seeing time differently. Instead of feeling trapped by time, they view it as a dream or performance that no longer limits them. They describe their body as being filled with light and joy, with their nerves transformed into delicate pathways for happiness. This transformation allows them to receive divine energy and feel deeply connected to a higher presence.
Next, the speaker talks about their freedom from physical limitations. They no longer feel controlled by their body or by the laws of nature, which they describe as heavy and restrictive. They are no longer trapped by their senses, which only give a limited view of the world. Instead, they have gained a deeper understanding and awareness that goes beyond what they can see, hear, or touch.
In the final part of the poem, the speaker describes how their soul has expanded without limits, allowing them to see and understand everything more deeply. They now see their body as a “happy living tool” for the divine, meaning they use their physical form to serve a higher purpose with joy. The poem ends with a powerful image of the speaker’s spirit as a “vast sun of deathless light,” suggesting that their spirit is now full of eternal light and deeply connected to the divine.
In simple terms, the poem “Transformation” is about breaking free from the limits of the physical world to achieve a higher spiritual state. It encourages readers to look beyond their physical selves, connect with the divine, and embrace their potential for spiritual growth and enlightenment.
Key Points
Author
Sri Aurobindo: An influential Indian philosopher, yogi, poet, and nationalist. He wrote extensively on spiritual and philosophical themes, integrating elements of Indian spirituality with Western literary traditions.
Structure and Form
Sonnet Structure: “Transformation” is written as a sonnet, a poetic form traditionally consisting of 14 lines.
Rhyme Scheme: The poem likely follows a Miltonic sonnet form, which typically consists of an octave followed by a sestet. The rhyme scheme vary, but it often does not adhere strictly to a fixed pattern, allowing for greater flexibility. The rhyme scheme for Sri Aurobindo’s sonnet “Transformation,” follows the ABBA ABBA CDC EDE pattern.
Speaker
The speaker appears to be an individual who has undergone a profound spiritual awakening or transformation. This voice expresses a deep connection with divine energy and a newfound sense of liberation from physical and natural constraints.
Setting
Spiritual Realm: The setting of the poem transcends a physical location. It exists in a metaphysical realm where the speaker explores themes of transformation, enlightenment, and divine connection.
Theme
Transformation: The central theme is the transformation of the self, moving from a state of physical and mental confinement to one of spiritual liberation and enlightenment.
Divine Connection: The poem explores the idea of a deep connection with the divine and the role of the individual in that relationship.
Freedom from Constraints: It addresses the liberation from physical and sensory limitations, highlighting the soul’s expansion and the body’s role as an instrument of the divine.
Plot
Journey of Awakening: The poem narrates the speaker’s journey from being bound by physicality and nature to achieving spiritual awakening and a connection with the divine.
Revelation of the Divine Self: The speaker reflects on their transformation, emphasizing the joy and radiance of their spiritual state as they embrace their new identity.
Tone
Elevated and Inspirational: The tone is one of elevation and inspiration, conveying a sense of awe and joy at the speaker’s transformation.
Joyful and Exultant: There is a feeling of exuberance as the speaker celebrates their newfound freedom and connection to the divine.
Style
Imagery: Rich, vivid imagery is employed to evoke the beauty and depth of spiritual transformation (e.g., “channels of rapture opal and hyaline”).
Symbolism: The poem is laden with symbols representing spiritual ideas, such as light, expansion, and the divine.
Metaphorical Language: The use of metaphors enhances the exploration of the speaker’s transformation, depicting the body as a tool for God and the spirit as a radiant sun.
Message
The message of the poem is one of hope and transcendence. It suggests that through spiritual awakening, one can break free from the limitations of the physical world and achieve a state of divine union and eternal light.
