The Significance of Physical Education
Sri Aurobindo emphasized the importance of physical education as part of the holistic development of an individual. In his integral approach to education, he regarded the body as a vehicle of the soul and an essential instrument for divine manifestation.
According to Aurobindo, true education should involve the training of the body along with the mind and spirit. A strong, healthy, and disciplined body supports mental clarity and spiritual growth. Physical education helps individuals cultivate qualities like endurance, strength, balance, and coordination—attributes vital for both personal and societal life.
He also believed that physical development helps purify the lower nature and strengthens the will. Exercises, sports, and yogic practices are essential tools in preparing the body for higher spiritual experiences.
Thus, Aurobindo saw physical education not as a secondary activity but as a crucial foundation for integral development, enabling the body to become a fit instrument for divine expression.