So, according to Sri Aurobindo’s words, “Buddha” or “Buddhism” is in greater darkness and revival of finding the Soul is difficult, rather impossible? What about Self-Realisation? Jeevan Mukti? Is it a better state?
[Knowledge and Ignorance – The Extreme Paths: https://incarnateword.in/cwsa/17/knowledge-and-ignorance#p11]
Yes, that is what the Isha Upanishad implies. Buddha, and all who leave the world towards self-annihilation in the Beyond, go into the greater original darkness. They miss the whole purpose of creation. In fact Bhagawat Purana and the Vishnu Purana do hint about it that Buddha came to take the Asuras out of the creation. No wonder it has a much greater appeal in the Western World and Atheistic cultures due to the Anatmavad.
One does not need to leave the world or cut the knot of works to have Self-Realisation and find God. It is possible while being in life, as we see in the ideal of Jivanmukta. The Isha, Sri Rama, Sri Krishna and Sri Aurobindo all say this.
Affectionately,
Alok Da
