Sri Aurobindo

The Harmony of Virtue

Early Cultural Writings — 1890-1910

Kalidasa

Kalidasa's Characters
IV. Apsaras [1]

We shall now understand why the Apsara¹ is represented as the Hetaira of heaven. They represent all that is sensuous, attractive or² voluptuous in the Universe, the element of desire which, being unspiritual and non-moral, finds its sphere in the satisfaction of the senses³ of beauty and for that satisfaction needs freedom.

Later edition of this work: The Complete Works of Sri Aurobindo.- Set in 37 volumes.- Volume 1.- Early Cultural Writings (1890 — 1910).- Pondicherry: Sri Aurobindo Ashram, 2003.- 784 p.

¹ 2003 ed.: Opsara

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² 2003 ed.: and

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³ 2003 ed.: sense

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