Electron by Aurobindo Ghosh

Electron is a manuscript poem by Sri Aurobindo in which he explains the electron in scientific terms and how it behaves in the real world.

Text of the Poem

Electron
The electron on which forms and worlds are built,
Leaped into being, a particle of God.
A spark from the eternal Energy spilt,
It is the Infinite’s blind minute abode.
In that small flaming chariot Shiva rides.
The One devised innumerably to be;
His oneness in invisible forms he hides,
Time’s tiny temples of eternity.
Atom and molecule in their unseen plan
Buttress an edifice of strange onenesses,
Crystal and plant, insect and beast and man,–
Man on whom the World-Unity shall seize,
Widening his soul-spark to an epiphany
Of the timeless vastness of Infinity.

Summary of Electron

The poem Electron reveals Aurobindo’s understanding of scientific temper and the danger of entire reliance on science in the current society. The poet begins by bringing out the characteristic feature of an electron.

Aurobindo acknowledges that it is the foundation upon which everything is built. He claims it is a negative particle located inside an atom. However, this negative particle has an impact on everything. He goes on to say that this negative particle has “leaped into being, a particle of God,” implying that it is now considered equal to God, the Supreme Power. Lord Shiva, who travels in a “small flaming chariot,” is mentioned by Aurobindo. He claims that it is the substance rather than the size that is important. Similarly, an atom, despite its modest size, may support a massive and intimidating structure. Such is its sway.

Furthermore, it has an effect on everything, including “crystal and plant, insect and beast and man.” Finally, Aurobindo concludes that the boundaries of this minuscule particle are dispersed throughout “the timeless vastness of Infinity.”

Take note of how the phrases “leaped into being, a particle of God” and “flaming chariot” where “Shiva rides” are used to compare the electron to all potential nuclear energy.

Literary Form