FOREWORD

THIS new volume in the series of "Letters of Sri Aurobindo" contains letters on spiritual philosophy and the practice of Yoga compiled after the publication of the first two volumes which also include letters dealing with the same subjects. The classification of letters under different headings and their arrangement in separate sections in this volume is made on the same plan as that of the earlier volumes. Those who have made a careful study of the earlier volumes will find in these letters further clarification of several issues connected with Sri Aurobindo's spiritual philosophy and psychology, fuller understanding of the aim, the conditions and the process of his system of Yoga and additional guidance and help in the many practical difficulties that invariably arise in the extremely difficult pursuit of that system which admits of no final compromise with any of the limitations of the present ignorant life but insists on an unrelenting change and conversion of all its basic motivations for an entire transfiguration culminating in the emergence of a perfect and plenary truth-consciousness manifestly expressed in a new way of life—The Life Divine —and embodied in a new type of being—the Gnostic Individual. An endeavour of this magnitude and proportion which is not satisfied with covering the ground already acquired by other

traditional and existing spiritual paths—which even at their best leave the fundamental problem of the earthly existence unsolved and the central urge of human life unfulfilled—but dares to venture into further territory to conquer the yet unknown truth-powers which will decisively solve that problem and sovereignly fulfil that urge, cannot be undertaken without the constant help of a Master who is the Leader of the Journey and the Guide on the Path. Even those who deem themselves best equipped, are sure to falter at some stage of this venture, fraught with incalculable possibilities and vicissitudes, if they choose to proceed on it relying only on their own light.

These letters written by Sri Aurobindo to his disciple to help them in the problems which arose in their sadhana will prove of great value to others also who know how to make an intelligent and discriminating use of them because human nature both in ordinary life and Yoga functions to a considerable extent on similar lines. It is for this reason that as many letters of Sri Aurobindo as could possibly be collected are being made available to the general reader. The piecemeal publication of these letters in successive volumes has been rendered necessary because a complete collection is not yet made. It is proposed to make such a collection in the near future.

K. H. G.