|
Chapter 6
Bases of Spiritual Life
The earliest preoccupation of man in his awakened thoughts and, as it seems, his inevitable and
ultimate preoccupation ... is also the highest which his thought can envisage. It manifests itself in
the divination of Godhead, the impulse towards perfection, the search after pure Truth and unmixed
Bliss, the sense of a secret immortality. The ancient dawns of human knowledge have left us their
witness to this constant aspiration; today we see a humanity satiated but not satisfied by victorious
analysis of the externalities of Nature preparing to return to its primeval longings. The earliest
formula of Wisdom promises to be its last, — God, Light, Freedom, Immortality.
SRI AUROBINDO
The spiritual life, the life of Yoga, has
for its object to grow into the divine consciousness and for its result to
purify, intensify, glorify and perfect what is in you. It makes you a
power of manifestation of the Divine; it raises the character of each
personality to its full value and brings it to its maximum expression; for this
is part of the Divine plan.
THE MOTHER
But the very spirit of Yoga is this, to make
the exceptional normal, and to turn that which is above us and greater than our
normal selves into our own constant consciousness. Therefore we should not
hesitate to open ourselves more steadily to whatever experience of the Infinite
we have, to purify and intensify it, to make it our object of constant
thought and contemplation.
SRI AUROBINDO
Page-111
SINCERITY
|
Sincerity means more than mere honesty. It means
that
you mean what you say, feel what you profess, are earnest in your
will. As the sadhak aspires to be an instrument of the Divine and one with the
Divine, sincerity in him means that he is really in earnest in his aspiration
and refuses all other will or impulse except the Divine's.
SRI AUROBINDO
True sincerity consists in following the way
because you cannot do otherwise, in consecrating yourself to the divine
life because you cannot do otherwise, in striving to transform your being and
emerge into the Light because you cannot do otherwise, because it is the very
reason for which you live.
THE MOTHER
291 Emotional
sincerity
|
292 Sincerity in
the vital
A sincere heart is worth all the extraordinary
powers in
the world.
SRI AUROBINDO
Sincerity is the key to the divine doors.
THE MOTHER
290 Simple sincerity
The beginning of all progress.
Aster amellus. White
291 Emotional sincerity
Does not try to falsify the emotions.
Aster amellus. Lavender pink
292 Sincerity in the vital
The sure way to realisation.
Aster amellus. Lavender blue
|
Page-112
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294 Psychic
transparency
293 Transparency
Can only come as a result of perfect sincerity.
Callistephus chinensis. Many colours
294 Psychic transparency
Manifests fully only when the psychic is perfectly
developed.
Callistephus chinensis. Pink, semidouble
295 Supramentalised psychic activity
Luminous, manifold, balanced, it meets all needs.
Callistephus chinensis. Pink, double
296 Transparency of the emotional vital
At once the condition and the result of the
abolition of the ego.
Callistephus chinensis. Very light lavender,
semidouble
297 Vital transparency
Indispensable for conversion.
Callistephus chinensis. Deep mauve to violet, semidouble |
298 Supramentalised vital transparency
One of the results of conversion.
Callistephus chinensis. Violet, double
299 Transparency in the physical
The physical is preparing itself to be transformed.
Callistephus chinensis. Red, semidouble
300 Integral transparency
It is the result of goodwill and perfect sincerity.
Callistephus chinensis. White, double
301 Illumined transparency
An effect of the Divine Grace.
Callistephus chinensis. White, semidouble
295 Supramentalised psychic activity
|
Page-113
PURITY
|
302 Purity
This is purity, to accept no other influence but
only the influence of the Divine. THE MOTHER
One is truly perfectly pure only when the whole
being, in all its elements and all its movements, adheres fully and exclusively
to the Divine Will. That is total purity. It does not depend on any moral or
social law, any mental convention of any kind. It depends exclusively on this:
when all theelements and all the movements of the being adhere exclusively and
totally to the Divine Will.
THE MOTHER
What I call purity, the true purity, is not all
those things that morality teaches: it is non-ego. There must be nothing but
Him. Him not only because we have given Him everything and consecrated ourselves
totally to Him (that is not enough), but Him because He has taken total
possession of the human instrument.
THE MOTHER
|
303 Psychic purity
302 Purity
True purity has a lovely fragrance.
Jasminum. White
303 Psychic purity
The condition natural to the psychic.
Jasminum. White, semidouble
304 Integral purity
The whole being is purified of the ego.
Jasminum sambac 'Grand Duke ofTuscany'.
White, double
|
Page-114
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305 Divine purity
305 Divine purity
It is happy just to be, in all simplicity.
Hippobroma longiflora. White
306 Purity arising from perfect consecration
If one lives only for the Divine and by the Divine,
the result is perfect purity.
Lilium candidum. Pearl white
307 Power of purity
Purity is the best of powers.
Convallaria majalis. White |
306
Purity arising from perfect consecration
307 Power of purity
|
Page-115
Page-117
PURITY
|
There is a force of purity, not the purity of the
moralist,
but an essential purity of spirit, in the very substance of the being.
SRI AUROBINDO
308 Radiating purity
It charms and fascinates. It makes Nature fragrant.
Gardenia augusta. White
309 Perfect radiating purity
Nothing escapes its action.
Gardenia augusta. White, double
310 Purity in action
When action is initiated by the Divine Will, it is
pure.
Stemmadenia litoralis. White
311 Collective purity
A very precious achievement, but difficult to
obtain.
Viburnum plicatum. White
312 Spring purity
The charm and freshness of youth.
Crataegus. White |
312 Spring purity
|
Page-118
SIMPLICITY
|
313 Integral
simplicity
314 Beauty
in collective simplicity
|
313 Integral simplicity
The simplicity that comes from perfect sincerity.
Vittadinia cuneata. White
314 Beauty in collective simplicity
Each element plays its part in the whole.
Ornithogalum umbellatum. White
As soon as all effort disappears from a
manifestation, it becomes very simple, with the simplicity of a flower opening,
manifesting its beauty and spreading its fragrance without clamour or vehement
gesture. And in this simplicity lies the greatest power, the power which is
least mixed and least gives rise
to harmful reactions. Simplicity, simplicity! How sweet is the purity of Thy
Presence!
THE MOTHER
Sri Aurobindo's answer is always the
same: Be simple, be simple, very simple. And I know what he means:
to deny entry to regulating, organising, prescriptive, judgmental thought — he
wants none of all that. What he calls being simple is a joyful spontaneity; in
action, in expression, in movement, in life, be simple, be simple, be simple. A
joyful spontaneity.
THE MOTHER |
Page-118
HUMILITY
|
315 Humility
315 Humility
Adorable in its simplicity.
Agrostis nebulosa. Pale greenish white |
316 Modesty
316 Modesty
Is satisfied with its charm and does not attract
attention.
Viola odorata. Deep violet
317 Correct self-estimation
Simple and modest, does not try to put itself
forward.
Jasminum humile. Yellow
HUMILITY
[Humility is] the recognition that
one does not know,*
that one knows nothing, and that there may be something
beyond what presently appears to us as being truest,
noblest, most disinterested. True humility consists in
referring oneself constantly to the Lord, in placing
everything before Him.
the mother |
317 Correct self-estimation
It is very simple: when you tell people, "Be humble",
they immediately think of being humble before other men,
and that humility is bad. True humility is humility
before the Divine - that is, the precise, exact,
living sense that one is nothing, can do nothing,
understands nothing without the Divine, that even if
one is an exceptionally intelligent and capable person,
one is nothing in comparison with the Divine
Consciousness. And one has to keep that always, because
always one has the true attitude of receptivity, a
humble receptivity which does not put personal
pretension in the way of the
Divine.
the
mother |
Page-119
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EQUANIMITY
The more a person is quiet in front of all
occurrences, equal in all circumstances, and keeps a
perfect mastery of himself and remains peaceful in the presence of whatever
happens, the more he
has progressed towards the goal.
THE MOTHER
Equanimity and peace in all conditions, in all
parts of the being is the first foundation of the yogic status. Either Light
(bringing with it knowledge) or Force (bringing strength and dynamism of many
kinds) or Ananda (bringing love and joy of existence) can come next according to
the trend of the nature. But peace is the first condition without which nothing
else can be stable.
SRI AUROBINDO
318 Equanimity
Immutable peace and calm.
Iberis. Several colours
318 Equanimity
|
PEACE
Peace was the very first thing that the yogis and
seekers of old asked for and it was a quiet and silent mind - and that always
brings peace -that they declared to be the best condition for realising the
Divine.
SRI AUROBINDO
Peace is a deep quietude where no disturbance can
come- a quietude with a sense of established security and release.
SRI AUROBINDO
Peace is a calm deepened into something that is
very positive amounting almost to a tranquil waveless Ananda.
SRI AUROBINDO
319 Peace
To want what You want always and in every
circumstance is the only way to enjoy an unshakable peace.
Curcuma zedoaria. Yellow
319 Peace
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320 Joy of integral peace
Calm and tranquil, an unfailing smile.
Crinum. White with light pink
320 Joy of integral peace
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Page-120
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SILENCE
Silence is the condition of the being when it
listens to the Divine.
THE MOTHER
In silence lies the greatest receptivity. And in an
immobile silence the vastest action is done. Let us learn to be silent so that
the Lord may make use of us.
THE MOTHER
With words one can at times understand, but only in
silence one knows.
THE MOTHER
321 Silence
The ideal condition for progress. Rich,
profound, multiple.
Passiflora incarnata Xcincinnata 'Incense'.
Royal purple
321 Silence |
This power of silence is a capacity and not an
incapacity, a power and not a weakness. It is a profound and pregnant stillness.
Only when the mind is thus entirely still, like clear, motionless and level
water, in a perfect purity and peace of the whole being and the soul transcends
thought, can the Self which exceeds and originates all activities and becomings,
the Silence from which all words are born, the Absolute of which all
relativities are partial reflections manifest itself in the pure essence of our
being. In a complete silence only is the Silence heard; in a pure peace only is
its Being revealed. Therefore to us the name of That is the Silence and the
Peace.
SRI AUROBINDO
322 Integral silence
The source of true force.
Passiflora foetida. White
322 Integral silence
|
323 Expressive silence
Certain silences are revealing and more
expressive than words.
Linaria maroccana. Several colours
323 Expressive silence
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Page-121
GRATITUDE
|
324 Gratitude
324 Gratitude
It is you who open all the closed doors and allow
the saving Grace to enter.
Ipomoea camea. White to pale pink
|
There is nothing that gives you a joy equal to that
of gratitude. You hear a bird sing, you see a lovely flower, you look at a
little child, observe an act of generosity, read a beautiful sentence, look at
the setting sun, anything whatever: suddenly this comes upon you, this kind of
emotion, so deep, so intense, that the world manifests the Divine that there is
something behind the world which is the Divine.
THE MOTHER
And yet, of all movements, the one that perhaps
gives the most joy—an unalloyed joy, untainted by egoism - is spontaneous
gratitude. It is something very special. It isn't love, it isn't self-giving. It
is a very full joy. Very full. It is a very special vibration unlike
anything other than itself. It is something that widens you, that fills you,
that is so fervent! Of all the movements within the reach of human
consciousness, it is certainly the one that draws you most out of your ego. . .
.When you can enter this vibration in its purity, you realise immediately that
it has the same quality as the vibration of Love: it is directionless.
.. . Ultimately, gratitude is only a very slightly coloured shade of the
essential vibration of Love.
THE MOTHER |
Page-122
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325 Detailed gratitude
326 Mental gratitude
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327 Integral gratitude
325 Detailed gratitude
The gratitude that awakens in us all the details of
the Divine Grace.
Merremia quinquefolia. White
326 Mental gratitude
The gratitude of the mind for what makes it
progress.
Merremia. tuberosa. Golden yellow
327 Integral gratitude
The whole being offers itself to the Lord with
absolute trust.
Operculina turpethum. White
|
Page-123
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328 Happy heart
328 Happy heart
Smiling, peaceful, radiant, without a shadow.
Ravenia spectabilis. Bright rose pink
330 Mental cheerfulness
It knows how to enjoy everything.
Gaillardia pulchella. Yellow |
HAPPY HEART
For your heart to remain happy
keep it
always filled with gratefulness. Gratefulness
is the surest way to the Divine.
THE MOTHER
329 Cheerfulness
329 Cheerfulness
A joyful smile of Nature.
Gaillardia pulchella. Orange red |
CHEERFULNESS
There is nothing spiritually wrong with being glad
and cheerful, on the contrary it is the right thing.
SRI AUROBINDO
Cheerfulness is the salt of the sadhana. It is a
thousand times better than gloominess.
SRI AUROBINDO
331 Optimism
331 Optimism
More helpful than its opposite.
Erysimum cheiri. Yellow to orange
|
Page-124
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332 Joy's call
332 Joy's call
It is modest and rarely makes itself heard.
Campanula medium. Blue |
A hidden Bliss is at the root of things. A mute
Delight regards Time's countless works: To house God's joy in things Space
gave wide room, To house God's joy in self our souls were born. This universe an
old enchantment guards; Its objects are carved cups of World-Delight
Whose charmed wine is some deep soul's rapture-drink: The All-Wonderful has
packed heaven with his dreams, He has made blank ancient Space his marvel-house;
He spilled his spirit into Matter's signs: His fires of grandeur burn in
the great sun, He glides through heaven shimmering in the moon;
He is beauty carolling in the fields of sound; He chants the stanzas of
the odes of Wind; He is silence watching in the stars at night; He wakes at dawn
and calls from every bough, Lies stunned in the stone and dreams in flower and
tree.
SRI AUROBINDO
333 Without grief
333 Without grief
The contemplation that leads you beyond suffering.
Saraca indica. Orange
|
Page-125
GOODWILL
|
334
Gentleness
334 Gentleness
Always gracious and loves to please.
Lathyrus odoratus. Several colours
|
335 Vital gentleness
(No comment)
Lathyrus odoratus. Mauve
336 Sweetness
Adds its smiling touch to life without making a
fuss.
Momordica charantia. Light yellow
337 Goodwill
Modest in appearance, does not make a show but is
always ready to be useful.
Lobularia maritima. White
338 Courageous goodwill
Fears neither inclemency nor cold, is solid and
resistant.
Ilex. White
339 Benevolence
Makes life fragrant without attracting attention.
Reseda odorata. Yellowish white or greenish yellow
340 Good temper
(No comment)
L
inum grandiflorum. Bright crimson |
Page-126
Page-127
BALANCE
|
341 Balance
341 Balance
Each seeks his own balance in order to stabilise
himself.
Begonia. Several colours
342 Perfect balance
One of the most important conditions of a growing
peace.
Begonia. Several colours, medium
343 Psychic balance
Under the psychic influence all activity becomes
balanced.
Begonia. Pink, small
344 Perfect psychic balance
On the way to transformation.
Begonia. Pink, medium
345 Mental balance
Mind governed by reason.
Begonia. Yellow, small |
346 Perfect mental balance
Indispensable for facing the difficulties of life.
Begonia. Yellow, medium
347 Integral balance
It multiplies itself so as not to be static.
Begonia. White, small
348 Perfect integral balance
One is ready for transformation.
,
Begonia. White, medium
349 Balanced use of integral power
In truth, power can only become integral when
it is used in a balanced way.
Sinningia speciosa. White
343 Psychic balance
|
Page-128
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HARMONY
For all problems of existence are essentially
problems of harmony. They arise from the perception of an unsolved discord and
the instinct of an undiscovered agreement or unity. To rest content with an
unsolved discord is possible for the practical and more animal part of man, but
impossible for his fully
awakened mind, and usually even his practical parts only escape from the general
necessity either by shutting out the problem or by accepting a rough,
utilitarian and unillumined compromise. For essentially, all Nature seeks a
harmony, life and matter in their own sphere as much as mind in the arrangement
of its perceptions.
SRI AUROBINDO
This manifestation of beauty and harmony is part of
the Divine realisation upon earth, perhaps even its greatest part.
THE MOTHER
350 Harmony
Let us work for the day when this will become both
the means and the end.
Antigonon. Several colours
351 Harmony in the vital
To harmonise the vital is a psychological
masterpiece. Happy is he who accomplishes it.
Antigonon leptopus. Bright pink
352 Harmony in the material vital
No disputes, no quarrels - the sweetness of a life
without clashes.
Antigonon leptopus. Deep pink
353 Integral harmony
Harmony between things, harmony between persons,
harmony of circumstances and, above all, harmony of aspirations - all leading to
the Supreme Truth.
Antigonon leptopus 'Album'. White |
350 Harmony
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Page- 129
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354
Collective harmony
|
CHARITY
Yes, there is a sublime charity, one which rises
from
a happy heart, from a serene soul. One who has won inner peace is a herald of
deliver- ance wherever he goes, a bearer of hope and joy. Is not this what poor
and suffering humanity needs above all things?
Yes, there are certain men whose thoughts are all
love, who radiate love, and the mere presence of these individuals is a charity
more active, more real than any other. Though they utter no word and make no
gesture, yet the sick are relieved, the tormented are soothed, the ignorant are
enlightened, the wicked are appeased, those who suffer are consoled. These
individuals who, out of love, give themselves to all, who become the servants of
all, are the living symbols of the supreme Charity.
THE MOTHER
354 Collective harmony
Collective harmony is the work undertaken by
the Divine Consciousness; it alone has the power
to realise it.
Hydrangea. Several colours
355 Conciliation
Likes smooth contacts.
Sesamum indicum. White
356 Charity
Simple and sweet, attentive to the needs of all.
Commelina. Sky blue |
Page-130
GENEROSITY
|
I was holding one of these flowers [Integral
generosity] in my hand when I saw Z, and I explained to him what I meant by it.
The effect of the ego, I told him, is to shrivel the being. This is the cause of
aging, it shrivels you up like a fading flower, it dries you up.I know that at
one point I was talking about the difference between the two states, between the
person, the individual personal being, turning towards the Lord, imploring Him
to reveal His Will, and then this experience of becoming - by extending oneself,
by opening, enlarging, merging into the creation — of becoming the Lord's
Will, the Supreme Will.
THE MOTHER
357 Generosity
Gives and gives itself without bargaining.
Impatiens balsamina. Several colours
359 Generosity in the vital
Gives itself unstintingly.
Impatiens balsamina. Rose purple
360 Perfect generosity in the vital
(No comment)
Impatiens balsamina. Rose purple, double
361 Psycho-physical generosity
Generosity of thought and act.
Impatiens balsamina. Pink and red
362 Generosity in the physical
Loves abundance and loves to give it.
Impatiens balsamina. Red
363 Manifold generosity
All in Nature is spontaneously generous.
Impatiens balsamina. Bicoloured
|
358
Psychic generosity
358 Psychic generosity
Gives for the joy of giving.
Impatiens balsamina. Pink |
Page-131
FAITHFULNESS
Page-132
FAITHFULNESS
|
This is faithfulness, to admit and to manifest no
other movements but only the movements prompted and guided by the Divine.
THE MOTHER
When I spoke of being faithful to the light of the
soul and the divine Call, ... I was simply affirming the great need in all
crises and attacks, — to refuse to listen to any suggestions, impulses, lures
and to oppose to them all the call of the Truth, the imperative beckoning of the
Light. In all doubt and depression, to say, "I belong to the Divine, I cannot
fail"; to all suggestions of impurity and unfitness, to reply, "I am a child of
Immortality chosen by the Divine; I have but to be true to myself and to
Him — the victory is sure; even if I fell, I would rise again"; to all
impulses to depart and serve some smaller ideal, to reply, "This is the
greatest, this is the Truth that alone can satisfy the soul within me; I will
endure through all tests and tribulations to the very end of the divine
journey". This is what I mean by faithfulness to the Light and the Call.
SRI AUROBINDO
364 Faithfulness
We can count on You; You never fail us when we need
You.
Quisqualis indica. White, pink and red
365 Incorruptible faithfulness
Nothing can turn you from the duty you have
chosen.
Carlina acaulis. White or reddish
366 Peace of integral faithfulness
Be faithful to the Divine and you will enjoy
constant peace.
Portlandia grandiflora. White
367 Joy of integral faithfulness
That bond of love which makes all faithfulness so
easy.
Portlandia grandiflora. White with pink
|
368 Belief
368 Belief
Simple and candid, does not question.
Clerodendrum. Cream white
|
Page-133
RIGHT ATTITUDE
|
369 Aspiration for the right attitude
369 Aspiration for the right attitude
Energetic, willing, determined.
Clerodendrum Xspeciosum. Red, green calyx
370 Aspiration for the right attitude
Energetic, willing, determined.
Clerodendrum thomsoniae. Red, white calyx
371 Right attitude
Simple and open, without complications.
Clerodendrum speciosissimum. Bright orange |
To lead the Divine Life does not depend on any
exterior activity or circumstances. Whatever you do from the highest work to the
most ordinary, you can lead the Divine Life if you are in the true consciousness
and the right attitude.
THE MOTHER
If, in the presence of circumstances that are about
to take place, you can take the highest attitude possible - that is, if you put
your consciousness in contact with the highest consciousness within reach, you
can be absolutely sure that in that case it is the best that can happen to you.
... I even go so far as to assert that in each one's zone of immediate
influence, the right attitude not only has the power to turn every circumstance
to advantage but can change the very circumstance itself.
THE MOTHER
372 Right attitude established
There is a moment when the right attitude conies
spontaneously and effortlessly.
Clerodendrum splendens. Red orange
372 Right attitude established
|
Page-134
ENTHUSIASM
|
373 Enthusiasm
373 Enthusiasm
True enthusiasm is full of a peaceful
endurance.
Petunia Xhybrida. Many colours
374 Cheerful enthusiasm
The best way of facing life. Joy unites with
enthusiasm in action.
Petunia Xhybrida. Many colours, double
375 Enthusiasm in Action
All actions are done with energy and
ardour.
Petunia Xhybrida. Bicoloured
376 Cheerful Enthusiasm in Action
Action will become joyfully enthusiastic when it is
governed by the Supermind.
Petunia Xhybrida. Bicoloured, double
377 Psychic enthusiasm
A state that only the Divine can awaken.
Petunia Xhybrida. Light pink |
378 Cheerful psychic enthusiasm
An assurance of success in spite of obstacles.
Petunia Xhybrida. Light pink, double
379 Enthusiasm in the higher vital
The vital being takes a lively interest in what it
does.
Petunia Xhybrida. Pale lavender blue
380 Cheerful enthusiasm in the higher vital
The result of perfect surrender to the Divine.
Petunia Xhybrida. Pale lavender blue, double
381 Vital enthusiasm
Care must be taken that it be in the right
direction.
Petunia Xhybrida. Pinkish mauve
382 Cheerful vital enthusiasm
Very precious if it persists in spite of
difficulties.
Petunia Xhybrida. Pinkish mauve, double
383 Enthusiasm in the most material Vital
Needed to face the difficulties of life
successfully.
Petunia Xhybrida. Deep purple
384 Cheerful enthusiasm in the most material
vital
The most material vital will find its joy in
enthusiastic action when it is governed by the Supermind.
Petunia Xhybrida. Deep purple, double
385 Physical enthusiasm
The body takes a lively interest in life and
action.
Petunia Xhybrida. Red
386 Cheerful physical enthusiasm
The whole being lives only to serve the Divine.
Petunia Xhybrida. Red, double |
387 Integral enthusiasm
The whole being does whatever it does with ardour.
Petunia Xhybrida. White
388 Cheerful integral enthusiasm
To ardour is added the joy of doing things well.
Petunia Xhybrida. White, double
376 Cheerful enthusiasm in action
|
Page-135
LIFE ENERGY
|
389 Life energy
390
Purified dynamic life
energy
|
389 Life energy
Powerful and manifold, meets all needs.
Dendranthema Xgrandiflorum. Many colours
390 Purified dynamic life energy
Superb, indomitable, all-powerful in its
purity.
Dendranthema Xgrandiflorum. White
391 Supramentalised life energy
Manifold and supple, it has an
immortal resistance.
Dendranthema Xgrandiflorum. Orange yellow
392 Life energy in the vital
Supple and resistant, it is tireless.
Dendranthema Xgrandiflorum. Light mauve
393 Life energy in the material
(No comment)
Dendranthema Xgrandiflorum. Golden red
394 Specialised detailed energy
Nothing is too small to merit its attention.
Chrysanthemum. Several colours
394
Specialised detailed
energy
|
Page-136
LIFE ENERGY
|
Life energy], life-force is not physical in itself;
it is not material energy, but rather a different principle supporting Matter
and involved in it. It supports and occupies all forms and without it no
physical form could have come into being or could remain in being. It acts in
all material forces such as electricity and is nearest to self-manifestation in
those that are nearest to pure force; no material force could exist or act
without it, for from it they derive their energy and movement and they are its
vehicles.
SRI AUROBINDO
The true Life-Force too reveals itself as no longer
this troubled harassed divided striving surface energy, but a great and radiant
Divine Power, full of peace and strength and bliss, a wide-wayed Angel of life
with its wings of Might unfolding the universe.
SRI AUROBINDO
395 Organised material energy
Clustered, compact and methodical, it is powerful
through its organisation.
Schefflera actinophylla. Dull red
396 Energy turned towards the Divine
The power of realisation offers itself in service
to the Divine.
Lawsonia inermis. Cream yellow or red
|
395 Organised material
energy
396
Energy turned towards
the Divine
|
Page-137
PLASTICITY
|
399
Energy of a plastic mind
400
Physical plasticity
|
397 Plasticity
Always ready for the necessary progress.
Tagetes. Several colours
398 Mental plasticity
Indispensable for true knowledge.
Tagetes erecta. Yellow
399 Energy of a plastic mind
Does not draw back from any effort to progress.
Tagetes erecta 'Spun Yellow'. Bright yellow
400 Physical plasticity
One of the important conditions for transformation.
Tagetes erecta. Yellow or orange with maroon
401 Detailed plasticity
The plasticity needed to constantly progress.
Tagetes patula. Several colours
401
Detailed plasticity
|
Page-138
PLASTICITY
|
That which can easily change its form is "plastic".
Figuratively, it is suppleness, the capacity to adapt to circumstances or
necessities. When I ask you to be plastic in relation to the Divine, I mean not
to resist the Divine with the rigidity of preconceived ideas and fixed
principles.
THE MOTHER
The physical being and physical consciousness must
be very plastic to be able to lend themselves to all the necessary changes, so
as to be one way one day, another way the next, and so on.
THE MOTHER
Supramental plasticity is an attribute of finally
transformed Matter. The supramental body which has to be brought into being here
has four main attributes: lightness, adaptability, plasticity and luminosity. .
. . Supramental plasticity will enable it to stand the attack of every hostile
force which strives to pierce it: it will present no dull resistance to the
attack but will be, on the contrary, so pliant as to nullify the force by giving
way to it to pass off. Thus it will suffer no harmful consequences and the most
deadly attacks will leave it unscathed.
THE MOTHER
|
402
Supramentalised
plasticity
402 Supramentalised plasticity
One of the stages on the way to transformation.
Tagetes erecta. Orange to orange yellow
|
Page-139
COURAGE
|
True courage, in its deepest sense, is to be able
to face everything, everything in life, from the smallest things to the
greatest, from material things to things of the spirit, without a shudder,
without physically . . . without the heart beginning to beat faster, without the
nerves trembling, without the slightest emotion in any part of the being.
Face everything with a constant awareness of the Divine Presence, a total self
giving to the Divine, and the whole being unified in this will; then you can go
forward in life and face anything whatever.
THE MOTHER
403 Courage
Bold, it faces all dangers,
Calotropis gigantea. Mauve
404 Integral courage
"Whatever the domain, whatever the danger, the
attitude remains the same - calm and assured.
Calotropis gigantea. White
405 Vital courage
Must be controlled to be beneficial.
Solanum melongena. Purple
|
403 Courage
405
Vital courage
|
406 Bravery
406 Bravery
Fears nothing and knows how to stand up against
adversaries.
Amaranthus tricolor 'Molten Fire'. Deep
mauve
|
Page-140
FEARLESSNESS
|
407
Fearlessness in action
|
408 Fearlessness
409
Fearlessness in the
vital
|
Pear is an impurity, one of the greatest impurities, one of those which come most directly from the anti-divine forces which
want to destroy the divine action on earth; and the first duty of those who
really want to do yoga is to eliminate from their consciousness, with all the
might, all the sincerity, all the endurance they are capable of, even the shadow
of fear.
THE MOTHER
407 Fearlessness in action
Manifold, unfettered and fearless.
Amaranthus caudatus. Dull magenta
408 Fearlessness
Without fear or hesitation, it will obey the
Divine's command.
Solanum torvum. White
409 Fearlessness in the vital
Goes straight to its goal and fears no inclemency.
Solanum melongena. Light lavender and white
|
Page-141
VIGILANCE
|
410
Heroic action
410 Heroic action
Fights for the true and the beautiful without fear
of obstacles or opposition.
Arrhostoxylum costatum. Bright red
412 Spontaneous boldness
One of the results of perfect trust in the Divine.
Celosia argentea. Green
413 Mental boldness
May our mind be capable of foreseeing the
perfections of tomorrow.
Celosia argentea. Yellow
414 Vital boldness
Should submit to reason.
Celosia argentea. Dark red
415 Physical boldness
Nothing seems impossible in its consecration
to the Divine.
Celosia argentea. Red |
Vigilance means to be awake, to be on guard, to be
sincere - never to be taken by surprise. When you want to do sadhana, at every
moment of your life there is a choice between taking a step that leads to the
goal and falling asleep or sometimes even going backwards, telling yourself,
"Oh, later on, not immediately" — sitting down on the way.
THE MOTHER
BOLDNESS
411 Boldness
411 Boldness
Do fearlessly what has to be done, dreading
no difficulty.
Celosia argentea. Many colours
|
Page-142
|
416 Vigilance
419 Sentry |
416 Vigilance
Indispensable for all true progress.
Pentapetes phoeniceae. Red orange
417 Perfect vigilance
Nothing is neglected in its observation.
Magnolia grandiflora. Ivory white
418 The guardian
Vigilant and thorny, it knows how to protect what it guards.
Acanthus ilicifoliw. Deep blue
419 Sentry
Ever awake.
Clematis. White
417
Perfect vigilance
|
Page-143
EFFORT TOWARDS THE TRUTH
|
422
Straightforwardness
Truth is the door of the spirit's Ananda, its
beatific nature.
SRI AUROBINDO
The Truth is not a dogma one can learn once and for
all and impose as a rule. The Truth is infinite like the Supreme Lord, and it
manifests at every moment to those who are sincere and attentive.
THE MOTHER
We shall perceive that the truth we seek is made up
of four major aspects: Love, Knowledge, Power and Beauty. These four attributes
of the Truth will express themselves spontaneously in our being. The psychic
will be the vehicle of true and pure love, the mind will be the vehicle of
infallible knowledge, the vital will manifest an invincible power and strength,
and the body will be the expression of a perfect beauty and harmony.
THE MOTHER |
ABSOLUTE TRUTHFULNESS
420 Effort towards the Truth
Should exist in all men of goodwill.
Dillenia suffruiticosa. Lemon yellow
421 Absolute truthfulness
Must govern one's life if one wants to be
close to the Divine.
Solandra maxima. Cream to light yellow
422 Straightforwardness
Shows itself as it is, without compromising.
Ixora pavetta. Off-white
423 Frankness
Says frankly what it has to say without caring for
the result.
Gerbera jamesonii. Several colours
423 Frankness
|
Page-144
SPIRITUAL
SPEECH
|
424 Never tell a lie
STRAIGHTFORWARDNESS
Those who are not straightforward cannot profit by
the Mother's help, for they themselves turn it away. Unless they change, they
cannot hope for the descent of the supramental Light and Truth into the lower
vital and physical nature; they remain stuck in their own self-created mud and
cannot progress.
SRI AUROBINDO
NEVER TELL A LIE
It is never good to tell a lie, but here its
results can only be disastrous, for falsehood is the very symbol of that which
wants to oppose the divine work of Truth.
THE MOTHER
To speak always the truth is the highest tide of
nobility.
THE MOTHER |
424 Never tell a lie
Absolute condition for safety on the path.
Pereskia. Pink
425 Spiritual speech
All-powerful in its simplicity.
Asparagus densiflorus 'Sprengeri'. White
425
Spiritual speech
|
Page-145
|
426 Power of expression
426 Power of expression
It is the power to manifest that which is latent.
Antirrhinum majus. Many colours |
433 Progressive expression
|
427 Power of psychic expression
The psychic gets its power of expression when it
governs the whole being.
Antirrhinum majus. Pink
428 Power of mental expression
Has value only when it is at the service of
the Divine.
Antirrhinum majus. Yellow
429 Power of vital expression
Is useful only when the vital is converted.
Antirrhinum majus. Purple to violet
430 Power of physical expression
One of the benefits of conversion.
Antirrhinum majus. Red
431 Power of integral expression
Nothing is too difficult for it to say.
Antirrhinum majus. White with yellow
432 Power of manifold expression
The result of suppleness and plasticity.
Antirrhinum majus. Multicoloured
433 Progressive expression
What you cannot say today, you will know how to say
tomorrow.
Antirrhinum majus. Many colours |
Page-146
POWER OF EXPRESSION
|
The power of expression comes by getting in touch
with the inner source from which these things come.
THE MOTHER
For a certain state of consciousness there is not a
word, not a gesture, not an action which does not express a deeper or higher
reality, more lasting, more essential, more true; and once one has seen and felt
this, everything takes on a meaning, and one sees more clearly how things
ought to be organised, arranged so that a deeper truth may be expressed even
better than it is at present.
THE MOTHER
The truest expression comes out of an absolute
inner
silence.
SRI AUROBINDO
434 Abundant expression
Has much to say and says it fully.
Celosia argentea. Golden yellow
435 Joyful expression
It enjoys itself and gives enjoyment to others.
Celosia argentea. Golden orange
436 Eloquence
We know how to express ourselves in a convincing
way.
Alpinia zerumbet. White
437 To know how to say what is needed
Neither too many words nor too few — just
what is needed.
Alpinia galanga. White |
|
Page-147
NO QUARRELS
|
438 No quarrels
All quarrels proceed from egoism which pushes its
own opinion and affirms its own importance, considering that it is right and
everybody else wrong and thus creates anger and sense of injury etc. These
things must not be indulged, but rejected at once.
SRI AUROBINDO
As for ill-will, jealousy, quarrels and reproaches,
one must sincerely
be above all that and reply with a benevolent smile to the bitterest words;
and unless one is absolutely sure of oneself and one's reactions, it would be
better, as a general rule, to keep silent.
THE MOTHER
To be above offence or insult makes one truly
great.
THE MOTHER |
438 No quarrels
A very important condition to fulfil in order to
facilitate the advent of the Supermind.
Gloriosa superba. Greenish yellow
439 Boastfulness
One of the greatest obstacles to progress. A
stupidity one must carefully avoid if one aspires for true progress.
Parkia pedunculata. Brown
439
Boastfulness
|
Page-148
GOSSIP
|
440 Gossip
The Mother's warning to you against the
undesirability of too much talk, loose chat and gossip, social self-dispersion
was entirely meant and stands; when you indulge in these things, you throw
yourself out into a very small and ignorant consciousness in which your vital
defects get free play and this is likely to bring you out of what you have
developed in your inner consciousness.
SRI AUROBINDO
I myself have had the experience that one can be
fully concentrated and be in union with the Divine even while working physically
with one's hands; but naturally this asks for a little practice, and for this
the most important thing to avoid is useless talking. It is
not
work but useless talking that takes us away from the Divine.
THE MOTHER |
440 Gossip
Dark and pointed, this is a flower that wounds more
than it charms.
Typhonium blumei. Deep maroon
441 Sharp tongue
Unfortunately too frequent.
Aphelandra tetragona. Orange
441 Sharp tongue |
Page-149
|
442 To know how to listen
|
CARE
Always do what you do with care.
THE MOTHER
Any work done with care becomes interesting.
THE MOTHER
The Divine is in things also and that is why they
must be treated with care.
THE MOTHER
Yes, and we must take care of [material things],
not because we are attracted to them, but because they too manifest something of
the Divine Consciousness.
THE MOTHER
442 To know how to listen
To be attentive and silent.
Podranea ricasoliana. Light pink to lavender pink
443 Observation
Likes to prolong its attention in order to
see better.
Senecio. Yellow green
444 Care
To be careful in what one does.
Chlorophytum comosum 'Vittatum'. White
|
Page-150
CERTITUDE
|
There is only one thing to do: to proceed on one's
way keeping one's own faith and certitude, and not bother about contradictions
and denials. There are people who need the support and trust and certitude of
others to feel comfortable and to be at ease; they are always unhappy because,
of course, they will always come across people who do not believe, and so they
will be upset and it will trouble them. One must find one's own certitude within
oneself, keep it in spite of everything and go one's way whatever the cost, to
the very end. The victory is for the most enduring. To maintain one's endurance
in spite of all opposition, the support must be unshakable, and one
support alone is unshakable, that of the Reality, the Supreme Truth.
THE MOTHER
445 Prudence
Very useful for weakness since weakness needs
prudence; strength does not need it.
Emilia sonchifolia. Scarlet
446 Enlightened prudence
Looks carefully before going forward.
Emilia sonchifolia 'Lutea'. Golden yellow
447 Common sense
It is very practical and avoids many mistakes, but
it lacks flight.
Nicotiana alata. Several colours
448 Certitude
Assured and calm, it never argues.
Nicotiana plumbaginifolia. White
|
|
Page-151
|
449 Unostentatious certitude
|
UNOSTENTATIOUS CERTITUDE
[Unostentatious certitude] is the complete negation
of "bluff"* I find it very beautiful. When I saw this flower, it struck me as
something very profound, very calm — and absolutely sure, something unmoving. I
don't know why, but the longer I looked at it, the more it gave me that
impression and when I was asked its significance, I said, "Unostentatious
certitude". It is what one might call a superlative good taste in spiritual
experience, something that contains more than it expresses.
THE MOTHER
449 Unostentatious certitude
It does not attract attention or try to convince
anyone.
Platycodon grandifloms. Lavender blue
|
Page-152 |
