Walking in light - a peek at physical culture

In the last issue, we read, in The Mother’s words, “It is good to do exercises and to lead a simple and hygienic life, but for the body to be truly perfect, it must open to the divine forces, it must be subject only to the divine influence, it must aspire constantly to realize the Divine.”1 The perfection of the body is a high ideal that we can seek. In fact, perfecting this physical entity is not going to be without troubles and challenges. Sri Aurobindo says that, “…physical impurity is strong enough to bar the inner progress and limit rigidly the inner experience to some passive peace.”2 Without the transformation of the physical nature, he has said that “no complete transformation is possible”, thus diverging from the stance of ancient seekers “satisfied with rising into the spiritual or psychic realms and leave this part to itself”2. The secret behind perfection of the body is to have it “open to the divine forces.” What are the divine forces? What is “divine influence”? These can only refer to forces or influences from the divine, from The Mother herself. Sri Aurobindo assures, “You have only to remain quiet and undisturbed and let the higher Force work to change this obscure physical nature.”2

Any number of books written by Sri Aurobindo and The Mother would highlight to our seeking mind the nature of the divine force, and its influence. However, it would probably take more than just reading to get on with this yoga. One has to consent to the practice of it, and very often, nothing short of a whole hearted involvement in the practice is called for and that too, integrally, touching all parts of the being. Even if one aspect is touched, as in physical perfection, that too calls for an integral exposure and treatment in minute details for some results to show. Next, the understanding fully of what this “opening” entails, to what force and the methods of opening to the force are inevitable practical considerations to make a meaningful start in this endeavour towards physical perfection. We continue with this introspection in our next issue.

- Jayanthy

1. Excerpts from: Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Pondicherry (2006). Towards Perfect Health, Sri Aurobindo Ashram Trust, Pondicherry
2. Sri Aurobindo (1970). Letters on Yoga,Vol 2, Sri Aurobindo Ashram Trust, Pondicherry