August 3rd: Readings
from Sri Aurobindo’s ‘Bases of Yoga’,
pages 90-94.
The passages talk about the several layers of subconscient in our human
nature. It lies between the Inconscient and conscious mind, life and body. When
I read this I get the picture of layers
of soil which influence the type of plants. Most of our thoughts, actions,
feelings spring forth repeatedly because of our samskaras and heredity which are embedded in our subconscient and
shape our character. Sri Aurobindo talks about three occult forces behind our
action-the superconscient, the subliminal and the subconscient which we are not
in control of, and are not even aware of. We are just tossed between the forces
of this nature or caught in their waves invading us every second in some form.
These inferior forces try to perpetuate their action in individual, to rebuild
what he has unbuilt. Unless we are established in the Inner Self and try to get
rid of the influences of these forces, they may lie in seed form and come up to
take us by surprise! These readings give
a glimpse of our own nature and its origin!
August 10th : Readings
from the book “On Himself” by Sri Aurobindo.
We read a few passages from the section “His Path and Other Paths”. In this chapter, Sri Aurobindo gives
the essence of all his teachings. It starts from the knowledge the ancient
sages got from their yogic capacity that all appearances of the Universe form
the ONE REALITY OF BEING AND CONSCIOUSNESS. This ONE BEING involved in matter becomes
inconscient and there is a separateness and ignorance in the mind, life and
body. Life is the first step of this release of consciousness through matter.
Mind is the next step. Now the consciousness awaits its release from mind into
greater heights through the conscious will of the individual. For that
conversion, the method is found in our ancient psychological discipline and
practice of yoga. Of course this doesn’t come easy! The first step is to find
the INNER BEING and fix himself there, from where the pursuit is possible to
orient towards the “TRUE SOUL.” When an individual tries to bring the Truth–Consciousness
into his actions in outer life, he experiences his unity in every form and
life, which is the first step towards the success of sadhana.
August 17th: Readings
from Sri Aurobindo’s ‘Bases of Yoga’
We continue to read in “Bases of
Yoga” about the nature of the subconscious. We discussed in detail the
Vedic “cavern of the Panis” and its significance: that the subconscious is like
a cave holding treasure that has been obscured by the forces of ignorance and
darkness. It is only when the light and fire of the higher consciousness
penetrate this cavern that the hidden Truth within can be released. We related
this to how Sri Aurobindo has always focused on opening up our inner centres
from top down – ensuring that the higher consciousness has already been
established in the upper parts, and preferably with the psychic already
prominent, before opening up the lower centres. This is a secure procedure that
allows us to attack the “cave of the Panis” with success, and not end up
drawing out the forces of ignorance instead.
More
Information
The most significant change that happened in
our Centre this year, physically, was an overhaul of the room. With the collective
effort of everyone in the Centre, the changes were brought about immediately
after the proposal was made during our Annual General Meeting in June. The room
was ready for use from the 15th of August onwards, on Sri
Aurobindo’s birth Anniversary, with a special musical offering. It is also
notable that this change has come about on the 42nd Anniversary of
Sri Aurobindo Society, Singapore. The curtains were changed. The Mother’s and
Sri Aurobindo’s portraits were brought together and placed near the row of
windows overlooking the larger SIFAS compound. This arrangement created a
length of space where rows of chairs could be placed before the altar with an
aisle in the centre to facilitate easy movement. The left of the altar houses
the study table, at which prayers and meditations could be read and speakers
seated as they address the members. This table could be easily replaced with a
stage for offerings made on darshan days, especially musical offerings. The
new-look of our Centre is indeed refreshing, like setting the stage for things to
happen in a new way.
- Jayalakshmi,
Jared, Jayanthy
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