Dr. Aditi Kaul shares about her experience of working with college students on Indian approach to psychology. We also get some keen insights on the value of subtle influence of the teacher, and self-exploration as a pedagogical approach.
Indian Approach to Psychology: An Educator’s Experience and Insights (Video) Read More »
The Mother, with the help of some examples, gives us very practical advice on how to train our vital to endure the difficulties on the path.
Let Endurance be Your Watchword Read More »
In this passage the Mother gives great advice on how to talk to our unruly vital and make it learn the most important lessons of patience and perseverance.
The Long Road to Transforming the Vital Read More »
Through three small but significant tales from the cultural history of France and India, the Mother highlights the importance of patience and perseverance.
Of Ceramics, Sannyāsa and More: Tales of Perseverance Read More »
The author reflects on her patient inner work which helped her experience a deeper harmony, and the endurance it took her to work through the challenges.
The Little Clock Calendula, ‘Herb of the Sun’ Read More »
The author reflects on how sincerely persevering in one’s sādhanā becomes the key to allow the heart to experience a deeper gratitude and peace.
Stick to the Practice and Let the Gratitude Flow Read More »
The author explains how our ancestors prescribed simple practices based on their close observation of the connection between sound and air.
सर्वे सन्तु निरामयाः – May All be Free from Illness – 6 Read More »
In this part, the author reminds us that behind many of the hygiene related customary practices and modes of conduct which we hear from our elders, considerable knowledge and understanding of subtle truths of natural laws was there.
सर्वे सन्तु निरामयाः – May All be Free from Illness – 5 Read More »
Selections from various writings and talks of the Mother and Sri Aurobindo are presented to help us understand the meaning of true humility, which is about constantly referring oneself to the Divine, placing all before the Lord, and having a living sense that one is nothing, can do nothing, understand nothing without the Divine. We also learn that excessive self-esteem and self-depreciation are both wrong attitudes when cultivating the quality of true humility.
“True Humility is Humility Towards the Divine” Read More »
In this interesting conversation of Sri Aurobindo with a small set of disciples, dated January 6, 1939, about methods of effacing the ego, Sri Aurobindo makes an important distinction between outward modesty and the true attitude of psychic humility which can help the sadhak get rid of the vital ego. As an added bonus, we also get a glimpse here of a facet of Sri Aurobindo’s outer personality during his political revolutionary days.
Sri Aurobindo on Outward Humility Read More »
The Mother reminds us that vigilance is indispensable for all true progress. As we try to grow in sincerity and practice true humility, it is important to stay vigilant and not get bloated with our own egos that we are some great sādhakas. The Mother is the path and the Mother is the goal, says Sri Aurobindo. It is always the Mother who does the sādhanā in us. Our effort is to ensure that we keep our inner temple clean and purified and for that sincerity, humility and vigilance are all very important. This little story told by Swami Sivananda emphasises how essential vigilance is for any aspirant; it also highlights what is fake humility and the necessity to be wary of that.
Parable of the Snake and the Rat Read More »
As per the Advaita Vedantic thought, man can attain union with the Divine even while living in the body on earth by abiding in perfect inner knowledge and discrimination. Our sages and seers used this spiritual truth to develop an excellent method of self-healing. Their approach did not involve any external aid such as medicines or mental training, but it focused on achieving oneness with the Supreme Power at a spiritual level. Read more about this approach in part 4 of this ongoing series.
सर्वे सन्तु निरामयाः – May All be Free from Illness – 4 Read More »
When a few moments of sincere introspection lead the heart to express humbly what it is feeling, a poem like this is born.
To Be Humble (A Reflection and a Poem) Read More »
This special issue opens a year-long celebration of Sri Aurobindo’s 150th birthday and 75th anniversary of India’s political independence. Starting with this issue, the next 12 issues will explore the 12 attributes that the Mother has identified as soul-powers necessary for full manifestation of Her Work. The present issue explores Sincerity in a multi-dimensional approach. Special features on Sri Aurobindo’s work as a revolutionary nationalist are also included.
“All That is True and Sincere Will Always be Kept” Read More »
Compiled here are a few words of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother which highlight the significance of Sincerity on the path of yoga. Sincerity in yoga means to have all the being consciously turned towards the one Truth, the one Divine. But that is one of the most difficult tasks for human nature, much more difficult than a rigid asceticism or a fervent piety. This is why constant guidance and inspiration from Their Words are our support on the way.
“Let Your Sincerity and Surrender be Genuine and Entire” Read More »
In this meditative piece, the author invokes the different meanings associated with the flower Aster Amellus, to whom the Mother has given the spiritual significance – Sincerity.
Of the Michaelmas Daisy, Winters and Sincerity Read More »
The Mother gives profound explanations on the real inner meaning and significance of choice and freedom in a life guided by seeking for the Truth.
“At Every Minute One has to Choose” Read More »
This issue is all about Space, or should we say, Spaces. Spaces within and without, inner and outer and in between. Spaces in their stillness and immensity, in their emptiness and richness. Spaces that are sacred and that are made sacred. Spaces that are infinitely vast and intimately personal. Along with spaces come in memories and experiences – historical, cultural, personal, psychological, spiritual. These and other related themes are explored in the diversity of pieces selected for this issue.
The Immensity and Intimacy of Space Read More »
Have you ever wondered what makes one space feel harmoniously beautiful and another space, sometimes even the most well-designed space, feel jarring, out of order almost? And how is all this related to the inner spaces in which we dwell – spaces where practicing harmony is both an art and a science of life and living.
Peace, Harmony and the Art of Spaces Read More »