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The Absolutely Perfect, the Absolutely Humble Divine

Editorial, Humility, Twelve Soul-qualities, Video / By /

In India, since millennia, modesty or humility has been considered the one of the most noble virtues, one that is the ornament of all virtues. In present times when self-promotion is not only an acceptable practice but has actually become a highly sophisticated skill that one must master if one wants to be ‘successful’, humility often takes a backseat. But if we step back for a moment and reflect carefully we will find that it is exactly in times like these that we must sincerely begin to examine for ourselves what is true humility. And more importantly, how it is related to our inner journeys, our growth as conscious individuals with an aspiration to grow inwardly and walk the path that takes us closer to our highest Self within. This issue is dedicated to exploring Humility as one of the Twelve Powers which the Mother spoke of as necessary for the full manifestation of Her Work.

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“True Humility is Humility Towards the Divine”

Guiding Light, Humility, Twelve Soul-qualities / By /

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.

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Parable of the Snake and the Rat

Humility, Tales and Stories, Twelve Soul-qualities / By /

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.

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Japanese Flower-artist: A timeless story retold in multiple languages

Flowers, Humility, Tales and Stories, Twelve Soul-qualities / By /

During her stay in Japan from 1916 to 1920 the Mother translated and adapted some stories written by F. J. Gould. Her versions, written in French and first published as Belles Histoires, later appeared in English translation as Tales of All Times. The Mother explained that these stories were written for children “to discover themselves and follow a path of right and beauty.” The timeless nature of these stories make them equally appealing to grown-ups, or shall we say, to all who aspire to be truly a child of the Mother. In this issue, we are retelling a story titled ‘Modesty’ in multiple languages.

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“All That is True and Sincere Will Always be Kept”

Editorial, Nation, Sincerity, Twelve Soul-qualities / By /

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.

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“Let Your Sincerity and Surrender be Genuine and Entire”

Guiding Light, Sincerity, Twelve Soul-qualities / By /

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.

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