Integral Yoga Its Nature And Significance

This document, "Integral Yoga: Its Nature and Significance" by Dr. G. N. Joshi, published as part of the Pushkarmuni Abhinandan Granth, offers a comprehensive exploration of Yoga, particularly focusing on Sri Aurobindo's concept of Integral Yoga.

The text begins by addressing common misconceptions about Yoga. It debunks the prevalent idea that Yoga is solely about severe self-control, aversion to worldly pleasures, withdrawal from society, and the pursuit of occult powers. The author argues that these are distorted views, often perpetuated by unqualified practitioners and a misunderstanding of Yoga's true essence.

Joshi emphasizes that Yoga is for All, challenging the notion that it is exclusively a Hindu practice. He highlights its adoption by Buddhists and Jains, asserting that Yoga is a universal technique for consciousness transformation, accessible to anyone regardless of their religious or cultural background. Its ultimate goal is the all-around improvement of humanity, leading to enhanced physical, mental, intellectual, moral, and spiritual development.

The Real Meaning of Yoga is presented as transcending mere external practices like asanas and pranayama. The true emphasis lies on the inner aspect of consciousness and attitude. While concentration, meditation, and disciplined conduct are valued, they are not the totality of Yoga. The text calls for freeing Yoga from misconceptions and presenting its genuine form to younger generations, offering a sense of meaning and purpose to life.

The author discusses Man's Helplessness in the face of worldly forces and natural laws. Despite scientific and technological advancements, humanity remains susceptible to challenges. Yoga, according to Sri Aurobindo, offers a method to enhance human powers and cope with this helplessness.

The Functions of Yoga are described as extending beyond traditional goals of peace and liberation (Moksha) achieved through trance and samadhi. While these are valid, Sri Aurobindo's approach broadens Yoga's scope to encompass everyday life. He famously stated, "All life is Yoga," signifying that Yogic principles can be integrated into all aspects of human existence.

The text refutes the idea that Yoga is Indifferent to Man's Social Life. Sri Aurobindo, in particular, advocates for Yoga's active role in societal progress, arguing that a Yoga detached from life's problems is incomplete. However, it's clarified that Yoga's contribution is not a superficial, utilitarian fix but a radical approach to the root causes of problems. The ultimate aim is not philanthropy but the realization of the Divine and the attainment of divine consciousness.

The Inadequacy of Human Reason is a significant theme. Sri Aurobindo posits that while humans rely heavily on intellect and reason to solve world problems, these faculties are limited by self-interest, prejudice, and a lack of impartiality. The ego, driven by selfish interests, further hinders universalization and divinization. The text suggests that true progress requires transcending these limitations.

The document differentiates between various types of Yoga, such as Bhaktiyoga, Jñanayoga, and Karmayoga. It critiques how a historical overemphasis on devotional Yoga has sometimes led to an Apathy for Work, impacting societal and material progress. This division between spiritual life and active life creates a split personality and an unhealthy mode of existence.

Sri Aurobindo's Integral (Synthetic) Yoga is presented as a solution to this fragmentation. It advocates a harmonious integration of knowledge, devotion, and work, drawing inspiration from the Bhagavad Gita. This new Yoga aims not at renouncing worldly life but at transforming it by bringing the Divine into every aspect of existence.

The text elaborates on the concept of Spiritual Transformation, which involves a radical and complete change in consciousness, not just moral improvement or attainment of occult powers. This transformation necessitates the descent of a higher consciousness, specifically the Supermind, into all levels of being, including the physical.

The Special Mission of the Integral Yoga is to facilitate this descent of Divine consciousness and the transformation of the entire human being. It aims not for individual liberation alone but for the spiritual upliftment of life on Earth.

The Superficiality of Mind is highlighted, with the assertion that the mind, intellect, and reason are incapable of reaching ultimate spiritual truth. Yoga is presented as an inner spiritual experience, not merely intellectual pursuit. The mind must be stilled to allow for a higher consciousness.

The concept of No Mentalisation and No Intellectualisation is crucial. Yogic consciousness is distinct from ordinary mental activity. Sri Aurobindo emphasizes that the supramental cannot be grasped through mental constructs or logical reasoning; it requires direct experience.

Divinisation is the ultimate aim, meaning the transformation of human elements by integrating them with the Divine, leading to a perfected and blissful existence. This divinization extends to the physical body and all aspects of life.

Complete Surrender to the Divine is presented as the central practice of Integral Yoga. This involves offering one's entire being—thoughts, emotions, will, and actions—to the Divine. True surrender is unreserved, without expectation, and leads to the Grace of the Divine.

The text describes the Sadhana as a process of determined and ceaseless effort involving active surrender. The individual becomes an "Empty Vessel," a medium for the Divine expression, with no separate desires or preferences.

The Opening to the Divine is a crucial aspect of surrender. It involves becoming receptive to Divine influence and guidance, accepting it wholeheartedly without reservation. This opening is facilitated by intense aspiration, faith, and patient waiting for the Divine Grace.

The Mysterious Way of the Grace is acknowledged, emphasizing that Divine Grace operates beyond human comprehension. It is not bound by calculable conditions and acts in its own mysterious ways. Unwavering faith and continuous yearning are key to its reception.

Internal Preparation involves cultivating qualities like unshaken determination, patience, and inner stillness. Spiritual progress depends on inwardness and an attitude of calm receptivity, not external achievements.

The Core of Spirituality lies in an inward attitude of meeting life's challenges with peace and equanimity, using all activities as means for spiritual practice.

The ultimate aim is the Supramental Manifestation on Earth, leading to a Divine Life. This involves the transformation of the human being, mind, and body, and the emergence of a new, "superman" race. The Supermind, being the truth-consciousness, will govern all aspects of existence, bringing about a qualitatively different and superior way of living.

The text concludes by reiterating that Integral Yoga seeks to bring down the supramental Truth into the world, transforming human existence and creating a new race of supramentalized beings. It is an evolutionary process, supported by human effort through Yoga, leading to the manifestation of the Divine in and through humanity.