Discuss Aurobindo's views on 'Evolution' and 'Involution'. How do they differ from traditional Yoga philosophy?

Aurobindo’s Concepts of Evolution and Involution

Aurobindo’s understanding of Evolution is not merely biological but a spiritual process. It’s the unfolding of latent potentialities within the Divine, a progressive descent of consciousness into increasingly complex forms. This evolution isn’t random; it’s guided by an inherent purpose – the self-discovery of the Divine within matter. He believed evolution has progressed through various stages – matter, life, mind – and is currently entering the stage of ‘Supermind’, a higher level of consciousness capable of manifesting the Divine’s truth and power.

Involution, conversely, is the process by which the Divine descends into the limitations of matter, becoming veiled yet present within it. It’s the ‘hidden’ aspect of evolution, the source from which the evolutionary impulse arises. Involution explains the inherent potential for divinity within all creation, even the seemingly inert. Aurobindo saw both processes as inseparable, two sides of the same coin – the Divine simultaneously descending and ascending.

Traditional Yoga Philosophy: A Contrast

Traditional Yoga, as systematized by Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras, focuses on Chitta Vritti Nirodha – the cessation of the fluctuations of consciousness. The goal is Kaivalya – isolation of the Purusha (true self) from Prakriti (nature). This is achieved through practices like Asana, Pranayama, and Samadhi, leading to a withdrawal from worldly attachments and identification with the limited ego.

Key Differences: A Comparative Table

Feature	Aurobindo’s Philosophy	Traditional Yoga
Role of the Divine	Central; Evolution is the self-manifestation of the Divine.	Less emphasized; focus on individual liberation. Ishvara is often seen as a facilitator, not the driving force.
Nature of Consciousness	Dynamic, evolving, and capable of infinite expansion.	Primarily focused on controlling and stilling consciousness.
Goal of Spiritual Practice	Transformation of human nature and the manifestation of the Divine on Earth.	Liberation (Kaivalya) from the cycle of birth and death.
Relationship with the World	Affirmative; the world is a field for evolution and divine manifestation.	Often seen as illusory (Maya) and a source of suffering.
Method of Practice	Integral Yoga – a synthesis of various paths, including Karma, Bhakti, Jnana, and Raja Yoga.	Primarily Raja Yoga – focusing on mental and physical discipline.

Further Elaboration on Divergences

• The Concept of Maya: Traditional Yoga often views the world as Maya, an illusion that obscures the true reality. Aurobindo, however, sees Maya as a power of the Divine, a necessary stage in the evolutionary process.
• The Role of the Ego: While traditional Yoga aims to dissolve the ego, Aurobindo seeks to transform it, purifying and divinizing it rather than eliminating it.
• The Nature of Liberation: For Patanjali, liberation is a state of complete separation from Prakriti. For Aurobindo, it’s a state of union with the Divine while remaining active in the world, transforming it.

Aurobindo’s Integral Yoga, therefore, doesn’t reject the world but seeks to transform it, bringing the Divine into every aspect of life. This contrasts sharply with the traditional Yoga emphasis on renunciation and withdrawal.