What does Aurobindo mean by 'life divine' as a possibility and inevitability?

Defining ‘Life Divine’

For Aurobindo, ‘life divine’ isn’t a life devoid of suffering or difficulty, but a life lived in conscious union with the Divine. It’s a state where the individual consciousness is no longer limited by ignorance, ego, or the constraints of the mental level, but is illuminated by a higher, supramental light. This involves a radical transformation of human nature, encompassing the physical, vital, mental, psychic, and spiritual aspects of being. It’s a dynamic, evolving state, not a static perfection, characterized by freedom, joy, knowledge, and power. The ‘Divine’ in this context isn’t a personal God in the traditional sense, but the ultimate Reality, the all-pervading consciousness-force that manifests the universe.

The Possibility of ‘Life Divine’: Integral Yoga

Aurobindo argues that the ‘life divine’ is not an unattainable ideal, but a real possibility achievable through a specific method – Integral Yoga. This yoga differs from traditional yogic paths in its comprehensiveness. Unlike paths that seek to escape the world or deny life, Integral Yoga embraces all aspects of existence as potential vehicles for divine realization. Key elements of Integral Yoga include:

• Psychic Awakening: The central aim is to awaken the ‘psychic being’ – the evolving soul within – and allow it to govern the entire being.
• Surrender: A complete surrender to the Divine Will, allowing the Divine to work through the individual.
• Transformation of Nature: A conscious effort to transform the lower nature (desires, emotions, habits) into instruments of the Divine.
• Supramental Descent: Awaiting and facilitating the descent of the supramental consciousness, a higher level of awareness that will transform human consciousness.

Aurobindo believed that the supramental consciousness, a force of truth-consciousness, is evolving and will eventually manifest on Earth, leading to a radical transformation of human life. This descent isn’t automatic; it requires prepared instruments – individuals who have undergone the necessary inner transformation through Integral Yoga.

The Inevitability of ‘Life Divine’: Evolutionary Impulse

Aurobindo’s concept of evolution is not merely biological, but a spiritual process. He views evolution as an inherent impulse within existence itself, a drive towards greater consciousness, complexity, and self-expression. This evolutionary impulse, he argues, is not random but purposeful, guided by an inner necessity. He identifies several stages in this evolution:

• Inconscient Matter: The initial stage, characterized by unconscious force.
• Life: The emergence of life, bringing with it sensation and basic instinct.
• Mind: The development of mind, enabling reason, thought, and self-awareness.
• Supramental Consciousness: The next inevitable stage, representing a leap in consciousness beyond the limitations of the mind.

Aurobindo contends that the emergence of mind was not the end of evolution, but a crucial step towards the supramental. The limitations of the mental consciousness – its separative tendencies, its susceptibility to ignorance and illusion – demonstrate the necessity for a higher level of awareness. He argues that the evolutionary impulse will inevitably lead to the emergence of the supramental consciousness, as it represents the next logical step in the unfolding of divine potential. The very struggles and contradictions of human history, the yearning for truth and perfection, are evidence of this evolutionary drive.

Table: Stages of Evolution according to Aurobindo

Stage	Characteristics	Limitations
Inconscient Matter	Unconscious force, potentiality	Lack of awareness, no self-expression
Life	Sensation, instinct, basic needs	Limited awareness, driven by survival
Mind	Reason, thought, self-awareness	Separative tendencies, susceptibility to illusion
Supramental Consciousness	Truth-consciousness, integral awareness	Not yet fully manifested on Earth