According to Śri Aurobindo, 'the awakening of the psychic being and its gradual prominence over all other parts of the being is the first step in the conscious evolution of man'. Explain and examine.

Understanding the Framework: The Parts of the Being

Sri Aurobindo’s psychological framework divides the human being into several parts, each with its distinct function and level of consciousness. These include:

• The Psychic Being: The evolving soul, the true individual, carrying the essence of past lives and the potential for future growth. It is the seat of love, devotion, and aspiration.
• The Vital: The life force, responsible for energy, emotions, desires, and instincts. It can be positive or negative, constructive or destructive.
• The Mental: The thinking mind, responsible for reason, intellect, and conceptualization. It can be a powerful tool, but also a limiting factor.
• The Physical: The body, the outermost manifestation of the being.

Aurobindo argues that in the ordinary human state, these parts are often in conflict, with the psychic being veiled by the demands of the vital and the limitations of the mental.

The Awakening of the Psychic Being

The ‘awakening’ of the psychic being refers to a turning inward, a conscious contact with the inner self. This is not a sudden event, but a gradual process facilitated by practices like Yoga and sincere aspiration. When the psychic being begins to awaken, several changes occur:

• Increased Self-Awareness: A deeper understanding of one’s true nature, motivations, and purpose.
• Moral Transformation: A growing sense of ethical responsibility and a desire to live in harmony with one’s inner values.
• Emotional Stability: A lessening of the grip of negative emotions like fear, anger, and anxiety.
• Spiritual Aspiration: A strong yearning for connection with the Divine and a desire for self-transcendence.

This awakening isn’t merely a psychological shift; it’s a fundamental reorientation of the being, where the psychic being begins to exert its influence over the other parts.

The Psychic Being as the First Step in Conscious Evolution

Aurobindo believed that human evolution has progressed through various stages – from the physical to the vital, and then to the mental. However, he argued that this evolution has been largely unconscious, driven by external forces rather than inner intention. The awakening of the psychic being marks a turning point, introducing consciousness into the evolutionary process.

When the psychic being takes the lead, the other parts of the being are gradually transformed and integrated. The vital is purified, the mental is enlightened, and the physical becomes a more willing instrument of the divine will. This leads to a new kind of being – a ‘supramental’ being – capable of living in harmony with itself, with others, and with the universe. This is not simply an improvement of the existing human nature, but a radical transformation, a leap into a new evolutionary order.

Critical Examination and Alternative Perspectives

While Aurobindo’s vision is compelling, it’s important to consider potential challenges and alternative perspectives.

• The Difficulty of the Process: The awakening of the psychic being is not easy. It requires sustained effort, self-discipline, and a willingness to confront one’s own shadow side.
• The Role of Grace: Aurobindo acknowledges the importance of divine grace in the process, which raises questions about free will and determinism.
• Comparison with other Indian Philosophies: While resonating with Advaita Vedanta’s emphasis on the Atman (Self), Aurobindo’s evolutionary framework differs significantly. Traditional Vedanta focuses on realizing the inherent divinity within, while Aurobindo emphasizes a dynamic process of becoming. Similarly, Buddhist philosophies, with their emphasis on impermanence and the cessation of suffering, offer a different path to liberation.

Furthermore, some critics argue that Aurobindo’s concept of the ‘supramental’ being is utopian and lacks empirical evidence. However, proponents argue that it represents a future possibility, a potential that humanity can strive towards.