Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Yoga, originating in ancient India, represents a diverse range of spiritual disciplines aimed at uniting individual consciousness with the ultimate reality. While various schools of Yoga emphasize different paths – Jnana, Bhakti, Karma, Raja – Sri Aurobindo’s Integral Yoga presents a unique synthesis. He viewed Yoga not merely as a means of liberation *from* the world, but as a transformative force *within* it. His conception centers around a ‘double movement’ of ascent and descent, a dynamic interplay between the supramental reality and the material existence, aiming for a radical transformation of human life and the earth itself. This answer will explore this ‘double movement’ within the framework of Sri Aurobindo’s Integral Yoga.
Sri Aurobindo’s Integral Yoga: A Synthesis of Paths
Sri Aurobindo’s Integral Yoga is not a new system but a synthesis of various Yogic traditions, incorporating elements of Hatha, Raja, Karma, Bhakti, and Jnana Yoga. However, it transcends these traditional paths by adding a crucial dimension: the descent of the Divine into the material world. He believed that true Yoga must not only aim for individual liberation but also for the evolution of consciousness on Earth, leading to a divinization of life itself.
The Ascent: Reaching the Supramental
The ‘ascent’ in Integral Yoga refers to the upward movement of consciousness, a journey towards the supramental reality – a level of consciousness beyond the mind, characterized by truth, peace, and bliss. This ascent involves several stages:
- Purification: The initial stage involves purifying the mind, vital, and physical planes from desires, ego, and limitations.
- Psychicization: Developing the psychic being – the evolving soul – and aligning it with the Divine.
- Mental Quietude: Achieving a state of mental stillness and clarity through practices like concentration and meditation.
- Spiritual Realization: Experiencing the unity of the self with the Divine, leading to a sense of peace and liberation.
- Supramental Ascent: The ultimate goal – opening oneself to the supramental consciousness and allowing it to transform one’s being.
This ascent is not merely a psychological process; it’s a dynamic transformation of the entire being, preparing it to receive and manifest the Divine.
The Descent: Manifesting the Divine in Matter
The ‘descent’ is the unique and crucial element of Sri Aurobindo’s Yoga. It’s the downward movement of the supramental consciousness into the lower planes of existence – the mind, vital, and physical. This descent is not a fall from grace but a deliberate act of the Divine to transform matter and life.
- Supramental Force: The supramental consciousness descends as a force, an energy that can transform the individual and the world.
- Transformation of the Mind: The descent clarifies the mind, removing ignorance and replacing it with truth and knowledge.
- Transformation of the Vital: The descent transforms the vital energy, replacing desires and passions with a dynamic and selfless force.
- Transformation of the Physical: The descent transforms the physical body, leading to health, strength, and a greater capacity for divine expression.
Sri Aurobindo emphasized that the descent is not automatic; it requires a conscious surrender and cooperation from the individual. The individual must become a channel for the Divine force, allowing it to work through them.
The Interplay: Ascent and Descent as a Dynamic Whole
The ascent and descent are not separate movements but two aspects of a single, dynamic process. The ascent prepares the being to receive the supramental force, while the descent manifests that force in the world. Without the ascent, the descent would be ineffective; without the descent, the ascent would be incomplete.
Example: A practitioner might experience a profound sense of peace and unity during meditation (ascent). However, the true test of this experience lies in its ability to manifest in their daily life – in their actions, relationships, and interactions with the world (descent). If the peace remains confined to the meditation room, it has not fully descended.
Practical Implications and the Sadhana
The Sadhana (spiritual practice) in Integral Yoga involves a constant interplay of ascent and descent. Practices like meditation, concentration, and selfless service are used to facilitate the ascent, while acts of conscious will and surrender are used to invite the descent. The goal is to create a harmonious integration of the spiritual and the material, leading to a life of divine purpose and fulfillment.
Conclusion
Sri Aurobindo’s conception of Integral Yoga, with its emphasis on the ‘double movement’ of ascent and descent, offers a radical vision of human evolution. It moves beyond the traditional focus on individual liberation to embrace a transformative vision for the entire planet. By consciously participating in this dynamic interplay, individuals can not only realize their own divine potential but also contribute to the creation of a more harmonious and enlightened world. The synthesis of ascent and descent is not merely a theoretical concept but a practical path towards a divinized existence.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.