AT THE FEET OF THE MOTHER
Ask Alok da

How do we differentiate between Rejection, Suppression and Expression? I mean, can we still be giving expression to something while rejecting it, sometimes just suppressing but not rejecting? Can you please make it clear?🔓💬👤🌧️

Expression is what one normally does under the impulsion of nature. It keeps one tied to groves of habit, in fact, strengthens the tendency through repetition.

Suppression means to holding a movement or energy inside but not expressing it. It is like not expressing the anger or lust that one is feeling very much within. Its possible danger is that the mind may continue indulging and playing with the energy, which can then take deviant routes. If indulged excessively in the mind but not given outward expression, it can disturb and destabilise the system. 

Repression is when one is not even aware of the negative movements, which then take either devious acceptance routes or simply block the energy. 

Sublimation is a better way in that the suppressed energy takes a creative route through sports or art and literature. 

Rejection is to actively reject the movement not only in its outer expression but also from the thoughts and feelings. It is somewhat like emptying the container forcefully by throwing away the wrong movements in their gross as well as subtle forms.

Affectionately,

Alok Da

Share this…

Related Posts

Dear Alok Ji, can you please tell me how I can get rid of my anger at Sri Aurobindo and also how to regain trust in him? 🙏🏻💗

Trust is a very precious, priceless gift. Even among human beings it is special. But when it is towards the Divine then it should be doubly carefully guarded.  

Again anger is an extremely harmful emotion towards anyone. It hurts and harms both, the one who harbours it and the one towards whom it is directed. But since one cannot harm or hurt the Divine Beings, it falls back upon oneself creating a terrible karma. By all means desist it. It is the straight road to fall…

Read More >

At one end, aspiration for the Divine and to unite with Him and to have a change of consciousness; to do The Mother’s work; at the other end, need for a proper awareness in the very ordinary and externalised human nature about the deep meaning and implication of what is happening in life and also what the Divine Destiny is. 🌱🙏🏻[…]

It is much better to catch the knot of life at the other end from where it all begins. The riddle of life cannot be understood on the surface. Focus on the one thing needful, the Divine, and all the rest will begin to fall in its place. This has been the experience of all who have gone on the path. 

Read More >

I am reading the Synthesis of Yoga and Sri Aurobindo is speaking about the union having a threefold character (pg. 131). I wanted to understand whether this is a skilful parallel to draw: a union by identity = Atman = Brahman 📖🌟🙏🏻 […]

Here is the passage from the Synthesis of Yoga to which you are referring.

‘That which is thus made manifest to our vision and experience, and the union has a threefold character. There is a union in spiritual essence, by identity; there is a union by the indwelling of our soul in this highest Being and Consciousness; there is a

Read More >