I see the reason for the misunderstanding. It is perhaps because generally by individuality we think of the ego personality which is a temporary structure. And by spirituality we mean something other than the ego. But by the individual I meant the psychic being, the true individual, the unique soul within us. All other individualities based on the formation of a lifetime are temporary constructs of nature. Behind the ego-self is our true individuality, the spiritual individuality if we like to call it. It is this which is the child of the Divine Mother, a portion of Her. The ego personality does not automatically become that. It is a creation of lower nature in the Ignorance. For that to become the Mother’s child all the movements have to be consciously organised around this hidden spiritual centre in us. Hope that makes it clearer now.
The separation between the lower and higher Nature as elucidated in the Gita and elaborated by Sri Aurobindo is a necessity for action. Otherwise we fall into the trap of believing all is One Power, One Energy, One Force and thereby may well end up doing the most contradictory things believing that the One Energy is doing it. Sri Ramakrishna (most mystics in fact) cautioned about taking up this idea that ‘All is One Brahman’ because it can lead to all kinds of confusion. In fact then no sadhana would be necessary since there is but One Power and it is doing everything.
Again there is no need to separate the four aspects as they are indeed aspects of the One. That is why worship of the Divine Mother contained everything in itself. It is we who make the separation by speaking of different gods which are specific cosmic powers, each with a cosmic purpose. This again is not new. It is as ancient as the hills that Brahma is the creator of existences, Vishnu is the preserver, Shiva is the destroyer, Krishna is Anandmaya. But the Divine Mother has created all of them so She is indeed Anandmayi Chaitanyamayi Satyamayi Parame.
I don’t see the contradiction. It is simply two different ways of seeing the same thing. Fire is one but it can do different functions and each is unique and has its own place. One has to know the difference for the manifestation. To use the fire for light and warmth only will involve a different process than if one uses it to burn or to purify. Similarly each god or goddess has a specific function and hence a specific name. I don’t see what is the problem with that or how it contradicts the idea and experience of the One Existence-Consciousness-Bliss, Sacchidananda.
Affectionately,
Alok Da
