The message is certainly contextual written to a particular person. However we have to understand it at different levels.
Since “All life is Yoga”, a yogi can take up any field and use it for the Divine Work. Sri Aurobindo’s own example and of few other devotees is there before us. However in general the Mother did not advice the disciples to take up politics primarily to safeguard the sadhaks against the onslaught of Falsehood that has a strong hold on politics and finances. It is very difficult to remain unsullied unless one has a strong character. But such people seldom survive the intrigues and web of lies in political life unless they make compromises. But if a person can indeed stand firm on his faith and his purpose and bring the light of Truth into this field then he can and does become a great instrument for advancing the spiritual life.
For the sadhaks of the supramental yoga the general rule is not to enter politics partly because it is a very specialised Yoga aiming beyond the limits of human fields and their present possibilities. Politics can be a serious distraction and even dangerous as it may catch the person in a web of ambition, egoistic rajasic action and the falsehood that drags those involved into the mire. Exceptions are there but then they are exceptions. Secondly, specifically for those in the Ashram it is not permitted as the politics if today is too divisive and the active involvement of a resident sadhak in politics would invite all kinds of forces of division in the Ashram atmosphere.
Here are some of the messages written by the Mother on politics that give us the larger picture.
‘When I say that the “wise” should govern the world, I am not taking a political point of view but a spiritual one.
The various forms of government can stay as they are; that is only of secondary importance. But whatever the social status of the men in power, they should receive their inspiration from those who have realised the Truth and have no other will than that of the Supreme.
17 September 1959
Remain in politics and try to bring Truth into politics. It is a very sure way towards effective spirituality.
Completely give up this ordinary vulgar political practice of publicly abusing people either in speech or writing. One should wage a war of ideas so that the truth may triumph, not a war of personalities.
4 October 1971
Sweet Mother,
In connection with the Youth Camps1 You have said that we should not discuss politics.
In this connection I pray for some more specific guidance from You, Douce Mère, not only for us at the Youth Camps, but generally for us who go around the country giving talks on Sri Aurobindo’s Action….
So far, we have considered “Politics” as consisting of any movement, including intrigue and malpractice, to arrive at dominance either of oneself or of one’s party over others. In this, one has to hold that one’s own view or ideology is true and that of others is wrong.
This politics we must completely avoid. Is it not so?
Yes.
But Sri Aurobindo has dealt with such matters from very high viewpoint in which He has seen what is true in each approach or each ideology and has shown the way towards a true integration of all these partial truths into a real synthesis. If we can learn from Him and follow His way then we can truly deal with such topics and need not avoid them. Are we correct in our understanding and approach?
Yes.
When we have to answer specific questions on such matters as Bank Nationalisation, Privy Purses, Press Bill etc., then, unless we have had already direct and specific replies from Sri Aurobindo or You, our answer has been that all these actions are only arrangements on the surface and, therefore, by themselves cannot solve the basic problems they try to solve. It is only by a change of consciousness or, at least, by the aspiration for the truth and the resultant opening to a change of consciousness that such specific problems can be really solved. Because whatever is the form of any arrangement or scheme, it has to be implemented by people. If the people continue to remain in darkness and falsehood, then no arrangement or scheme, however fine it may appear to be, can succeed.
So, there is only one solution to all problems; that given by You—to obey the Eternal Truth alone and live according to Truth.
Is this answer correct and sufficient?
Yes. True.’
Affectionately,
Alok Da
