Maybe for one’s intellectual satisfaction, but not necessary for practical application.
Yes, if one has faith, love and surrender towards Sri Aurobindo and The Mother, reading the books are of secondary importance.
Having said that, books are wonderful companions and provide us with undiluted Satsang. They may help prepare the intellectual mind and give the initial spark sometimes. Books also ignite the heart and give hope and strength to the stumbling will of man. Besides, a true and complete faith and surrender are not easy. Books then serve as a very useful aid.
The main difficulty with books that one often limits one’s understanding to the written word, especially when one tries to understand with literal word meanings. Or when one develops the pride of intellectual understanding and the false notion that reading is enough. Simply put, books are a powerful aid but no substitute for faith, sincerity and surrender.
(Follow-up Question:)
Contrary Question: If one doesn’t have Love and Faith in the Mother, then what’s the use of reading “The Synthesis of Yoga”? Is he serious about pursuing Integral Yoga? I asked this question because I assume this must be written before the Mother’s arrival.
They can be a preparation and sometimes serve to provide the initial spark. But yes, reading them without faith doesn’t much serve the yogic purpose. It is like having a huge inheritance, but without the will of the parent that is mandatory before one can use it.
(Follow-up Question:)
Since I love the Mother and have Faith in Her and want to practice Integral Yoga, should I read this book?
You are already reading the ultimate. If one has opened to Savitri and, I would add, Prayers and Meditations, then no other book is needed.
Affectionately,
Alok Da
