It is only when the yoga is done under the stress of vital excitement or if some vanity of being a special instrument, etc., is creeping in that the breakdown happens. But then there is the Grace that continues to take care and surely the lesson of one life continues to another. Tirupati had to be sent away to his native place, where the Mother and Sri Aurobindo took care of him spiritually as well as physically, though outwardly, one of his relatives was with him for the material needs. Sri Aurobindo kept the contact and I am sure ensured smooth passage further on.Β
The Mother has emphasised three main things that one should develop to ensure safety. The first is sincerity, which means to hide nothing from the Divine and to keep trying to align one’s life to the highest aspiration, keeping a vigil to detect the movements contrary to the yogic life, especially an excess of sexuality and ambition. The second important quality is humility and, as a corollary, to ensure that there is no vanity, spiritual or otherwise, hiding behind or mixed with the aspiration for the yoga. The third thing is faith and a constant reliance and surrender on the Divine.Β
Here is an interesting writing on the subject.
12 November 1957
‘The Examiners
The integral yoga consists of an uninterrupted series of examinations that one has to undergo without any previous warning, thus obliging you to be constantly on the alert and attentive.
Three groups of examiners set us these tests. They appear to have nothing to do with one another, and their methods are so different, sometimes even so apparently contradictory, that it seems as if they could not possibly be leading towards the same goal. Nevertheless, they complement one another, work towards the same end, and are all indispensable to the completeness of the result.
The three types of examination are: those set by the forces of Nature, those set by spiritual and divine forces, and those set by hostile forces. These last are the most deceptive in their appearance and to avoid being caught unawares and unprepared requires a state of constant watchfulness, sincerity and humility.
The most commonplace circumstances, the events of everyday life, the most apparently insignificant people and things all belong to one or other of these three kinds of examiners. In this vast and complex organisation of tests, those events that are generally considered the most important in life are the easiest examinations to undergo, because they find you ready and on your guard. It is easier to stumble over the little stones in your path, because they attract no attention.
Endurance and plasticity, cheerfulness and fearlessness are the qualities specially needed for the examinations of physical nature.
Aspiration, trust, idealism, enthusiasm and generous self-giving, for spiritual examinations.
Vigilance, sincerity and humility for the examinations from hostile forces.
And do not imagine that there are on the one hand people who undergo the examinations and on the other people who set them. Depending on the circumstances and the moment we are all both examiners and examinees, and it may even happen that one is at the same time both examiner and examinee. And the benefit one derives from this depends, both in quality and in quantity, on the intensity of one’s aspiration and the awakening of one’s consciousness.
To conclude, a final piece of advice: never set yourself up as an examiner. For while it is good to remember constantly that one may be undergoing a very important examination, it is extremely dangerous to imagine that one is responsible for setting examinations for others. That is the open door to the most ridiculous and harmful kinds of vanity. It is the Supreme Wisdom which decides these things, and not the ignorant human will.
12 November 1957
12 November 1957
Each time you have to make progress, you have to undergo an examination.
12 November 1957
In ancient times the disciple had to undergo severe tests to prove his ability for initiation. Here we do not follow that method. Apparently there is no test and no trial. But if you see the truth, you will find that here it is much more difficult. There the disciple knew that he was undergoing a period of trial and after he had passed through some outward tests, he was taken in. But here you have to face life and you are watched at every moment. It is not only your outer actions that count. Each and every thought and inner movement is seen, every reaction is noticed. It is not what you do in the solitude of the forest, but what you do in the thick of the battle of life that is important.
Are you ready to submit yourself for such tests? Are you ready to change yourself completely? You will have to throw off your ideas, ideals, values, interests and opinions. Everything will have to be learnt anew. If you are ready for all this, then take a plunge; otherwise don’t try to step in.
The whole life is a sadhana. It is a mistake to cut it into bits and say this is sadhana and that is not. Even your eating and sleeping should be a part of sadhana.’
(Ref. https://incarnateword.in/cwm/14/aspects-of-sadhana#p65)
Affectionately,
Alok Da
