The hybrid workshop Progress in Integral Yoga, organised by NAMAH, brought together a diverse group of experienced facilitators over two full days (27–28 December 2024). Each session offered a distinct perspective on integral progress, rooted in the facilitators’ personal experiential journeys. Thre participants gained insights into a wide array of experiences, concepts and practical tools, easily applicable to daily life, to foster progress on the Integral Yoga path. Below are key highlights from each facilitator's session, capturing the essence of this enriching workshop.

Practise Towards Integral Progress & Perfection (Facilitator: James Anderson)

• Integral Yoga prioritises transformation over happiness, with progress seen as fundamental to a meaningful life.
• Daily practices such as purification, unification, and spiritualisation nurture spiritual growth.
• A personal connection with the Divine Mother is key to achieving progress and inner transformation.

The Mind and the Will to Progress (Facilitator: Manoj Pavithran)

• The evolutionary ascent involves stages of material life, mental emergence and spiritual realisation, with the mind serving as a bridge between material inertia and spiritual perfection.
• True progress demands a reflective, forward-looking mindset, avoiding stagnation from over-emphasis on the present.
• Future evolution may unite scientific rigour with spiritual insights, deepening our understanding of consciousness.

Progress Through the Heart & Emotions in Integral Yoga (Facilitator: Divyanshi Chugh)

• Integrating the heart and emotions is key to reconnecting with inherent joy in Integral Yoga.
• Techniques like sunlight exposure, grounding activities, and art therapy help balance the five fundamental instruments: mind, heart, vital, senses, and body.
• Holistic progress highlights the interconnectedness of emotional, psychological, and physical health.

Progress Through Work in Integral Yoga (Facilitator: Surya Ravishankaran)

• Work is a vital spiritual practice that uncovers hidden imperfections, enabling purification and self-growth.
• Approaching work with the right spirit connects practitioners with the Divine Grace.
• Striving for excellence in work embodies the aspiration to align with the Divine purpose.

Each Breath a Corridor Towards Progress (Facilitator: Shweta Rajurkar)

• True progress stems from our internal state, requiring a deeper connection with oneself.
• Breath is a powerful tool for resolving inner contradictions and fostering growth.
• Individual progress in Integral Yoga through alignment of actions and aspirations paves the way for collective evolution.

The Mother on Progress (Facilitator: Jishnu Guha)

• Earthly life provides a rare opportunity for conscious evolution and alignment with the Divine.
• Aspiration and effort are necessary to overcome challenges and foster growth. Setbacks serve as opportunities for further growth and learning.
• Personal progress acts as a catalyst for collective evolution, emphasising interconnectedness.

The Keynote of a Joyous Life (Facilitator: Gitanjali)

• Progress is likened to a musical keynote, defining the essence and joy of life.
• True joy arises from transformative progress, not static contentment; suffering often pushes individuals beyond their comfort zones, fostering growth.
• Integral progress involves the harmonious development of physical, emotional, and mental dimensions.

The Journey of Unification Around the Psychic Centre – A Progressive Unfolding (Facilitator: Dr Aditi Kaul)

• True progress in Integral Yoga is an inward journey that harmonises inner voices.
• Recognising and addressing resistance clears the path for progress, while acceptance neutralises obstacles.
• Reflective practices, such as silence, help align individuals with their psychic centre and the Divine Presence.

Experiences of Life: Stepping-

Stones for Progress (Facilitator: Dr Monica Gulati)

• Recognising our dependence on the Divine fosters humility and gratitude which are key to spiritual growth.
• True spiritual progress is evident in our ability to remain simple and joyful, even in adversity.
• Embracing humility dissolves the ego, nurturing unity with others and the Divine.

From Conscious Evolution to Spiritual Revolution: Becoming an Instrument of the Divine (Facilitator: Preeti Mahurkar)

• Integral Yoga is a holistic way of life that integrates all aspects of existence.
• Life's purpose evolves, urging alignment with one's Divine potential for growth.
• Bridging science and spirituality reveals the profound impact of consciousness on reality and transformation.

Cognising Consciousness (Facilitator: Dr Soumitra Basu)

• Inspiration, intuition, and revelation are essential modes of cognition for accessing higher consciousness.
• The Higher Mind integrates diverse perspectives, fostering unity amidst contradictions and paving the way for intuition.
• Intuition is expected to surpass rationality, guiding humanity toward global harmony and collective evolution.

Each facilitator highlighted the unique aspects of Integral Yoga, delving deeply into the theme of progress while often cross-referencing topics from other sessions to create a cohesive understanding. Real-life examples from the facilitators’ personal experiences were inspiring and effectively demonstrated the real-world impact of the experiential wisdom and practices being shared. The workshop host and facilitators encouraged active participation, inviting both in-person and online attendees to share reflections and engage in meaningful discussions. Overall, the workshop provided valuable insights and practical tools to support participants in advancing their Integral Yoga journey.

Feedback

“Good learning tips by speakers...enabled better understanding of Progressive Mind and process of evolution of consciousness in light of Sri Aurobindo's Integral Yoga.”

“Some of the speakers were outstanding based on their experience and knowledge.”

“I received profound insights into human consciousness and spiritual evolution, along with a deepened awareness of the inner witness. A very joyful session with a feeling of coming back home.”

“A sense of inner divinity gradually emerges, bringing moments of grace, guidance, and peace into daily life.”

“All sessions were very meaningful and carried the vibrations of long lives of sadhana.”

“Each session felt like a reminder and renewal, deeper self-awareness and alignment with the path. Clarity of Mind and Emotional Stability.”

“These sessions taught the power of aspiration., the soul's call for light and the receptivity to higher forces.”

“I experience Inner silence. Thank you, dear James, for opening this beautiful opportunity for all of us.”

“Soul enrichment. Helped connecting me to my core.”