Day One

The workshop began by introducing Integral Yoga and the ‘Four Aids’: Scripture, Personal Effort, the Teacher, and Time. Jayashree Blench explained how Integral Yoga is a flexible path, guided by external scriptures and internal wisdom. She emphasised that yoga is a natural process of evolution, moving from simplicity to complexity, and highlighted the necessity of continuous renewal in both spiritual practice and the material world. The inner guide (Shastra) within each person is crucial for true self-discovery, with external scriptures providing inspiration but not complete guidance on their own.

Day Two

The focus shifted to Personal Effort. Jayashree stressed that true spiritual progress requires inner zeal (Utsaha), overcoming egoic obstacles, and distinguishing between desire and divine aspiration. She explored how effort is not only physical but mental and emotional (Tapasya), and that surrender to divine guidance makes the effort effortless. The participants reflected on the transformative power of aspiration and sacrifice, understanding that these principles, when integrated into daily life, guide spiritual growth.

Day Three

This session explored the role of the Guru. Jayashree discussed how the Guru (external and internal) helps guide practitioners through the spiritual journey. Drawing from Sri Aurobindo’s teachings, she emphasised that the Inner Teacher (Jagat Guru) resides within all and helps transform the lower nature into higher consciousness. The session also discussed the importance of silence in spiritual practice and how it opens the soul to divine insights. The Guru's role, faith, surrender, and aspiration were central to achieving divine realisation.

Day Four

The final day focused on Time as the fourth aid in Integral Yoga. Time, when viewed through the ego, causes stress, but when aligned with the soul, it becomes a tool for spiritual growth. Jayashree discussed how transcending the surface mind and embracing timelessness through yoga helps individuals access their eternal nature. Reflecting on the interconnectedness of the The ’Four Aids’ workshop concluded with insights on aspiration, surrender and the transformative power of trusting in the divine’s Plan.

About 15 people participated n this event.

Feedback

“Bringing awareness to every moment.”

“I came in wanting to know more but I left with the richness of the experience.”

“Jayashree's state of being itself was an influence. One could feel the silence and Presence.”

“Many subtle nuances came through and I got the clarity.”

“The experience was a very thorough understanding and going even deeper into each step was a learning. experience full of joy and gratitude as Sri Aurobindo has given us so many tools to know what the Integral Yoga is, and so well explained by Jayashree.”

“Beautifully coordinated and organised. Very grateful. Thanks to James for being a shining example of sincerity, perseverance, humility and dedication. Much appreciated.”

“The more we read and study and attend workshops like this, the more we benefit.”

“All the four steps of the yoga. Each one in itself so vast and full of knowledge. And how it is so powerful and important to know.”

“Feeling inspired. Calling out to Mother every moment, not taking time for granted, having patience, faith, aspiration, sincerity and surrender are all take-homes.”

“I felt the calm in the atmosphere.”

“The sessions on Utsaha, Guru and Kala revealed many new insights. Going deeper into tapasya, aspiration, rejection and surrender was a meditational experience.”