The six-day journey,’Lighting up our Shadows’ was a profound exploration of the interplay between Light and Shadow in the human consciousness, taken from the teachings of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother. We exploredthe different nature of the Shadow, its role in personal and collective growth, and the transformative power of Light in overcoming the darker aspects of our being. The different speakers offerred insights, practices, and meditations to help individuals traverse their shadows and align with the Divine Light. The series explored the concept of the shadow in the context of Integral Yoga, emphasising its role as a resistance to evolutionary progress. The shadow represents the darker, unresolved aspects of ourselves —those fears, insecurities, negative emotions and qualities that challenge us. However, these shadows are not permanent; they are opportunities for growth and transformation. The sessions focus on how to recognize, accept, and transform these shadows through Integral Yoga practices, ultimately leading to self-perfection and unity with the Divine.
Day 1 - The Other Side of Virtue: this session, led by Dr. Alok Pandey, explored the difference between virtue and vice and light and shadow. While virtue and vice are moral constructs defined by society, light and shadow represent deeper spiritual concepts related to the Divine and our inner struggles. The key takeaway is that virtue and vice can hinder spiritual growth, whereas light and shadow are integral to the process of transformation in Integral Yoga. Virtue and vice which are very ill understood. Human virtue and human vice, as Sri Aurobindo says, “are core spun, ill-fitting wooden dresses.” The healthy acceptance of what they are, can lead to progress.
Mother has said, ‘perfection cannot be created by virtuous life alone.’
Virtue vs. Vice:
Virtue: Refers to morally good qualities like honesty, kindness, courage, and patience. These are often seen as desirable traits that reflect good character.
Vice: Represents morally bad qualities like dishonesty, cruelty, cowardice, and impatience. These are seen as harmful to oneself and others.
Limitations of Virtue and Vice:
1. Virtue and vice are societal constructs that can limit spiritual growth. They often curb the ‘animal’ within us rather than transforming it. For example, people may act virtuously out of fear of punishment, not out of genuine spiritual aspiration.
2. Virtue says one must not engage in any kind of violence. However, in truth, in certain circumstances, one must engage in violence, though without the least disturbance. One must act according to the dharma of that nature and when you act according to the dharma of that nature, you will have no inner anger or hatred or bitterness. Dharma resides in the depth of the hearts. Virtue is a construct and dharma, a divine quality and divine possibility. Sri Aurobindo says, ‘’ the only sin I find difficult to pardon are selfishness and meanness, but they are so universal that you must pardon them.’’
‘’True virtue he says, are our courage and faith, even if the rest have failed these two can save the soul alive.’’
3. Virtue is a weakness and at times it can also become a hindrance for progress, like when a person says I will bearall your strokes but will not utter a word. Virtues have nothing to do with yoga. The Mother at one point, said that,” if being virtuous is equal to perfection, then virtue tries to eliminate everything that is negative or opposite to it and in the bargain, it keeps limiting, constricting till it eliminates virtue itself. Sri Aurobindo writes in one of his essays, harmony of virtues-‘it’s not just enough to have one virtue or one quality, which is at cross with others. Sri Aurobindo says, ‘’Divine quality in isolation, turns into a falsehood, even a truth.’
Goodness is one that one extends beyond oneself and one’s selfishness. Dharma resides in the depth of the heart. Virtues is a construct and dharma, divine quality. For yoga you have to go beyond virtue and vice, because they have their own place in the evolution of things, but you don’t go beyond light and shadow.
Virtue in the Making: Many vices are simply unregulated energies that, when channelled correctly, can become virtues. For example:
1. A boy who bullies others may have leadership qualities that, with guidance, can be transformed into positive leadership.
2. Aggression, when channelled, can be used for the greater good, as seen in stories of Hanuman and Ganesh.
Light: represents the Divine, truth, purity, wisdom, and clarity. It is the ultimate goal of spiritual growth. Sri Aurobindo explains beautifully in, Essays on the Gita, chapter 16-Devasuri sampada. He says, ‘’that man is an asura by birth, but he becomes a deva by spiritual conversations.’’
Darkness: Represents our ego, struggles, ignorance, and fear. It is the resistance we must overcome to reach the light. The ultimate truth is that there is only Light. A cryptic line in Savitri— ‘The eyes that can see in darkness, shall see my face. If one can see that light even in darkness, because darkness is an appearance.’’
Darkness is, hiding within, itself a divine possibility. A few examples are
1. A selfish person, who is self-centred, it is a shadow. But when turned towards the light, can become deeply focused and self-centred around the Divine Presence within.
2.An egoistic person, who seems detached from social activities, may be concentrating on inner growth.
3.Greed, is when they take in a lot of things, when transformed, can become a powerful force for gathering spiritual energy.
4. A miser can be very generous in another part.
The Struggle Between Light and Shadow: each individual has a unique struggle between their shadow (resistance) and their aspiration for the Divine. This struggle is what makes the spiritual journey long and challenging and, in the bargain, it creates a great perfection and that is the ultimate meaning of light and shadow.
A passage from Savitri: “This to the supreme diplomat can use,
he makes our fall a means to greater rise.
For the unseen, he comes into the darkened parts where he works without us being aware.
And he comes till they too feel the need and will to change.”
Practical Steps for Transformation
Invoke the Divine Light: The key to transforming the shadow is to invoke the Divine light and offer our struggles to it. This process requires faith and surrender to the Divine.
Morphogenic Resonance: There is a deep interconnectedness between individuals and the world. By working on our own shadows, we contribute to the collective transformation of humanity Harmonising opposites: Integral Yoga emphasises the harmonisation of opposites, such as peace and strength, rather than focusing on one at the expense of the other. This balance is crucial for spiritual growth.The aphorism of Sri Aurobindo,“There is no darkness.” Each of us has a Divine quality, which is enclosed within darkness.
In one of her conversations, the Mother says, ’You know my children, why are you so hypnotised by your difficulties all the time, you say you have this difficulty and that difficulty?’ She then discloses a very shocking revelation, and she says,’ because you don’t believe in Grace’. People who try for yoga with their own personal effort, they get frustrated very soon. But those who surrender to the Divine and rely on her grace they go through; every shadow becomes a passage.
“To hide from sift and awakening to wild pain, from the light we come and from the light we live and from the light we go.” Just focus on that.
Practice: Isolate and find one good quality which is there in everybody and appreciate it. Everyone has something good and that’s his divine quality. When we see the good in others, it will solve many of our problems, it totally changes our perception. Willingly try to see the light
When we struggle with our own difficulty, we develop a benevolence and sunny tolerance towards others.
Q&A
Dealing with Darkness in Humanity: when we see darkness in the world, it is often a reflection of our own inner struggles. The key is to develop absolute faith in the Divine and focus on eliminating the darkness within ourselves. As we transform our own shadows, our perception of the world changes.
Yoga and adolescence: Yoga is not about imitation or artificial practices. It begins with a conscious aspiration for the Divine. Young people are often not ready for this deep spiritual work, as they need life experiences to prepare them for the challenges of yoga.
Overcoming the Pain of Discovering Shadows: Discovering our shadows can be painful, but it is a necessary step in the spiritual journey. We should not identify with the shadow but instead hold onto the light within us. The Divine knows who we truly are, even if we do not.
Conclusion
Virtue and vice are societal constructs that can hinder spiritual growth, while light and shadow are integral to the process of transformation in integral yoga. The key to overcoming the shadow is to invoke the Divine light, surrender to Grace, and harmonise the opposites within ourselves. By doing so, we can transform our shadows into light and contribute to the collective evolution of humanity.
Day 2 - Kiss the Frog
Dr. Monica Gulati explored the concept of the shadow in human nature and how it can be transformed into something positive. The shadow represents the darker, unresolved aspects of ourselves —fears, insecurities, negative emotions, and qualities that challenge us. However, these shadows are not permanent; they are opportunities for growth and transformation. The title, ‘Kiss the Frog’, is inspired by a fairy tale, symbolising the process of confronting and transforming shadows into light, much like a frog turning into a prince.
Understanding Shadows
Shadows arise because we are not fully aware of our inner light. Instead of focusing on our inherent goodness, we often dwell on our problems and darkness. Shadows are not part of our true nature but are adventitious (external or temporary).
Nature of Shadows
Shadows are not permanent; they are part of the dual nature of existence. For example, bliss turns to suffering, and truth turns to falsehood. This duality is the design of creation.
Shadows exist as opportunities for growth. When we transcend a shadow, we make progress.
Shadows are like grease or stains on a vessel — they can be removed with effort and love.
Transforming Shadows
Love is the only power of transformation. We must be kind to ourselves and others, as everyone is trying their best.Mother says, ‘Love is the only power of transformation.’
As we gather courage, love, and patience, we can confront our shadows and transform them. *The closer we get to a problem, the less frightening it becomes.
A story from the Upanishads illustrates this: from a distance, a rope may look like a snake, but upon closer inspection, the fear dissipates. As Mother says, ‘You pluck it out of your consciousness and throw it far far away never to return back.’
Shadows and the Ego
Shadows are often by-products of the ego. The more we crave and cling to the ego, the more shadows we create. The ego is like a mirage — it can never be fulfilled. By stepping back from the ego and its falsehoods, we reduce the need to confront shadows, as they gradually disappear.
Steps to Work on Shadows (e.g., anger):
Witnessing: Observe anger without acting on it. When we act out of anger, we fail to understand it.
Understanding: Go closer to the sensations in the body. Where do you feel constricted? How long does the sensation last if you don’t act on it?
Slowing Down: To witness and understand, we must slow down and become desireless.
Remedy:
The Mother says, ‘do not depend on anyone in this world because nobody can give you anything.’ Becoming comfortable with disappointments. Then slowly we transcend the disappointment, because we are not wanting anything from anyone. Believe in yourself. Learn to see things clearly and go closer to your inner being-Light. Shadows are like a child that needs to be loved and embraced. As Sri Aurobindo says, ‘we must rise above our likes and dislikes’. Only by embracing our shadows can we move closer to our true consciousness. As Sri Aurobindo shares, ’My enemy’s failure is my own disrepute.’
We are like a vast, untouched space —our consciousness is unaffected by the shadows that come and go. By identifying with this vast consciousness, we can transcend our shadows.
Practical Steps for Transformation
Visualisation Exercise:
Visualise yourself as space. Imagine sitting within four walls, and suddenly the walls break. You realise that the space was always one continuous expanse. Consciousness is like this — it is vast and unchanging. What is looking at a thought in you is the same consciousness that is in me.
Keep reminding yourself that the stains (shadows) are adventitious and do not leave a permanent mark. Believe in your inherent goodness.
Purification and Lightness:
The path to purification leads to joy and lightness. The moment you abandon a shadow’s dictates, you immediately feel a sense of lightness and freedom.
As Mother says,” Even one person working on their desires creates a ripple in the collective consciousness.’’ By stepping back from desire, you contribute to the collective purification happens.
Conclusion:Shadows are not permanent and can be transformed through love, patience, and self-awareness. By confronting our shadows and embracing them with love, we can turn them into light. The process of purification leads to joy, lightness, and a deeper connection with our true consciousness. The reward for this work is the feeling of abundance and goodness in our being — the prince that emerges when we kiss the frog.
Day 3 — The Play of Shadow and Light
The session, led by Dr. Aditi Kaul, explored the interplay of light and shadow within the context of Integral Yoga. Resistances come up in the form of shadows that stop you from progressing. Emphasising the importance of accepting our shadows, in order to progress on the path of self-development.I ntegral Yoga encourages the acceptance and integration of all aspects of ourselves, including our shadows, rather than rejecting or denying them.
As Sri Aurobindo said, "All life is yoga," meaning that the process of self-discovery and growth is an ongoing journey, a continuous interplay of light (our positive qualities) and shadow (our limitations or resistances).
Recognising and Channelling Shadows
Acknowledging Shadows: The first step towards growth is recognising our shadows — the aspects of ourselves that hold us back. By acknowledging these shadows without identifying with them, we can begin to channelise them towards positive change.
Example: If we experience fear, instead of trying to get rid of it, we can recognise it, create a distance from it, and then raise it towards the light. This process involves delinking our identity from the shadow (e.g., fear) and seeing it as a movement of nature rather than a part of who we are.
Avoiding Categorisation: Instead of labeling aspects of ourselves as ‘good’ or ‘bad’, we should channelise them through increased awareness and inner consciousness. For example, if we are courageous in one aspect of life but fearful in another, we can use the light of our courage to transform our fear.
Limitations on the Path Most of the time there is an image of who we are. It is not about what others think of me, but what I think of myself is very important.
Steps to Work on Shadows
Becoming Aware: The first step is to become aware of our shadows. For example, if we feel fear, we must recognise it and create a distance from it. This awareness allows us to work on the shadow without being consumed by it.
Raising Shadows to the Light: Instead of rejecting or suppressing our shadows, we should consciously raise them towards the light. This involves opening ourselves completely to the light and allowing it to transform our shadows.
Example: When we feel anger, instead of acting on it, we can observe it, feel the sensations in our body, and then offer it to the light. This process helps us transform anger into wisdom.
Anchoring in Light: The anchor-point in our journey should always be the light, not the shadows or the concerns of our life. The more shadows we see in ourselves, the more light we are able to access, which is a positive indicator of progress.
The Importance of Honesty and Sincerity
Honest Self-Reflection: Honest and sincere communication with oneself is crucial for recognising and accepting our shadows. By being truthful about our experiences and avoiding self-deception, we create an opportunity for growth and transformation.
Indicators of Progress: When we are on the right path, difficulties and challenges often arise. These challenges are indicators that the light is working within us. The key is to shift our attitude towards dealing with shadows and focus on how we can raise them to the light.
Self-Development-Aspiration, Rejection, and Surrender
Aspiration: Aspiration strengthens our inner light. It is the driving-force that helps us move towards higher consciousness.
Rejection: Rejection helps us let go of negative tendencies and shadows. However, rejection should not be done in a way that pushes the shadow deeper into the subconscious. Instead, we should raise the shadow to the light.
Surrender: Surrender allows us to accept our limitations and offer them to a higher power. By surrendering our shadows to the light, we allow the process of transformation to occur naturally.
Embracing the Process
Continuous Growth: The journey of self-development is an ongoing process, not a destination. By embracing the process and focusing on continuous growth, we can achieve greater harmony and balance within ourselves.
Dualities and Higher Light: The idea of dualities (light and shadow) is that they can be reconciled in the higher light. If there were no dualities, we would not be aware of the processes of growth and transformation. Our yoga is a laboratory of experimentation, where we work on purifying ourselves to reach self-perfection.
Practical Steps for Bringing Harmony
Maintaining Contact with the Light: In challenging situations, it is crucial to maintain contact with our inner light or higher self. This connection provides guidance and support in our journey of self-discovery and transformation.
Integration of Different Parts: We should look at life integrally and avoid one-dimensional growth. By embracing all aspects of our personality — both strengths and weaknesses — we can achieve greater balance and harmony.
Identifying with the Process: Instead of identifying with a fixed identity, we should identify with the process of self-development. This shift allows for greater flexibility and adaptability in our journey.
As the Mother says, ‘If you are coming to me, come with everything, don’t hide anything in front of me.’ Collaborating harmony, becoming more and more aware of the preconceived judgments, preconceived conditioning, neutralising the charge of this conditioning, in a very self-compassionate manner and remembering the visuals of more and more light. From within what is coming out is what is required on our path.
Exercise: Facing the Shadow
Close your eyes and observe any negative feeling or discomfort that you want to get rid of.
Hold that feeling in your awareness and face it directly.
Offer it to the light within, with compassion, and experience the transformative power of that connection.
Interact with the part of you that you were not happy with. What message does it have for you? Stay with that experience and allow any insights to arise.
Gently open your eyes and assimilate the experience.
As Mother says, "You don't have to solve the issue, but face the issue." The moment you face something, it dissolves.
Conclusion
Shadows are not permanent and can be transformed through love, patience, and self-awareness. By confronting our shadows and embracing them with love, we can turn them into light. The process of purification leads to joy, lightness, and a deeper connection with our true consciousness. The key is to maintain contact with the light, embrace the process of self-development, and allow the light to transform our shadows.
Day 4 Transformation of the Shadow in Integral Yoga
Manoj Pavithran explored the concept of the shadow in the context ofIintegral Yoga, as a resistance to evolutionary progress. The shadow is not just a psychological construct but a fundamental aspect of human existence that must be transformed for spiritual growth. He spoke of Sri Aurobindo's teachings and ancient Indian cosmology to explain how the shadow operates individually and collectively, and how it can be transformed through Integral Yoga practices.
The Shadow as a resistance to Progress
The shadow is described as a resistance to evolutionary progress, whether it is inner, individual, outer, or collective. When individuals or groups strive for growth, the shadow often emerges as internal or external challenges.
E.g.,
Individual Shadow: a person drawn to divine love may suddenly experience depression self-doubt, or feelings of victimhood. Collective Shadow: historical figures like Christ, who brought messages of love, often faced collective resistance, such as thevcrucifixion. The shadow is not inherently negative; it is a factor of growth. However, it represents a resistance that must be confronted and transformed. The text suggests that the shadow is a design of the evolutionary process, ensuring that individuals and collectives are prepared for higher levels of consciousness.
Cosmic Architecture and Legacy Systems: The speaker talked about Sri Aurobindo's cosmology, which divides existence into two hemispheres: upper hemisphere: The world of light, divine, and shadowless existence, Mother of Light, Aditi. lower hemisphere: The world of darkness, where the shadow resides. This lower hemisphere has an evolutionary function, as it is where the "dark mother" (Diti) creates the world out of formless reality, leading to the birth of the ego. In Savitri, Sri Aurobindo refers to as, ‘’the first and last nothingness.”. Birthing of the ego is a tremendous evolutionary process, that culminates in the birth of this conscious man and his sense of individuality, deep sense of separation from the rest. Legacy systems: they are old patterns and resistances that must be overcome for progress. For example: Pain as a Legacy System: Pain was an evolutionary necessity for survival, but in modern life, it can become a psychological burden. Emotional pain, such as unresolved trauma or fear, can act as a legacy system that holds individuals back from growth. Pain and the sensation of pain was very important biological evolutionary device.
Three Archetypes of the Shadow: There are three universal archetypes that represent different aspects of the shadow:
The Man of Sorrows:
Represents victimhood and suffering.
Individuals under this archetype feel perpetually victimised by life and others.
This archetype is deeply rooted in collective human psychology and can move from person to person, seeking a host.
The Dwarf Titan:
Represents distorted power, often manifesting as uncontrolled anger or destructive behavior.
Even highly capable individuals may struggle with this archetype, as it creates a paradox where they build and destroy simultaneously.
The Sense-Shackled Mind:
Represents the limitations of the human mind, bound by sensory knowledge and pride.
This archetype prevents deeper spiritual insight, as the mind becomes closed to new possibilities. These archetypes act as guardians in the evolutionary journey, ensuring that individuals are prepared to progress to higher levels of consciousness.
Stages of Transformation
There are three stages to transformation
Healing: Addressing the psychological luggage from the past, including unresolved pain, trauma, and emotional baggage.
Accepting and feeling the pain fully, rather than suppressing or rejecting it.
Integration: Bringing together the fragmented parts of the self, allowing for a harmonious inner state.
Aligning the mind, heart, and will, and connecting with the psychic being (the core of the individual, characterised by love and delight).
Transformation:
Moving beyond integration to a higher state of being, where the shadow is fully transformed through the light of the psychic being.
Surrendering to a greater light and wisdom, beyond one's limited mental capacities.
The Role of the Psychic Being
The psychic being is the core of the individual, characterised by love, delight, and harmony. It is through connecting with this inner centre that healing, integration, and transformation become possible. Transformation cannot be achieved through mental will alone but requires opening to a greater light and force from above.
Collective Shadow and Amplification: in collective spaces like Auroville, both light and shadow are amplified. The shadow becomes more visible in others, serving as a mirror for one's own unconscious patterns. The process of collective transformation involves confronting and transforming these shared shadows. The greater the capacity for progress, the greater the opposition that will arise, but this opposition is part of the evolutionary design.
Practical Steps for Transformation.
Inward Journey:
Go inward to connect with the psychic being through practices like meditation, journaling, and self-reflection. Witnessing and Feeling: Witness pain impartially and feel it fully, allowing the healing flow of love from the psychic being to emerge. Surrender to Greater Light: Surrender to a higher wisdom and light, beyond one's limited mental capacities.
Q&A
1. Does life provide the ground to go deeper, or must one create space for it?
Both are connected. Life provides opportunities for integration and going deeper, but individuals must actively engage in inward practices to access the psychic center. The mind, heart, and will must be aligned, and the inward journey is essential for this alignment.
2. How to pass through greater sorrow or tests on the spiritual path?
The challenges are proportional to one's capacity. Sincerity, vigilance, and faith are crucial. The text emphasises that it is not through personal effort alone but through surrendering to a greater light and wisdom that one can overcome obstacles.
Conclusion
The shadow in the context of Integral Yoga, emphasiSes that it is not merely something to be integrated but something to be transformed through a deeper connection with the psychic being and a higher light. The process involves healing, integration, and ultimately, a profound transformation that allows individuals and collectives to move beyond duality and resistance, toward a state of unity and light.
Day 5: Traversing Our Shadows
James Anderson began the session by explaining the importance of traversing both individual and collective shadows. While the Shadow is a necessary part of growth, it can also manifest as the opposite of our virtues in certain situations. The speaker explores how we can traverse through our individual and collective shadows to achieve self-perfection and align with the Divine Work. He emphasised that we are interconnected with the whole, and our ability to radiate Light is crucial for the evolutionary process. Living in Light requires discipline, and many people prefer to remain in the shadows because meeting them demands significant effort. The Shadow represents the darker, unconscious aspects of our being that emerge when exposed to the Light of the higher consciousness
Grey Episodes:
Everyone experiences ‘grey periods’, characterised by lethargy, diminished aspiration and a sense of futility. These periods are inevitable in Integral Yoga and are described by Sri Aurobindo as "Grey periods” They are necessary for assimilation and growth, making us more determined and stronger. During these times, it is essential to remain quiet, patient, and trust in the Divine, allowing the experience to pass naturally.
Collaborating:
We are not separate beings; we are interconnected. The process of spiritual growth works through contagion, meaning we influence others by living in the Light and being present in the Divine Mother's presence. By staying connected to the Divine, we can dispel collective shadows and contribute positively to the Divine Work. True collaboration involves living by example and allowing the space around us to speak for itself.
Shadows:
Shadows are an inevitable part of our journey, representing our uncleared baggage. They will persist until we become entirely transparent. The body is a map of our inner psychology, and everything surfaces there. We must observe our body disinterestedly, without judgment or repulsion, and be aware of all sensations. aware of all the different sensations in the body. Observe that everything is a mixture of the good and the bad, positive and negatives, with different gradations and densities of darkness, shadow and light, as it is a play of, ‘Light and Shadow’. Shadows represent our resistance to the Light, and the most challenging shadow to dislodge is Tamas, which is obstinate and resistant.
Unpleasant and Pleasant Sensations:
Unpleasant sensations, such as jealousy, anger, and bitterness, leave imprints on the body and cause pain. We must feel these sensations without identifying with them and offer them to the Divine Mother for purification. Pleasant sensations, while comfortable and alluring, can also be misleading, as they may reflect desires and cravings that eat away at our true aspirations. It is essential to remain aware and not be misled by these sensations. They must be offered also.
Practice:
The practice involves closing your eyes, invoking the fire of aspiration by calling the Mother, and tending to this fire within your heart. Offer all your shadows, all the negatives and positives, to this flame. The Mother says, ‘Bring everything to me’. Impurities are the fuel for this fire, and the more you tend to it, the brighter your aspiration grows. Hold on to this fire of aspiration, tend to it, identify with it.
Suggestion:
In everyday life, take moments to step back and invoke the fire of aspiration, deep into your heart. Offer whatever arises, to this fire, building and maintaining your aspiration. This practice helps in purification and keeps the fire of aspiration alive. This way you can build the fire of aspiration and your own aspiration as well. If we keep practising, then the fire of aspiration and purifications can become one.
Letter:
In a letter from Nirodbaran to Sri Aurobindo, Nirodbaran questions, “why humans are made up of contradictory elements, such as aspiration towards higher qualities and tendencies towards baser elements> ’’. Sri Aurobindo responds briefly, “stating that it takes many ingredients to make a nice pudding,” implying that these contradictions are part of the human experience and necessary for growth.
Meditation on a Poem – The Golden Light:
The meditation involved closing the eyes and meditating on the lines of the poem "The Golden Light." Visualise the Mother's Light descending from above, filling your entire body, and transforming everything it touches. This Light makes you transparent, casting no shadow, and brings clarity, peace, and joy. The meditation emphasized complete self-giving and surrender to the Light, allowing it to transform all parts of your being.
Sharings
Participants shared their experiences, noting the beauty of the meditation and the challenges of sustaining the remembrance of the Mother during negative experiences. The Mother advises against evaluating progress, as it is not productive. Instead, focus on bridging the gaps in consciousness by being aware of each breath and chanting the Mother's name. Keeping the fire of aspiration burning and offering everything to it helps maintain progress in sadhana (spiritual practice).
Conclusion
Focusing on the interplay between Light and Shadow, the importance of aspiration, and the transformative power of meditation and se need for discipline, patience, and trust in the Divine to traverse through shadows and achieve spiritual growth.
Day 6: "Light, endless Light."
Dr. Soumitra Basu began the session by interpreting Sri Aurobindo's sonnet, ‘Light, endless Light’. The sonnet describes the transformative power of Light, which describes the progressive illumination of human consciousness. He explains how the Supermind, which is hidden within the inconscient, holds the key to future evolution. The inconscient is divided into three planes: mental, vital, and physical. These planes are associated with the unconscious aspects of our being, which are often inaccessible to our conscious mind. Sri Aurobindo says,” Life’s ignorant gulf, give up their secrecy.” The inconscient is not known to the conscious.
The Mother was the first to fully enter the inconscient, a realm previously unexplored even by the Vedic Rishis. The Mother has said in her personal anecdote, “that I have attempted,which nobody has attempted, that which I have striven for, nobody has striven.” Her journey into the inconscient was met with significant resistance, particularly from the mental inconscient, which is the most challenging to penetrate. When Mother reached the inconscient, a glittering golden fountain sprouted up. Within the shadow of the inconscient, concealed and dormant, lies hidden the Supermind and the Superconscious, which contained the possibility of the future evolution. By bringing Light into the inconscient, we can begin to cleanse and transform it.
Meditation to Bring Light into the Inconscient
The meditation involves visualising a column of Light descending from the head, filling the body, and projecting into the inconscient below. Project the light into the darkness below, so that the Light enters the darkness and illumines the inconscient as much practicable. This process helps to illuminate the darkness and initiate the cleansing of the inconscient.
The Three Mysterious Doors: Sri Aurobindo describes three crystal doors which are sealed that separate different levels of consciousness: The Outer Being and the Inner Being: The outer being is our surface self, while the inner being is a deeper, more expansive consciousness. The Inner Being and the Cosmic Consciousness: This door connects the individual to the universal consciousness. The Inner Being and the Inmost Being (Psychic Being): The inmost being is the soul, or psychic being, which is connected to the Divine, where the deathless rose blooms.
These crystal doors open one after another. Whatever is there in the cosmic consciousness comes into the inner being and from the inner being it comes into the outer being. They go through the channels (chakras) of communication, that are there in between the inner being and the outer being. These channels cross an intermediary zone (chakras), to move from the inner being to the outer being. These channels are mostly sealed… but sometimes very little is open
Explanation: The holy sealed mysterious doors unclose. Our great creative work is possible because of the little bit of trickling in of the cosmic consciousness from our inner being to the outer being. The channels are the Chakras of the Indian tradition. These doors open gradually, allowing the Light of the cosmic consciousness to flow into the inner being and then into the outer being. The process of opening these doors is facilitated by the activation of the chakras, which are energy-centres in the body. In traditional yoga, the chakras are opened from below upwards, sometimes leading to intermediary zones filled with distortions and delusion. Sri Aurobindo introduced a safer method of bringing Light from above downwards, safely opening only the necessary chakras.
The Psychic Being and the Deathless Rose
The psychic being, described as the "deathless rose," is the inmost part of our being, connected directly to the Divine. It is free from shadows and inconscient material, as it has not evolved from the inconscient. When the psychic being is activated, it brings down the Light of Transformation, which can help us overcome the shadows and align with our higher self.
Visual Exercise to Connect with the Psychic Being:
Visualise the outer being surrounded by the inner being, which is in turn surrounded by the transcended being. The psychic being resides in the subtle soul space between the inner and transcended being. By focusing on this space, one can invoke the psychic being and allow the Light to enter, fusing the inner and outer being and repressing the ego. For the Light to enter, you should completely open and surrender.
Cellular Consciousness and Yoga
The Mother initiated the practice of cellular yoga, which involves bringing Light into the cells of the body. The cells are highly conscious and can store memories, even from past traumas. A few examples of how cellular memory can manifest. A woman who experienced shoulder pain due to a fall from a horse that occurred many years earlier. The pain persisted because the cells retained the trauma. A young girl who received a heart transplant began dreaming about the donor’s murder, eventually leading to the identification of the murderer. This proved that cells store deep-seated memories.
Healing through Cellular Consciousness:
The book The Healing Code by Alexander Lloyd and Ben Johnson, which offers exercises to heal the body by addressing cellular memories. A prayer is suggested to invoke Light, Life, and Love into the cells, followed by specific exercises to stimulate healing. The goal is to bring Light into the cells, helping them move out of the shadow and into the Light.
Conclusion
Bringing Light into the inconscient and the cells of the body to overcome the Shadow and achieve spiritual transformation. Through meditation, visualisation, and cellular yoga, individuals can cleanse their unconscious, activate their psychic being, and align with the higher consciousness. The process involves opening the sealed doors of consciousness, activating the chakras, and allowing the Light of Transformation to flow through the body and mind. By doing so, one can transcend the duality of the Shadow and move towards a state of unity with the Divine. Focusing on the interplay between Light and Shadow, the role of the inconscient, and the transformative power of meditation and cellular yoga.
The six-day workshop was very enlightening and a sure step into a wonderful journey towards our aspiration and spiritual growth.
Feedback
“Each presenter brought something different to the topic and even though it was mostly in a lecture mode, it ended being quite experiential.”
[Takeaways?]
“Not to run away from shadows but to face them and come close to them with love to change perspective and transform. That shadows play a role in evolution. The connection with the psychic is always the answer. The importance of bringing down the light from above to the inconscient and to the cells. The collective shadows with the names, why they became shadows, their purpose and the understanding the process of healing and transformation. The knowledge that when there is more light there is more shadows and that is the Sadana. The psychic presence is the only part without shadow.”
“In this plane of existence each virtue, truth, light, has its opposite side by side, it’s a distorted side of the same. The sadaka’s endeavour is to conquer it with love or cast the light of of consciousness or the psychic on it to transform it or to get to see the light in the shadow.”
James’ session: I could seamlessly feel the fire of aspiration into which whatever was to offered and also the golden light from above, from which all Grace was being offered.
“Each presenter brings their own atmosphere, very unique and James as a host is always punctual, warm, and takes care of time, supports the process of the presenters in a gracious manner.”
“The program enabled me to look at parts of myself which erstwhile considered taboo more closely.”