On 6th December 2025, a two‑hour session titled Awakening the Inner Flame was jointly facilitated by Shivakumar and Priti of SAFIER, the Integral Education initiative of Sri Aurobindo Society. The session was part of AntarJyoti, organised by Sri Aurobindo Society State Committee, Karnataka, a retreat hosted at the Sharanam Community Centre near Ousteri lake, a model of eco‑friendly design and culturally sensitive architecture created by the Society. The retreat, held on 6th and 7th December, had 25 seekers from all walks of life to embark on an inward journey of rejuvenation and connection with the Divine.
Shivakumar opened the session with an exploration of the “Gift” that Sri Aurobindo describes as inherent in every human being—the psychic presence within. Through selected passages of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, he guided participants to understand the nature of this inner flame, its wisdom, and the new capabilities it awakens when discovered. He clarified common misconceptions by distinguishing the psychic from vital feelings and mental conscience, and emphasized the importance of aspiration and self‑detachment in the sadhana of discovering the psychic being. The interaction concluded with the mention of practical methods for awakening this inner guide, including mantra chanting, connecting with nature, and direct concentration in the heart.
Priti then led participants into a deeper experiential journey through the theme Be Like a Flower. Drawing on the Mother’s guidance, she invited the group to cultivate soul qualities of love, harmony, and beauty by connecting with flowers as living symbols of psychic presence. Participants engaged in meditative exercises with flowers from the Sharanam garden, observing their form, fragrance, and subtle vibration, and then writing or drawing the qualities they perceived. The spiritual significance of the flowers given by the Mother, was further pointed out in order to deepen the experience. Through stories of the Mother’s own discoveries and references to J.C. Bose’s pioneering work on plant consciousness, Priti highlighted the profound role of nature in awakening one’s inner being.
Together, the sessions offered a rich blend of insight and practice, combining philosophical clarity with experiential depth. Participants were left with a renewed awareness of the psychic flame within and a simple yet profound way to nurture it—by being like a flower, open, equal, generous, and kind. The session stood as a beautiful step on the Sunlit Path, aligning with the retreat’s purpose of guiding seekers towards inner light and harmony.
