Dr. Yogesh Mohan facilitated a three-session workshop conducted over a period of three days. This programme exemplified his signature experiential style, prioritising direct practice over theoretical study or purely intellectual analysis of the writings of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother.
The workshop opened by establishing clear expectations and defining its core purpose. Participants were invited to openly express their personal aspirations, which fostered the creation of a sangha based on collective offering. Individuals were guided to turn inward, connecting with the shared energy and aspiration of the group. Because many attendees were already familiar with Dr. Mohan's methodology, the environment quickly became one of comfort and openness, helping newcomers feel at ease when sharing their own journeys.
While the extensive scope of this workshop typically encompasses a sadhana spanning a lifetime or more, condensing it into three brief sessions was a formidable undertaking. Dr. Yogesh outlined a staged approach to this transition: initially, participants must become acquainted with their inner consciousness and learn to relocate their station there frequently. Through persistent aspiration, this inner state eventually establishes itself as the primary station of consciousness. The subsequent phase involves surrendering every aspect of one's being to the inmost psychic presence, permitting the Divine Mother's Force to reshape the external self—usually dominated by ego—through psychic influence. To facilitate this, the workshop was organized into a preparatory first session, an immersive second session, and a concluding session designed to provide a mechanism for ongoing psychic transformation.
Session 1: Establishing the Foundation of Practice
The opening session centred on facilitating a direct experience of the contrast between a life governed by external ego consciousness and one rooted in the inner and inmost psychic consciousness. Through experiential meditation, those in attendance accessed fleeting moments of profound tranquillity, expansiveness, liberty and even spiritual bliss (Ananda).
Dialogues during the session emphasised that surface existence is often defined by a sense of separation, leading to persistent struggle and distress. By shifting focus to internal states, the complications of the superficial self lose their influence, replaced by a sense of vastness and inner peace. To conclude, two specific practices were assigned for the following 22 hours:
- Strive to maintain an interiorised state of being until the subsequent session.
- Examine the underlying motivations for thoughts, feelings, and behaviour; when faced with a choice, intentionally select the path emerging from the deepest parts of consciousness.
Session 2: Deep Immersion
Following a period of practical exercise, participants reflected on their experiences. Dr. Yogesh synthesized these insights into several key observations:
- With consistent practice, individuals can intentionally enter an inner state of expansive peace.
- Energy derived from inner consciousness remains steady and tranquil, contrasting with the volatile nature of surface vital energy.
- Spiritual energy is a divine gift intended for the internal struggle toward higher consciousness and should not be squandered on trivial matters.
- It is common for surface-level chaos to co-exist with inner stillness initially; however, persistence allows this peace to become more enduring.
- Misery stems from the ego's sense of separation, whereas psychic consciousness brings a sense of universal oneness characterized by light and joy.
- One possesses the choice to remain internally centred despite external disturbances.
With these concepts clarified, the group engaged in a profound meditation focused on the psychic seat of the divine presence. Participants were encouraged to remain in this state until the final gathering.
Session 3: Fourfold Transformation
The concluding session started with sharing of experiences by the participants and Dr. Yogesh called out two potential pitfalls for practitioners: feeling undeserving of Divine Grace and misidentifying every internal impulse as psychic in origin. He introduced a four-stage process for the transformation of consciousness, derived from the Mother's teachings for those dedicated to spiritual practice:
- “To turn towards Thee”: Redirecting the mind, the vital, and the entire being toward the Divine so that nothing remains personal or hidden.
- “Unite with Thee”: Dissolving into Her consciousness until no distinction exists between the self and the Divine.
- “Live in Thee”: Recognizing that the entire universe is the Divine and that we exist within that sacred reality.
- Live “For Thee”: Realising that the Divine is the sole purpose of existence, giving life its only true value.
The program continued with a profound meditation focusing on the psychic's internal divinity and the Supramental Sun and sharing of experiences. As the workshop drew to a close, a palpable sense of gratefulness and devotion toward the Mother filled the room, and the session was concluded with a call to pursue the fourfold shift in consciousness. A participant encapsulated the collective sentiment of the group with these resonant verses from Savitri:
"Her inward help unbarred a gate in Heaven;
Love in her was wider than the universe,
The whole world could take refuge in her single heart."
Feedback:
“I never imagined that it is easily possible to operate from psychic consciousness, I now know that it is very much possible but needs careful observation and practice.”
“Amazing experience of how to operate from psychic consciousness.”
“I felt the presence of Sri Aurobindo ...A deep sense of calm set in ... On the first day I was a mentally agitated person. On the third day I carried a deep sense of calm. Thanks to Dr. Yogesh, Mr. James and all the participants Gratitude Maa.”
“Don't be caught up in the surface consciousness.”
