The two-hour online session on Sri Aurobindo’s Integral Yoga, hosted by NAMAH on 2^nd March, 2025 (11 am-1 pm), explored its transformative philosophy and applications, which go beyond liberation to integrate all aspects of life as pathways to the Divine. Unlike traditional spiritual practices that encourage withdrawal, Integral Yoga embraces earthly existence as essential for spiritual evolution.

Led by an inspiring and deeply experienced lifelong practitioner, Gitanjali, the session blended conceptual insights with practical exercises, followed by Q&A, offering participants a direct experience of Integral Yoga’s core principles. The discussion underscored the evolutionary nature of Indian spirituality, illustrating how Sri Aurobindo synthesised diverse yogic paths into a holistic approach aimed at the Divine fulfilment of life on earth rather than retreat from it. Key insights that emerged from the session include:

• Integral Yoga as Transformation: More than personal liberation, Integral Yoga seeks the divinisation of all aspects of life, integrating material existence into spiritual practice to reveal the Divine in every facet of experience.
• Evolution Beyond Nirvana: While many traditions view Nirvana as the final goal, Sri Aurobindo sees it as a stepping-stone, urging seekers to engage with the world and work toward divinising life itself.
• Synthesis of Paths: Integral Yoga unites diverse traditions, such as Vedanta and Tantra, asserting that both material and spiritual realms are essential for complete realisation. This synthesis integrates knowledge, will, and action into a holistic framework.
• Primacy of Psychic Awakening: Awakening the Psychic Being is fundamental to spiritual progress. Cultivating this inner presence brings clarity, purpose and individuality, while guiding the aspirant toward universal consciousness.
• Collective Evolution: Unlike paths centred on individual liberation, Integral Yoga emphasises collective spiritual growth, fostering a shared ascent toward higher consciousness through collaboration and mutual support.
• Spirituality in Action: Integral Yoga advocates for lived spirituality — infusing daily life with sacred intent, dissolving the boundary between practice and existence, and fostering continuous engagement with the Divine.
• Essential Readings

• Supramental Consciousness: Since its descent on February 29, 1956, facilitated by Sri Aurobindo, the Supramental Consciousness has been ever-present, awaiting our inner attunement. The acceleration of human potential —record-breaking feats at Olympics, easier Everest ascents, and exponential technological progress — reflect its transformative impact. Awakened matter is driving rapid advancements, including instant global connectivity.

The participants were encouraged to embrace Integral Yoga as a living practice, woven into daily life. Sri Aurobindo’s teachings continue to inspire a deeper quest for purpose and the Divine within and around us. By adopting this integral approach, we can each contribute to a collective awakening that honours India’s spiritual heritage while shaping a transformative future.

Feedback

“The workshop from Gitanjali was very inspiring.”

“Very well researched.”

“Participative, interactive and illumined.”

“NAMAH and Gitanjali Madam have been doing a wonderful job in bringing up Sri Aurobindo's philosophy to the masses.”

[Did the session bring you closer to the Mother and Sr Aurobindo?]

“Yes. There are various second-hand resources to understand the work of Sri Aurobindo and I agree with Gitanjali madam that reading from the primary source is the best way of evolving.”

[Did the session give a clear insight and understanding of Sri Aurobindo’s teachings?]

“Yes. I keep wondering why there is so much reluctance and resistance to accepting Shri Aurobindo's philosophy by traditional spiritual seekers.”