Friday, August 3, 2007

Yoga

Sri Aurobindo has presented us an unique insight about Yoga as noted below;

"Yoga means union with the Divine - a union either transcendental (above the universe) or cosmic (universal0 or individual or, as in our yoga, all three together. Or, it means getting into a conciousness in which one is no longer limited by the small ego, personal mind, personal vital and body but is in union with the supreme Self or with the universal (cosmic0 consciousness or with some deeper consciousness within in which one is aware of one's own soul, one;s own inner being and of the real truth of existence. In the yogic consciousness one is not only aware of things, but of forces, not only of forces, but of the conscious being behind the forces. One is aware of all this not only in oneself but in the universe."

Certainly, it takes time to master yogic practices. But, they are worth the efforts even if your progress may be slow. Slow and steady wins the race, and having yogic lifestyle really requires regular efforts. The end results surely justifies the efforts.


Wednesday, August 1, 2007

How to read?

Shri Aurobindo and the Mother has presented to us their wisdom about reading.

Shri Aurobindo: " ... if, while you read, the mind remains agitated and tries to understand at once what it is reading, you lose more than three-quarters of the force, the knowledge and the truth contained in the words."

The Mother: "I advise always to read a little at a time, keeping the mind as tranquil as one can, without making an effort to understand, but keeping the head as silent as possible, and letting the force contained in what one reads enter deep within. This force received in the calm and the silence will do its work of light and, if needed, will create in the brain the necessary cells for the understanding. Thus, when one re-reads the same thing some months later, one perceives that the thought expressed has become much more clear and close, and even sometimes altogether familiar.

It is preferable to read regularly, a little every day, and at fixed hours if possible; this facilitates the brain-receptivity."