The Path Is Fulfilled Through the Cultivation of Inward and Outward Peace

It is a frequent occurrence. Someone takes up the spiritual path and tries to follow the dictates set forth in that path, down to the smallest detail. They treat goals and aspiration as a type of ‘rule-book’ that needs to be followed. If, as is to be expected, they do not succeed in each such detail, they can get into a cycle of self-criticism. In some cases, this simply breeds an obsessive state of mind and an emotional reaction, but in others it can actually lead them to take up acts of violence against themselves in the form of various sorts of self-inflicted corporal punishments.

While it is a good thing that they are observing and paying attention to the little habits that generally go unnoticed, and they are intent on changing them in a positive direction, they seem to be going about things in a manner which is seriously counter-productive.

First, this obsessive focus implies that there is intense concentration on the exte
al nature instead of a shift of the focus to the Divine. Second, the methods employed do not actually tend to control these behaviours over the long-term; rather, they suppress the energy they are trying to control which actually can increase their power similar to the way that compressing a spring stores enormous energy that eventually gets released in a more intense manner. Third, the mind and the vital tend to be disturbed and lose the sense of peace and serenity that are actually the basis for opening up the receptivity of the being to the higher forces.

If the seeker can develop peace, and undertake to observe and not become fixated on micro-managing the habits of the nature, but simply not get caught up in them, the power of the forces that need to be adjusted or changed will actually diminish over time with patience and perseverance in the method. The secret is not to let these habits disturb, while simultaneously not providing them any sanction from the mind, vital or physical being.

The Mother adds additional insight about the actual lack of central importance these exte
al circumstances, events or habits have in the spiritual path. The basis is peace, the path is peace and the result is due to the receptivity and shift of focus that can only come when we reduce the importance of and focus on these exte
al things, including those that take place within one’s own ‘province’ of being so to speak.

The Mother notes: “This morning as I was glancing over the month that is beginning and wondering how I could serve Thee better, I heard the small voice within like a murmur in the silence, and this what it said to me: ‘See how very little all outer circumstances matter. Why strive and strain so to realise they own conception of Truth? Be more supple, more trusting. The only duty is not to let oneself be troubled by anything. To torment oneself about doing the right thing causes as much harm as a bad will. Only in a calm as of deep waters can be found the possibility of True Service.’ “

“And this reply was so luminous and pure, it carried within itself such a striking reality, that the state it described was communicated without any difficulty. It seemed to me I was floating in the calm of deep waters; I understood; I saw clearly what the best attitude would be; and now I have only to ask Thee, O Sublime Master, my Supreme Teacher, to give me the strength and clear-sightedness I need to remain constantly in this state.”

“Do not torment thyself, child. Silence, peace, peace.”

Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, Looking from Within, Chapter 1, Looking at Life and Circumstances, pg.31