The Process for Gaining Equality in the Face of Outer Circumstances

The question of how to achieve the status of inner equality to all outward circumstances is one that occupies the attention of spiritual seekers everywhere. In his book Bases of Yoga, Sri Aurobindo devotes the first chapter to the questions of achieving calm, peace and equality, as these are foundational for spiritual development. Some individuals try to establish a philosophical approach based in the mind. They become analytical about situations and work to defuse vital reactions that arise through applying a deeper insight to the situation. Others try a devotional approach that is based on an acceptance of the Divine as doing what is right and necessary in the life of the seeker. Still others try an approach of stoicism that seeks to employ the active will to manage the vital reactions.

Sri Aurobindo recommends in various places an approach of separation of the witness consciousness from the exte
al nature. The witness calmly observes as if anything happening to and with the outer nature is something separate and apart from the standpoint of the witness.

Techniques of Raja Yoga as described by swami Vivekananda include an approach of observing thoughts and sensations as they arise in the mind and not purposely attending to them. This is akin to the approach of the witness consciousness.

If the seeker is able to shift the standpoint to the psychic being, the aspiration, consecration and devotion that it has as its normal form of expression help to mitigate reactions based in the ego-personality.

Whichever approach one takes, with regular practice, the seeker eventually is able to find a way to reduce the influence of these exte
al impacts.

The Mother notes: “To live within, in constant aspiration towards the Divine — that renders us capable of regarding life with a smile and remaining in peace whatever the exte
al circumstances.”

“Live within, do not be shaken by exte
al circumstances.”

“He who lives to serve the Truth is not affected by outward circumstances.”

Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, Looking from Within, Chapter 1, Looking at Life and Circumstances, pg. 29