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ARTArticlePsychic Self-DefenseThe true test of spiritual equanimity and balance is how one responds to adverse circumstances. It is relatively easy to be calm and peaceful when there is no exte
al pressure and one is surrounded by a quiet and nourishing environment. It is quite another to remain focused, balanced and equal on the “battlefield”. Sri Krishna provided his guidance to Arjuna in the middle of the battlefield of Kurukshetra, as a great war was about to come to its climax in a battle that would pit cousins against cousins and force the protagonists to take up arms against beloved elders and respected teachers.ARTArticlePsychoanalysis and Yoga Do Not MixWhatever an individual focuses on takes on a large, central position and other aspects shift into the background. This is the secret not only of concentration of effort, but also on an understanding of the issues surrounding practices such as psychoanalysis in relation to a practitioner of yoga. Whatever is focused on gains in strength, in intensity and in longevity. Thus, if one focuses on the subconscient layer of urges, desires, unfulfilled vital impulses, suppressed energies, these rise up and take possession of the thoughts, emotions and vital activities.ARTArticlePsychoanalysis and Yoga Don’t MixWithout the power to control and purify, an individual faces great risk in dredging up all kinds of subconscious energies, fears, experiences, dreams and desires. Psychoanalysis focuses on tapping into this subconscious level, but it does not start with any process to arm the individual with the necessary insight, and tools, to manage what comes up. Thus, it tends to create great confusion, in some cases leading to years of ongoing ‘therapy’ without any positive result.ARTArticlePurification of the Energies of the Second ChakraARTArticleRahu in 1st house and Ketu in 7th houseevery combination has both good and bad effects. Do not jump to conclusions by just seeing one combination in a chart. While it is true that Rahu in Lagna may give health problems at your young age (especially before the age of 9), and Ketu in the 7th can give troubles related to marriage and relationships, it is just not enough to jump to conclusions. If the Lagna lord is strong enough, and/or Jupiter aspects Rahu (should not conjoi
Rahu as its beneficence will get destroyed), most of the health problems will not manifest and may get cured very easily.ARTArticleRahu in 1st house AstrologyRahu in the 1st house gives good results and if placed in good Rasi, Rahu gives wealth unexpectedly. The native may be short-tempered but with sharp intelligence. The native will achieve a higher position in the profession through his own efforts. The natives witness some obstacles during early life. The first house also indicates health. If afflicted, it creates diseases related to the upper part of the body. The native being dominant nature may face problems in a married lie.rARTArticleReading and the Concentration and Dispersion of Conscious AwarenessAs we become aware of the states of conscious awareness within our being, it becomes clear that there are times when the consciousness is highly concentrated, intensely focused, and other times when it is dispersed and wandering seemingly aimlessly. Our activities, including reading, are indicative of these states, and help to create these states. We understand the concept that ‘you are what you eat’ on a physical level, but do we recognise that the food of the mind is the sensory input and ideas that we ingest?ARTArticleReading as a Spiritual Practice and Its LimitationsWhile Sri Aurobindo created an enormous body of written materials regarding the integral yoga, the development of the next phase of consciousness growth in the earth-evolution, he also clearly recognized that there are limits to how much reading can aid the spiritual seeker.ARTArticleReading, Mental Development and Spiritual GrowthThere is a general bias in our society that holds that someone who has a developed mentality, and who is ‘well-read’ is smarter or more intelligent than those who cannot read or who have limited reading capacity. Yet it must be recognised that intelligence cannot be measured, as is done in the West, on tests that validate reading skills and memorization of ‘facts’. Intelligence is actually a measure of how well an individual actually understands what the ‘facts’ mean and has the ability to go behind the surface meanings to get at the real root significance.ARTArticleRebirth and the IndividualHow do we imagine our past, or future, existences? What about past life regression therapy? Is there a reality to the experience and if so, what does it mean to us? Many who believe in a future reinca
ation have no conception of any past lifetime at all. They accept the reality of their current existence, and believe that at some future ‘day of judgment’ they will be reborn and joined once more with their family and loved ones. In this view of the world, they see their future existence as one in which they enjoy the prime of life, not burdened by disease, old age, or death.ARTArticleRecuperating Energy Through Contact with NatureMuch of modern-day life is centered around urban living. Most urban dwellers have little, if any, exposure to Nature on a consistent basis. They also tend to feel stressed, drained and exhausted by the lives they lead. When they head out to a natural area, they frequently feel a release of stress and an influx of new, invigorating, healing energy within a sense of peace and well-being.ARTArticleRejection of the Sex Impulse and Mastery of Its ForceMany religious traditions and cultures have placed sex in a ‘taboo’ category for discussion or consideration. Sex is considered by many to be something sinful, immoral and only to be conducted within the confines of a lawfully sanctioned marriage and under guidelines for procreation not ‘enjoyment’. This means that most have been acculturated to regard sex something illicit and prurient, and this warps the response to the sexual energy when it arises, as the individual tries to keep it hidden, secretive and largely unexamined.ARTArticleRelationship Among Sadhaks in an Ashram CommunityThe history of spiritual and religious communities has witnessed numerous approaches to interpersonal relationships. For the most part, monasteries, cloisters or ashrams have tried to focus the attention of their members by maintaining strict rules, in many cases including vows of silence, celibacy and prayers. Individuals who were tasked with being ‘in charge’ would frequently enforce these rules through harsh discipline, and the atmosphere would be one of austerity and somewhat frosty (or in some cases even hostile) interpersonal relationships as a result.ARTArticleRelaxation: Dissipation or True Rest?If we examine our attitude towards relaxation, we find, generally, that people look at relaxation as a type of reward for efforts made. They work hard all day, or all week, or they finish a major project they are focused on, and then it is time to “relax”. In the West, there is an institution known as “happy hour” where people finish the day’s work and go to relax by imbibing alcohol and spending time with friends and co-workers distracting their minds from the activities of the day.ARTArticleReligion, Fanaticism and Divine TruthAdherents of virtually all religious traditions want to believe that their own religion is the one “true” religion, and all others are false, mistaken or imperfect. This belief reinforces their own faith and thus, enhances the satisfaction of the vital ego. In some cases, however, this belief goes far beyond an inner feeling and becomes an outer expression of fanatic belief that tries to enforce the position of the religion against that of everyone who is not a believe
in that particular creed.ARTArticleRemembering One’s Dreams Upon WakingWestern psychology has been fixated on dreams and dream interpretation since the dream interpretation work of Sigmund Freud. C. G. Jung took the review of dreams deeper by exploring what he called the ‘collective unconscious’ and the archetypes and symbols that arise widely in dreams. Dreams have always had an outsized importance for people, and ancient cultures had shaman priests who were adept at interpreting dreams. Shakespeare attributed significance to dreams and used them as a way to move the story he was telling forward.ARTArticleResting the Body with the Right ConsciousnessThe machinery of the physical body has its own basic requirements for rest in order to function optimally. When one goes beyond the body’s capacity for effort at any point in time, and thereby becomes fatigued, a state of tamas tends to arise. This is inimical to maintaining the continuity of the yogic focus. There are however states of rest whereby the body can be refreshed and energized without the fall into a tamasic torpor or indolent state.ARTArticleSadhana Is the Core Focus — Mental and Emotional Practices Are SecondarySri Aurobindo makes a clear distinction between development of the mind and the heart through various intellectual or artistic pursuits, or through music or devotional activities, and the practice of Sadhana, which is the primary need and focus for the spiritual aspirant. While any of these activities may be supportive and act as aids at various stages of the sadhana, it is essential to not lose track of the objective and to keep that fixed in front of one as one undertakes to practice any exte
al forms of development or worship.ARTArticleSafely Transitioning Between the Exte
al Physical Consciousness and the Mental, Vital and Subtle Physical Realms of Inner ExperienceWhenever an individual enters into a new situation or circumstance, there is a period of disorientation, which may involve misinterpretation of what is being experienced, as well as failure to understand the rules, laws or protocols that may apply in that new situation. In society this may lead to difficulties and in some cases, a complete failure to relate or even entering into various legal difficulties due to differing laws or customs. An example is the difference between those used to English or American law versus French or Italian law.ARTArticleSatu
and Bad Marriage AstrologyIf you were born with Satu
in Libra, then you may be clarified and academic; you may be a normal negotiator and have a great feeling of tact. You are communal fairly than active and can operate nicely with others. In maximum cases, you are not extremely personal. When a judgment needs to be formulated, you evaluate the adepts and frauds carefully. Your enormous skills include stamina, flexibility, and forbearance.ARTArticleScientific Studies on The Power of GratitudeAlthough we accept the theory of personal fate, we also believe that everyone has the power to make the most of his or her life within the limits of predetermination.
As we outline in the Mystic’s Magic Formula, one of the best ways to optimize life’s rewards and mitigate life’s challenges is through the power of gratitude.ARTArticleSelf-Consciousness of the Ego-Personality Is Not the Same as Observing from the Witness ConsciousnessThere is a phenomenon that is called “entering the zone”. This is a state of consciousness where one essentially acts without the involvement of the ego and identifies with the action one is undertaking. Amazing results or performances come about through entry into the “zone”. There is a one-pointed concentration on the focused action or event. If one becomes self-conscious, this status dissolves and the individual falls back into their ordinary level of ability, with all its limitations, obstacles and difficulties.ARTArticleSeparate Consciousness in the Mind, the Vital Being and the BodyDuring the Olympic games in the summer of 2021, we were able to hear about the separate consciousness of the various parts of the being. One of the premier gymnasts in the world withdrew from events by saying that she had lost, at least temporarily, the body consciousness that basically oriented her to where she was in her routine, and thus, was putting her well-being into danger with the complex gymnastic routines she normally performed. This is an illustration of the understanding of human consciousness as described by Sri Aurobindo.ARTArticleSix Recommendations for Speech and Social RelationshipsSpeech not only can affect one’s own energy, but it can also affect one’s relationship with others and the dynamics of a social relationship and a community. For the most part, people tend to speak whatever comes to them without a great deal (if any) reflection. This practice however can have grave and negative consequences in interpersonal relationships and for any society. The loss of civility, an increase in anger and hatred, polarization are all symptoms of speech that has gone far beyond the bounds within which it acts as a positive influence.ARTArticleSleep and the Practice of Integral YogaReligious devotees and spiritual aspirants throughout the world have tried to experience a divine revelation through various extreme practices that put the body under severe stress. One of these practices has been extreme fasting, and another, the attempt to overcome the power of sleep and carry out long vigils and prayers ove
ight. There is no doubt that in extremis the consciousness can shift out of the normal frame and may open to experiences that are not part of the normal daily outward-facing consciousness.ARTArticleSleep Paralysis: Cause, Meaning and Spiritual ConnectionHow Do We Define Sleep Paralysis?ARTArticleSleep, Rest and ConsciousnessWestern scientists describe the various stages of sleep. Yet they are looking at sleep from outside and do not know how to correlate the stages with the movement of consciousness during sleep. They recite facts based on observation and brain wave activity and pronounce that one is experiencing waking, transition to sleep, REM sleep in the dream state, or deep sleep. We must ask, however, what is the status of consciousness during sleep. Where does the awraeness go? What is it that sleeps and what is the purpose of sleep?ARTArticleSoul-Mates, Marriage and the Integral YogaThe soul-mate, the individual who is intended to match your soul in this lifetime, the perfect partner, the person who helps one make life work. People are always seeking for just the perfect match, and there are any number of romantic notions about how this occurs in life. People then say that there is always just that one special person who is intended to fulfill one’s life and one needs only to be receptive and the meeting will take place.ARTArticleSpeak Truth, Not FalsehoodTruth. This term is subjected to considerable interpretation in today’s world. Some say that there is no such thing as ‘truth’ and that ‘truth is relative’. Some hold that what one person understands as ‘truth’, seen from a different perspective, is falsehood. Some indicate that ‘today’s truth becomes tomorrow’s falsehood’ as we gain a new understanding of things. Determining what is meant by truth, and how to adhere to truth, therefore, takes a certain amount of insight and discrimination.ARTArticleSpeaking About One’s Spiritual ExperiencesAn individual has a peak spiritual experience, or something unusual takes place in his inner life about which he has no prior knowledge or understanding. This creates an impulse to speak of the experience to other people. There can be a number of motivations for talking about an inner experience with others. In some cases, there is a genuine confusion and an attempt to understand ‘what happened?’ . In other cases, the vital ego latches onto the experience and uses it to try to increase one’s status and recognition, making it seem like the individual is advanced in spirituality.