SAIEN

When we consider the ‘awakening of the Kundalini Shakti’ at the base of the spine, we frequently imagine some kind of dramatic experience, some palpable energy, some noticeable force operating and moving up through the experiential body. And in some cases, this actually does occur this way. For the most part, however, the awakening of the Yoga-Force is more subtle. As a chakra 'opens' it becomes receptive to energies that vibrate at the frequency that it is able to receive, similar to a radio receiver tuned to a specific channel. In some cases, the development of the energies occurs quite naturally as a process of maturation of the being. The individual simply grows into it. In other cases, there is some prod or impetus that touches something deep inside and awakens the individual to a new thought, a new emotion, a new energy, a new way of being. Then there are the dramatic instances where an individual undergoes some kind of intense, life-changing experience, possibly a near d

The other day as I read the following lines from Sri Aurobindo’s  Savitri , I felt such a deep relief. Or was it a release? For though a dress of blind and devious chance Is laid upon the work of all-wise Fate, Our acts interpret an omniscient Force That dwells in the compelling stuff of things, And nothing happens in the cosmic play But at its time and in its foreseen place.  (Book V, Canto I, p. 389) Our acts interpret an omniscient Force… nothing happens in the cosmic play, but at its time and in its foreseen place. To this day I find myself unable to express why that feeling came on so strongly after reading these lines. I had read these lines several times before. But this time the experience was different. Maybe the mind does not know the reason or maybe it does, but does it really matter? What matters is what was experienced, what was felt. Even if such experiences of release are for a few moments, perhaps their value lies in the way they leave their imprint drop by drop on our

Namaskar! I would like to begin with a passage from Sri Aurobindo’s epic poem  Savitri , as I believe that much of Sri Aurobindo’s own work was of this nature – silent, in the background, powerful in its results. “ When darkness deepens strangling the earth’s breast And man’s corporeal mind is the only lamp, As a thief’s in the night shall be the covert tread Of one who steps unseen into his house. … A few shall see what none yet understands; God shall grow up while the wise men talk and sleep; For man shall not know the coming till its hour And belief shall be not till the work is done. ” [1] India was asleep when Sri Aurobindo entered the scene of Indian politics in 1893 – the year of his return to India from a 14-year stay in England. He was 20. His entry was quiet, his action unobserved, for he preferred working behind the scenes and setting events into motion with far-reaching results. This is the primary reason why so little is known, and even less acknowledged, about his invalua

Through the dark night, through the shining day, Through every breath, through every step of the way, Through the blows of defeat; through the exhilaration of victory, Grant me the saviour Grace of constantly feeling thee. When lost and groping through the cosmic play, Let me remember that you are but a word, a name away. Through every trial, through every pang, Humming in every song I ever sang, Flowing silently into every curve and line, Your faithful hand never failed to swoop down and clasp mine. When the glittering outer lights of the world beckon me, Give me the Grace to turn within and instead choose thee. - Anahita Sanjana

With an observant view of close associates, in personal and professional life journey, on the way each one of us lives our lives, and our response pattern to external stimuli and situation, I came to the realization that most of us begin with connecting and then develop a tendency to get “attached”, in case connection in a relationship is sustained over a period of time for a specific cause. Attachment often leads to stress and strained relationships as it binds emotionally. In Human relationships, connection gets converted into attachment at subtle physical or vital level when one of the objects gets converted into subject due to affinity / preferences we develop when connection follows a pattern of repetition. This realisation worked very well with me to have a more objective view of relationships for improved mind body balance. On introspection, it looks that our relationships are akin to an object and subject connected with an energy flowing between the two. As electrical energy fl

This is a fascinating life example of following the principles of silence and surrender in real life. My late mother, Ph.D. in Philosophy, completely leading a family life, cheerful in life, but pursuing integral yoga in spirit. Daily she used to start her day uttering Sri Aurobindo’s mantra “ Om Anandamayi Chaitanyamayi Satyamayi Parame ” 1 and waking me up with the mantra as a blessing. Through her routine household works and activities, her mind used to be at the feet of The Mother and Sri Aurobindo. In a day, she used to devote at least a few minutes in reading their works. She adored silence and always stayed away from high pitched voice, noisy music, quarrels, etc. Though she visited Puducherry and the Ashram only once in her lifetime when I was a child but practiced their principles in life . S he was associated with Kolkata Sri Aurobindo Pathamandir since her college days, where she also had darshan of Champaklal ji, the close disciple of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother.   Being