SAIEN

For any sadhak to progress on the path of Integral Yoga it is advisable not to allow outward events to disturb or allow them to be the cause of unpleasantness. Any external chaotic intrusion unnecessarily disrupts the vital, the mental and the consciousness. "Live in the inner consciousness which can remain in   its own calm and light whatever happens outside." 1 According to Sri Aurobindo just as there is musical harmony which arises out of discordant notes, so is this Universe (the physical material world) full of disharmony in its separate elements, individual parts. Sri Aurobindo explains: "…the individual elements are at discord with each other to a large extent,—it is only owing to a sustain ing divine Will behind that the whole is still a harmony to those who look at it with the cosmic vision. But it is a harmony in evolution, in progress—that is, all is combined to strive towards a goal which is not yet reached, and the object of our Yoga is to hasten the arrival...

Some years ago, my husband and I spent about 6 weeks getting several long-overdue renovation and repair projects completed around our home. The projects involved all sorts of works including masonry, carpentry, plumbing, electrical, and some basic landscape designing. These projects happened one after another and sometimes simultaneously for about 6 weeks, which meant that we were sharing our home for at least 8 to 10 hours every day with a group of 4 to 5 workers! This extended duration of being in a somewhat chaotic living space was a learning experience in its own way. Let me share some of the lessons I learned along the way. Lesson # 1 First lesson is the most obvious. It is actually more of an important reminder, which came in a very concrete way, literally.  That is — all new construction is preceded by destruction. Unless we are ready to destroy that which is no longer serving us, which is actually hindering our path, working as a roadblock and preventing us from being and p...

A soft silver sheen adorned the deity’s face, As the devotee’s love-drenched gaze, Unflinching sought it through the intervening haze, The smiling heavens heralded, the precious moment had come, Sparkling eyes wearing love’s liquid collyrium,   Seduced living breath into the inert stone form. Breaking through matter’s veil, the rigid norm, Emerged a heaven carved face wreathed with smiles, That washed away memories of heavily trudged miles. The overflowing heart of the devotee   Wistfully sighed “How can there be so much beauty?” Humbly bowing to this precious love,   The deity stepped down from high alcove, Lifting the devotee’s face, a gesture so graceful, Softly she whispered, “It is your eyes that make me beautiful.” - Anahita Sanjana (India)

“ There are two powers that alone can effect in their conjunction the great and difficult thing which is the aim of our endeavour, a fixed and unfailing aspiration that calls from below and a supreme Grace from above that answers.” 1 There is nothing wrong in aspiring for something. We seldom aspire to become great like a good parent, good student, doctor, engineer or a musician. The choice of our aspirations indicates our tastes and capabilities. In order to accomplish our aspirations, we need to break them into micro goals. Goals are much more tangible leading us to achievable targets. For instance, if I want to become a great engineer, I have to do well in science and then clear the required examinations to secure a rank in a premier engineer college in the country. This is the first step. Then I have to clear the Engineering exams and secure a decent grade. Finally, I will have to undertake a great deal of field work to showcase my engineering skills. My approach to work will slowl...