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What are the main beliefs and practices associated with Aurobindo's teachings?

Burnell Marmon

Aurobindo’s teachings are based on the belief that human beings have the potential to transform themselves and the world around them. He believed that this transformation could be achieved through the attainment of a higher consciousness, which he called the "Integral Yoga."

The Integral Yoga was a path towards the realization of the divine within oneself and the world, which involved the integration of all aspects of the human being, including the physical, emotional and mental aspects. Aurobindo’s teachings stressed that this path could not be achieved through mere intellectual understanding, but required a complete surrender of oneself to the divine will.

In order to practice the Integral Yoga, Aurobindo recommended a combination of techniques including meditation, pranayama, and self-reflection. He believed that meditation was the key to unlocking the spiritual potential within oneself, and that the practice of pranayama could help to purify the mind and body. Self-reflection, or self-observation, was seen as an integral part of this process, as it allowed the individual to become aware of their subconscious desires and motives, which could then be transformed through the power of the divine will.

Aurobindo’s teachings also emphasized the importance of spiritual living, which involved the pursuit of a simple and austere lifestyle. He believed that the material world was a distraction from one’s spiritual path and that it was necessary to give up worldly desires in order to focus on the divine. This included giving up material possessions, living a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle, and distancing oneself from materialistic pleasures.

Another important aspect of Aurobindo’s teachings was the belief in reincarnation and karma. He taught that individual souls were reborn into different bodies and that the actions and choices made in one life would impact the next. This concept of karma was linked to the belief in spiritual evolution, as individuals were given the opportunity to learn and grow from their experiences in each lifetime.

In conclusion, Aurobindo’s teachings emphasized the importance of spiritual transformation and the integration of all aspects of the human being. The path towards this transformation involved the practice of the Integral Yoga, which included techniques such as meditation, pranayama, and self-reflection, as well as a commitment to spiritual living. The belief in reincarnation and karma also played an integral role in Aurobindo’s teachings, as individuals were encouraged to learn and grow from their experiences in each lifetime.