Integral Yoga, as developed by Sri Aurobindo and The Mother (Mirra Alfassa), is a spiritual philosophy and practice rooted in profound concepts of existence and transformation. At its core lies the idea of involution, a process where the Spirit descends into the "Inconscience" of Matter. This initial plunge is then followed by evolution, a complementary process where the Spirit gradually re-manifests itself through the material world, progressively
revealing its inherent nature. This dual movement forms the fundamental framework for understanding the journey of consciousness within this yogic system.
Involution and Evolution: The Cosmic Dance
The concept of involution describes the Spirit's initial descent into the material realm, reaching a state of "Inconscience." This is not an end but a beginning, setting the stage for the subsequent evolutionary journey. Evolution, in this context, is the Spirit's gradual re-emergence and manifestation through the various levels of existence, from the material to the spiritual. This process is seen as a progressive unfolding, where the divine essence, initially veiled, slowly reveals itself through the forms and experiences of the world. The aim of Integral Yoga is to consciously participate in and accelerate this evolutionary process, leading to a higher state of being.
This philosophical understanding suggests that the material world is not separate from the divine but is rather a stage for its unfolding. The "Inconscience" of Matter is not an absence of Spirit, but a state where it is deeply hidden, awaiting its re-awakening. The entire universe, therefore, is engaged in a grand evolutionary movement driven by the Spirit's inherent urge to manifest itself fully. Integral Yoga provides a pathway for individuals to align with this cosmic movement and contribute to the divinization of earthly life.
The Three Types of Being: Outer, Inner, and Psychic
Sri Aurobindo's Integral Yoga identifies three distinct types of being within each individual: the Outer being, the Inner being, and the Psychic Being. The Outer Being encompasses the physical, vital, and mental aspects that constitute our everyday consciousness and experience. This includes various levels of the subconscient, such as the mental, vital, and physical subconscient, extending down to the material Inconscient. Integral Yoga encourages practitioners to move beyond this surface consciousness to access the deeper layers of their existence.
The Inner Being serves as a transitional bridge between the surface or Outer Being and the Psychic or Inmost Being. Through dedicated yoga practice, known as sadhana, the inner consciousness is opened, shifting one's focus from outward experiences to an inward orientation. As this inner consciousness becomes more real than the outer, it brings about a sense of peace, happiness, and a closer connection to the Divine. This Inner Being, also referred to as the Subliminal, includes the inner realms or aspects of the physical, vital, and mental being, possessing a larger, subtler, and freer consciousness than that of ordinary daily awareness. Its realization is considered crucial for any higher spiritual attainment.
The Psychic Being and Psychic Transformation
The Psychic Being is a central concept in Sri Aurobindo's philosophy, representing the Personal Evolving Soul. It is described as the principle of the Divine spirit present in every individual, the "Innermost Being." This permanent aspect of our being stands behind and supports the physical, vital, and mental principles, using them as its instruments. While undergoing the experiences of these outer layers, the Psychic Being also transcends them, serving as an enduring core of our identity.
In Integral Yoga, the ultimate goal is to move inward and discover this Psychic Being. Once discovered, the Psychic Being can initiate a profound transformation of the outer nature, or ego. This process, known as Psychicisation, is one of the three essential stages required for the realization of the Supramental consciousness. Psychic transformation is considered the decisive movement that enables continuous progress in life, powered by a connection to one's inner spirit or Divine Essence. The Psychic Being begins its evolution completely veiled, but through successive lifetimes, it grows and gradually exerts a greater influence, eventually taking on the role of a spiritual Guide for the individual.
