AN ANALYSIS OF SRI AUROBINDO'S  'THE LIFE DIVINE'   "The Destiny of the Individual" (Book 1 Chapter V)     Summary In this chapter Sri Aurobindo reiterates his pervious remarks on how we can perceive the omnipresent Reality, Brahman by moving from the surface of life to our deeper parts within, culminating in our Soul connection. From there, our Mind rises to its spiritualized heights, enabling us to have a unitarian consciousness that allows us to perceive the omnipresent Reality (which is the unity and integration of the divine Spirit existence in the universe).  (1) Sri Aurobindo then explains that there are three aspects of this omnipresent Reality (Brahman, the Absolute): the transcendent, the universal, and the individual.  (2) Finally, moving to a related subject, Sri Aurobindo tells us that the individual human has three levels of awareness; that which is subconscious to us, that which is conscious to us, and that which is superconcient to us.  (3)   Here are the main points in detail: 1. By Moving to Depths, to Soul, We Develop a Unitarian Consciousness & Perceive the Reality (back) Sri Aurobindo poses the question: how do we develop the integral view of the unity of spirit and matter -- i.e. the vision of Brahman; the perception of the Oneness of all things that provides the foundation through which we can fulfill our human aspiration and spiritual purpose? In particular, he asks how do we rise to the unitarian, truth consciousness to have this Vision of Brahman? He answers by saying that when we move within to the depths of our being and make the Soul connection there, we move out of ego and ignorance, and rise to the unitarian, Supramental view that sees the Reality as the unity and integration of Spirit and Life, of the One and the Many, of the Unmanifest Divine and the Manifest. It is also from that vision of the Reality that we experience the Existence, Conscious-Force, Delight (Sat-Chit-Ananda) -- the very source of all existence -- in our own lives. [Here is the overall process: Move within and Connect to Soul (Psychic Being) > See Things through Higher Vision of Spiritualized Mind > Moves us out of ego and duality  > Perceive Integration of Spirit and Matter (Vision of Brahman) > Brings Spirit into all aspects of life.]   2. There are Three Aspects to the Reality: the Transcendent, the Universal, and the Individual (back) Sri Aurobindo moves on to a related topic and indicates that the Reality has three aspects -- the transcendent, the universal, and the individual. The transcendent is the ultimate reality beyond this universe, out of which all has come, and is Infinite and Divine. The universe on the other hand is a form given to the transcendent serving to fulfill Its purpose. Finally, the individual is the center of the universal consciousness, and he serves there to fulfill the transcendent purpose. [When Man discovers his true Individual self by discovering his Soul and complete the process of personal evolution and transformation, he also supports the fulfillment of the universal purpose, which in turn helps realize the transcendent purpose. Imagine that the Divine has a series of Intentions. (Sri Aurobindo later calls them 'Real Ideas.') Let us say that one is to bring greater harmony amongst its forms, including nations. his is the transcendent purpose that expresses in the universal existence. Now I connect to my deepest being, my evolving soul, and come to have a deep bond with others. As a result, I enable a greater harmony between forms, e.g. between my department and another's; or my district and another, creating, greater harmony and collaboration. In that way, by connecting with my True Self, my Individual being, I help fulfill a Transcendent purpose in the Universal scheme of things.] (Also see article below: 'Aligning Ourselves with the Cosmic Intention')   3. There are Three Levels of Awareness for the Individual: Subconscious, Conscious, Superconscious (back) Sri Aurobindo tells us that there are three levels of awareness for the individual: that which is subconscious to us, i.e. below the surface of our normal awareness; that which we are conscious of, i.e. that which we can perceive; and that which is superconscient to us, i.e. a higher, universal consciousness beyond our current level of awareness. [In later chapters, Sri Aurobindo will tell us that in the subconscious there is a subliminal being, also called the universal mental consciousness, which is in touch with the superconcient, a universal and transcendent realm that is a vastly higher nature. To make that subliminal conscious would be one objective of individual progress, evolution, and transformation. We do that by opening to the superconscient. Deeper still  is the psychic being; the personal evolving soul, from which we realize our unity with all things, and experience ultimate delight of being. Moving to the psychic is the first of three stages that enable our ultimate transformation. Here is a diagram of the inner, outer, and super consciousness.]   The Inner, Outer and Super Consciousness The Inner Consciousness (The depths within) The Outer Consciousness (Our surface existence) Superconscient The Inconscient (Core foundation of unconsciousness) The Subconscient (Subconscious) The Subliminal -Inner Physical -Inner Vital -Inner Mental The Psychic Being (The Personal Evolving Soul)   -Outer Physical -Outer Vital -Outer Mental -Where humans normally function from. The universal and transcendent realms -which we can connect to and evolve our inner & outer conscousness ----------------   FURTHER COMMENTARY:   Essay: Aligning Ourselves with the Cosmic Intention At any moment, there is a higher, Divine intention at work. It is flowing from that transcendent reality to the universal plane and on through us at the individual level. It flows in endless forms, factors, and variations. It has the potential to realize itself through our inner and outer actions, provided we are aware of and open to it. The problem is that we are normally focused on what our limited self and ego dictates, than any urge to fulfill the higher intent of an Infinite consciousness. However, if we align with that cosmic aspiration, force, and unfolding, we can bring staggering positive result to the world, while accomplishing in ways we would never have imagined. The Bhagavad Gita indicates that a person interested in a spirit-oriented existence should do one's work as service, not to aggrandize one's ego and exclusively for personal gain. At a deeper level still, Krishna indicates that one can surrender and become an instrument for the Divine intent. Sri Aurobindo goes further still and describes the nature of that cosmic aspiration. He indicates that there are Real Ideas originating in and flowing from an infinite, conscious Being, which aspires for their realization in the cosmos. Moreover, the individual human has the capacity at any moment to open to and latch onto these inner and outer movements, and be an instrument for their realization in life. How then can we partake in this cosmic process in a practical way? At various point, we can pause to consider where we are going, and ask ourselves this question: Are we doing what the universe seems to be indicating for us, or are we caught up in selfish motives and desires. If we know what that Higher Purpose is, then we are well on our way to becoming an instruments of Its cosmic Intent, while living an unprecedented, marvelous, spirit-oriented practical existence. If we don’t have that direct connection, we can offer up a powerful prayer such as, “Oh Divine spirit, let Your will be done in my life.” Then when we carry out our work, that higher power will guide us in the right direction each step of the way. Whichever approach you take, life will unfold like a Marvel. As a result, not only will you be able to fulfill your deepest aspirations, not only will you constantly grow as a person, not only will you be an instrument for evolutionary change, but you will have brought a portion of the Transcendent Will into being in the world. (from 'A New Way of Living' by Roy Posner)   Show this page in The Life Divine Analysis frame