Educating and Uplifting the Vital Nature: Part 2 Concepts and Principles of Action

Gaining the cooperation of the vital nature is an important step in the transformation of our existence, including the upliftment of the physical nature. Once we have begun the process of observation of the vital nature, its habits and its predilections, we can begin to implement various methodologies and techniques to reshape and redirect its energies. In order to do this effectively, however, we must appreciate certain principles and concepts that govern the process, whichever specific techniques we attempt.

The vital nature will naturally respond to leadership that is built on trust, respect and a consistent, disciplined approach. It will remember if it is allowed to go one way one day, and another way another day, and it will then follow its own inclination, expecting to get a result consistent with what it has itself observed in the process. The vital nature responds most effectively to a positive approach of education rather than a negative approach of punishment. A cheerful, supportive encouragement is far superior to an approach based in instilling fear or utilizing pressure to suppress or outright deny the expression of the vital. And conversely, one should not take an attitude of fear in relating to the vital nature and its reactions. Love and joy are more effective over the long-term than an approach focused on denial and suffering. The process should be progressive, taking into account the starting point of the individual nature and working towards whatever next step or stage is possible. Patience should be exercised, to allow for the time needed for the vital to adapt and adjust. Education should be focused on adjusting the vital nature’s aspirations and goals, away from its habitual mode of fulfillment and satisfaction to a new, higher, purer and more refined intention in its expression. The aim is to inspire the vital nature. Gratitude and goodwill should be inculcated as part of a natural relationship between the higher elements of the being and the vital nature. Mutual respect and support should be the prevalent relationship.

These principles form the basis for a systematic, progressive, and uplifting development of the vital nature, and underpin any of the techniques that may be utilized from time to time as the seeker confronts another element in the complexity of the vital and its habitual ways of responding to situations. The result of gaining the constant, and powerful support of the vital nature in the transformation process is worth the effort.

The Mother notes: “Naturally it is very difficult to establish a constant contact between the most external physical consciousness and the psychic consciousness, and oh! the physical consciousness has plenty of goodwill; it is very regular, it tries a great deal, but it is slow and heavy, it takes long, it is difficult to move it. It does not get tired, but it makes no effort; it goes its way, quietly. It can take centuries to put the external consciousness in contact with the psychic. But for some reason or other the vital takes a hand in it. A passion seizes it. It wants this contact (for some reason or other, which is not always a spiritual reason), but it wants this contact. It wants it with all its energy, all its strength, all its passion, all its fervour: in three months the thing is done.”

Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, Powers Within, Chapter XVII The Vital, pg. 135