Sadhana in the Path of Integral Yoga

With its focus on transformation of body, life and mind through the descent, development and expression of the next term in the evolution of consciousness, the integral yoga sets a different aim than other paths of yoga, which tend to focus on individual liberation, salvation or transcendence.

As a result, the sadhana, the practice of the integral yoga takes on a different form than other paths of yoga. The emphasis is not to immediately gather any kind of spiritual experiences or powers, nor is it to gain the mastery of the body through the practice of Hatha Yoga, nor pursue the rising of the serpent power coiled at the base of the spine, or opening of the varoius chakras and experiencing the states of consciousness that come with the opening of each of these chakras. Rather, the emphasis is on creating the appropriate foundation for the later steps to take place securely, which implies tackling the inability of the mind and the vital nature to attain calm and peace and to build that power to hold whatever forces manifest thereafter without spilling them. Sri Aurobindo describes the unique nature of the sadhana as follows:

Sri Aurobindo observes: “Remember first that an inner quietude, caused by the purification of the restless mind and vital, is the first condition of a secure sadhana. Remember next, that to feel the Mother’s presence while in external action is already a great step and one that cannot be attained without a considerable inner progress. Probably, what you feel you need so much but cannot define is a constant and vivid sense of the Mother’s force working in you, descending from above and taking possession of the different planes of your being. That is often a prior condition for the twofold movement of ascent and descent; it will surely come in time. These things can take a long time to begin visibly, especially when the mind is accustomed to be very active and has not the habit of mental silence. When that veiling activity is there, much work has to be carried on behind the mobile screen of the mind and the sadhak thinks nothing is happening when really much preparation is being done. If you want a more swift and visible progress, it can only be by bringing your psychic to the front through a constant self-offering. Aspire intensely, but without impatience.”

Sri Aurobindo, Bases of Yoga, Chapter 1, Calm — Peace — Equality, pp. 17-18