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Aurobindo's Integral Yoga is a comprehensive spiritual practice that aims to integrate all aspects of an individual's being - physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual - in order to achieve a state of complete transformation and unity with the divine. It is based on the belief that human beings are not just physical beings, but also have a spiritual essence that is constantly evolving towards higher levels of consciousness.
The foundation of Integral Yoga lies in the ancient Indian philosophy of Vedanta, which emphasizes the oneness of all existence and the potential of every individual to attain spiritual enlightenment. Aurobindo, a spiritual teacher and philosopher from India, combined this philosophy with his own insights and experiences to create a unique path of spiritual evolution.
Integral Yoga is a synthesis of Eastern spirituality and evolution, as it incorporates elements from various spiritual traditions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and Yoga. Aurobindo believed that all these paths lead to the same ultimate goal of spiritual realization, and thus, he integrated them into a single practice.
The practice of Integral Yoga involves three main components - self-awareness, self-transformation, and self-surrender. Self-awareness involves the process of understanding one's own thoughts, emotions, and actions in order to gain control over them. Self-transformation is the process of purifying and elevating one's consciousness through various spiritual practices such as meditation, mantra chanting, and selfless service. Self-surrender is the final stage where the individual completely surrenders their ego and will to the divine, allowing for a complete union with the divine consciousness.
Integral Yoga also emphasizes the importance of living a balanced and harmonious life, both internally and externally. Aurobindo believed that the transformation of the individual must also lead to the transformation of society and the world. Thus, the practice of Integral Yoga also involves working towards creating a more peaceful, just, and harmonious world.
One of the key principles of Integral Yoga is the concept of "purna" or wholeness. Aurobindo believed that true spiritual realization can only be achieved when all aspects of an individual's being are in harmony and aligned with the divine. This includes the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual dimensions.
In conclusion, Aurobindo's Integral Yoga is a holistic and integrative approach to spiritual evolution that aims to unite the individual with the divine and bring about a positive transformation in both the individual and the world. It offers a practical and comprehensive path for individuals seeking a deeper understanding of themselves and their place in the universe.