Differences Between Outward Emotional Devotion and Inward Psychic Devotion

If we reflect on our own experience, we can recognise that much of the devotional activity we undertake or observe around us is, to a great degree, 'performance art'. We undertake certain ritual actions prescribed by our community as being appropriate expression of our devotion. There may be a strong element of vanity or self-aggrandisement in these external manifestations of devotion.

Even if the devotion is motivated by a real sense of deeper aspiration or consecration, it may at times take on aspects of being mechanical, a pro forma expression. This tends to occur when, for whatever reason, the Guna of Tamas is in the ascendent. At other times, the vital nature takes over and devotion may be performed for achievement of certain objectives, to request certain recompense or result. This tends to occur when Rajas is dominant at the time. When Sattwa rules, there may be a more calm and focused form of dedication, yet still outward in nature and looking for some payback, or treated as a sense of duty or obligation..

In each case, outward devotion and the emotional force behind it tends to want to make a bargain, comes with expectations of certain results, and very often flags if the vital expectation has not been met after some period of time.

Psychic devotion is of an entirely different character. It is not interested in outward show. It does not ask for a specific result as a form of bargaining. It focuses on the inner aspiration, the sense of consecration to the Divine, a self-giving based in the sense of 'Thy Will, not mine". It carries of sense of peace and serenity regardless of the outer results that come, with a knowledge that the Divine provides exactly the right thing required by the devotee at each moment. It has patience, and it has perseverance. When it influences the external life and being it is doing so to carry out the divine intention and not for a form of personal satisfaction, gain or result.

If it undertakes any outer form of devotion, it is not done as a dry ritual or prescribed routine, but as something that rises up from inside as an offering and an expression of love. It is not done as an attempt to obtain some outward reward or recompense. It is not done as a form of duty or obligation. The psychic devotion simply expresses itself through the outer forms because it can, and because it must.

Sri Aurobindo writes: "The emotional [devotion] is more outward than the psychic -- it tends towards outward expression. The psychic is inwards and gives the direction to the whole inner and outer life. The emotional can be intense, but is neither so sure in its basis nor powerful enough to change the whole direction of the life."

reference: Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, The Psychic Being — Soul: Its Nature, Mission and Evolution, Section 6 More Lights on the Psychic Being, pg. 187