The Soul and Its Relation to the External Being

As we see the emergence of new levels of consciousness in the world, we can easily appreciate that the emergence does not create the same level of activity and intensity in every being. The vital existence expresses itself in some beings with a strong and intense manifestation, while in others it seems to languish and barely carry out life-activity beyond basic subsistence levels. The mental existence, similarly, is very active and developed in some individuals, while relatively inactive or undeveloped in others.

It is thus similar when the psychic being begins to come forward. In some individuals it is hidden deep within the being, attempting to exert an influence, where feasible and possible, to help guide the external life. In other individuals it is quite passive, allowing the external being take full control of the external nature, content to observe and await its time. In such cases, the individual looks to others, the society at large, his religion and his affinities for guidance about the direction of his life.

An individual who eventually took up the practice of yoga, recounted his own experience. As a child and youth he had virtually no overt spiritual leanings. He studied a wide variety of subjects, including world literature, philosophy, and religion but without a noticeable conviction. He was preparing for a career after completing college studies. At a certain point, after recovering from a near-death experience, he became aware of the spiritual reality of the world and a deeper meaning to his life. He left school and career behind and began intensive personal study of yoga, attempting to practice what he could of it. He eventually became aware of the psychic being that was guiding his steps from behind until he was ready to commit himself voluntarily to the spiritual life.

Sri Aurobindo observes: “Every soul is not evolved and active; nor is every soul turned directly to the Divine before practicing yoga. For a long time it seeks the Divine through men and things much more than directly.”

reference: Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, The Psychic Being — Soul: Its Nature, Mission and Evolution, Section 6 More Lights on the Psychic Being, pg. 176