Letters to a Young Disciple

A series of letters with Sri Aurobindo’s guidance to Nagin Doshi, written in 1933-1937, when he was in his late teens.

A series of letters with Sri Aurobindo’s guidance to Nagin Doshi, written in 1933-1937, when he was in his late teens.

Letters with Sri Aurobindo’s guidance to Nagin Doshi, written in 1933-1937, when he was in his late teens.

Letters with Sri Aurobindo’s guidance to Nagin Doshi, written in 1933-1937, when he was in his late teens.

What is the proper function of the intellect? Is it helpful in Sadhana? Before the psychic being takes hold of the Adhar, which part governs our mind, vital and physical? I feel that it is time I became aware of Her presence during intellectual activity also. How to start doing it?

A lack of strength or power in my consciousness to react against the movements of the ordinary nature. What is the matter with me? Why did my consciousness relax the mental control?

To remain concentrated during a talk is very difficult.

That is very usual. It is only when the consciousness is very strongly established that it remains while talking.

"It is often better to wait for experience and then ask, because to form mental notions beforehand does not help, it becomes an obstacle to getting the real thing — you either remain with the idea only or you get something limited by the idea you have formed, not the force and full action of the power."

Why is there no place for even good desires in the spiritual life?

If there are good desires, bad desires will come also. There is a place for will and aspiration, not for desire. If there is desire, there will be attachment, demand, craving, want of equanimity, sorrow at not getting, all that is unyogic.