Sri Aurobindo’s correspondence with Nagin Doshi from 1933-1937.
Food is necessary for the maintenance of the body which is the instrument of the sadhana, so it must be taken in sufficient quantity for that. It is not to satisfy the appetite but for this purpose that you must take sufficient food.
For the eyes you can try boric acid lotion; it should at least take away the pain. You will have to be careful about your eyes. Reading by night (too much) is unadvisable.
It is not a question of overcoming, but of detachment — not being identified with it or seized by it. Detachment is the first step. If you can detach yourself from the sex suggestions even when having them as you say, then they do not matter so much ... [and] can wait for their final removal hereafter.
It is absolutely necessary to get rid of sex interest. But the night dreams will only disappear after the waking mind is perfectly free.
If the external being is too strong for him and its desires increased, then it means his realisation is postponed. But then there is no other choice. For the only other alternative is a life in the Ashram itself which would be soon a public scandal.
Allow no demand of the human vital to rise up — clamour of egoistic revolts — or if one rises see that you or no part of you identifies itself with it.
The loss of mental balance is due to...exaggerated ego, exaggerated sex, acceptance of a hostile force etc.
