Q: Participation in Sri Aurobindo Centres and Study Groups can be challenging, with different degrees of chaos, conflicts and property disputes affecting the work. This can be affecting state of consciousness and disturb personal sadhana. What should we do in such a case? Should we leave that group work and concentrate on personal progress and enjoy some peace, or is there is a way to manage both things?
ALOKDA: Dear A., what I have gathered from Sri Aurobindo and the Mother’s writings is that one can progress much faster through works. It has been my experience too while working at centers in Patiala and Bangalore. Works are challenging since they bring out much in us that remains otherwise hidden. All the silent spots where ego and its cohorts reside are laid bare when we take up the path of works. Besides it makes our nature supple and ready to receive the Divine in the dynamic parts of nature. Of course I am specifically referring here working for the Mother as a center is meant to be engaged in.
It is in fact the fastest means for progress though it is best if we do works and service/sewa rather than with the idea of personal progress. The wish for personal progress itself becomes a hindrance since it brings in the ego elements and the sense of a personal gain in lieu of the work one is doing. Works are a means of self-giving to the Divine and must be an act of joy and love and surrender without bothering about what one may get or not get.
However one has to see whether one has the real calling for it. It needs time and a degree of commitment that is not easy for human nature. Yet if one can undertake it, it can be one of the royal entries into the path of Integral Yoga.
Love
alok
