Nov. 26, 2024
Programming and Reprogramming of the Being Through Application of Will
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YouTube reference: Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, Powers Within, Chapter XI Power of Control, pg. 96 This episode is also available as a blog post at https://sriaurobindostudies.wordpress.com/2024/11/23/programming-and-reprogramming-of-the-being-through-application-of-will/
Video presentations, interviews and podcast episodes are all available on the YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@santoshkrinsky871
More information about Sri Aurobindo can be found at www.aurobindo.net
The US editions and links to e-book editions of Sri Aurobindo’s writings can be found at Lotus Press www.lotuspress.com
1
00:00:01,880 --> 00:00:04,680
Everything we do represents an
action of will.
2
00:00:05,600 --> 00:00:09,400
Even inaction winds up being a
willed action.
3
00:00:10,600 --> 00:00:14,480
We are provided a choice at each
moment as to how to respond to
4
00:00:14,480 --> 00:00:20,080
circumstances, pressures,
events, opportunities that lie
5
00:00:20,080 --> 00:00:23,680
before us.
In many cases, however, we do
6
00:00:23,680 --> 00:00:28,560
not recognize the power of
choice, as we feel compelled to
7
00:00:28,560 --> 00:00:34,320
respond in a particular way
through instinct, habit or
8
00:00:34,320 --> 00:00:39,160
conditioned trained behaviour.
If we observe closely the
9
00:00:39,160 --> 00:00:43,600
process of developing a habit
and the influence of habits on
10
00:00:43,600 --> 00:00:48,240
our behaviour, we see that it
starts with an observation, a
11
00:00:48,240 --> 00:00:53,120
connection that creates either
an attraction or a repulsion in
12
00:00:53,120 --> 00:00:57,720
our vital being.
As we choose our response, we
13
00:00:57,720 --> 00:01:02,640
create a neural pathway, a
groove if you will, that makes
14
00:01:02,640 --> 00:01:06,000
it easier for the same response
to arise in connection with a
15
00:01:06,000 --> 00:01:08,440
similar circumstance in the
future.
16
00:01:09,640 --> 00:01:15,120
The more we actively choose, or
at least passively permit this
17
00:01:15,120 --> 00:01:20,200
response, it develops into a
more or less fixed action, and
18
00:01:20,200 --> 00:01:25,040
we have then a habitual pattern
that begins to condition our
19
00:01:25,040 --> 00:01:28,960
action in the world.
The more ingrained that set
20
00:01:28,960 --> 00:01:33,720
pattern is, the more effort of
will is required to change it.
21
00:01:34,440 --> 00:01:37,920
Therefore, it is best to make
positive choices at the
22
00:01:37,920 --> 00:01:42,400
beginning of the process, when
the response is yet in its seed
23
00:01:42,400 --> 00:01:46,520
form, and before it becomes a
fully grown habit.
24
00:01:48,240 --> 00:01:51,800
Just as a habit is created, it
can be dissolved.
25
00:01:52,480 --> 00:01:56,400
We have programmed the habit
into our being so that the mind
26
00:01:56,400 --> 00:02:00,920
accepts it, the vital nature is
drawn to it, and the body
27
00:02:00,920 --> 00:02:04,480
expects it.
The detailed operation of
28
00:02:04,480 --> 00:02:08,440
neurotransmitters, hormone
release, and physical
29
00:02:08,440 --> 00:02:12,880
experiences of craving are the
manner in which habits become
30
00:02:12,880 --> 00:02:16,840
embedded in the being.
Yet all of these things can be
31
00:02:16,840 --> 00:02:18,840
changed through operation of
will.
32
00:02:19,960 --> 00:02:23,120
The exertion of willpower is
something that can be trained
33
00:02:23,520 --> 00:02:27,320
and systematically developed
over time through repeated
34
00:02:27,320 --> 00:02:30,560
effort.
While it may not fully succeed
35
00:02:30,800 --> 00:02:35,440
in immediately overcoming a
deeply ingrained pattern, over
36
00:02:35,440 --> 00:02:38,960
time it succeeds in modifying
the behaviour.
37
00:02:40,240 --> 00:02:43,320
Certain habits go on to become
physical addictions.
38
00:02:44,000 --> 00:02:48,240
This can be an addiction to
intoxicating beverages, drugs,
39
00:02:48,720 --> 00:02:52,560
or even the stimulation and
gratification that can come to
40
00:02:52,560 --> 00:02:57,720
the vital being from exciting
actions or from sexual activity,
41
00:02:58,280 --> 00:03:02,920
or from dominating behaviour
such as bullying, or from
42
00:03:02,920 --> 00:03:06,000
excessive interaction with
immersive video games or
43
00:03:06,000 --> 00:03:10,280
television programming.
Whatever the form or source of
44
00:03:10,280 --> 00:03:15,720
the addiction, we are observing
embedded deep grooves in the
45
00:03:15,720 --> 00:03:19,000
being that utilize
neurotransmitters and hormone
46
00:03:19,000 --> 00:03:24,920
release as a mechanism to create
deep physical reactions of need,
47
00:03:25,640 --> 00:03:29,600
and any attempt to change these
addictions creates withdrawal
48
00:03:29,600 --> 00:03:33,640
symptoms.
In this case the issue is the
49
00:03:33,640 --> 00:03:38,480
same once the addiction is in
place, which started with an
50
00:03:38,480 --> 00:03:41,240
approval of the action the first
time.
51
00:03:42,040 --> 00:03:46,000
It needs an effort of will
combined with implementation of
52
00:03:46,000 --> 00:03:50,360
methodologies to systematically
break down the addiction and
53
00:03:50,360 --> 00:03:54,920
move the body, life, mind to a
new pathway forward.
54
00:03:56,400 --> 00:04:01,080
A simple example, we have a
habit of taking a refreshment, a
55
00:04:01,080 --> 00:04:05,280
snack in the mid morning or mid
afternoon between meals.
56
00:04:06,040 --> 00:04:10,120
We may start doing this as an
exception, perhaps in a period
57
00:04:10,120 --> 00:04:14,360
of high exertion and the body
requesting an energy boost.
58
00:04:15,280 --> 00:04:20,399
If we repeat this daily, it
becomes a habit whether or not
59
00:04:20,399 --> 00:04:24,200
the body needs it.
If we try to change this habit,
60
00:04:24,240 --> 00:04:28,440
we then can observe that there
is a subtle pull or what we may
61
00:04:28,440 --> 00:04:33,080
call a physical craving that
tells us that it is snack time.
62
00:04:33,920 --> 00:04:38,360
In some cases, we give in to the
craving and go and obtain the
63
00:04:38,360 --> 00:04:42,960
expected refreshment.
In other cases, however, we can
64
00:04:42,960 --> 00:04:46,560
use our will to reprogram this
trained habit through
65
00:04:46,560 --> 00:04:50,440
substitution of a different
action, such as an exercise
66
00:04:50,440 --> 00:04:56,000
program or a focus on some
subject of intense interest, or
67
00:04:56,000 --> 00:04:59,920
through a type of conditioning,
either through the use of reward
68
00:05:00,040 --> 00:05:04,840
or punishment, or through a type
of education of the body.
69
00:05:04,840 --> 00:05:09,040
Life Mind complex to recognize
that this snack is not required
70
00:05:09,680 --> 00:05:14,480
and is actually not helpful as
it will tend to increase weight
71
00:05:14,920 --> 00:05:17,040
and decrease our health over
time.
72
00:05:18,160 --> 00:05:21,960
Another method is to provide the
refreshment but reduce the
73
00:05:21,960 --> 00:05:26,560
quantity or change the
constituent foods such that the
74
00:05:26,560 --> 00:05:30,400
body's expectation is reduced
and eventually can be
75
00:05:30,400 --> 00:05:34,120
eliminated.
One way or another, with
76
00:05:34,120 --> 00:05:38,280
perseverance and patient
exercise of the active will, the
77
00:05:38,280 --> 00:05:43,160
change can occur.
Another example was related by
78
00:05:43,160 --> 00:05:46,480
an individual about his
experience in monitoring and
79
00:05:46,480 --> 00:05:48,520
controlling the impulse of
speech.
80
00:05:49,320 --> 00:05:52,440
He undertook a practice for a
period of time to not speak
81
00:05:52,440 --> 00:05:55,840
socially.
He had a pad and pen and wrote
82
00:05:55,840 --> 00:05:59,040
responses to all social
inquiries during that time.
83
00:05:59,960 --> 00:06:04,800
However, he determined to speak
if speech was necessary in
84
00:06:04,800 --> 00:06:08,200
relation to the specific work he
was given to undertake.
85
00:06:09,040 --> 00:06:12,720
This practice forced him to
observe how the impulse to
86
00:06:12,720 --> 00:06:17,200
speech arose within him and
forced him to make variable
87
00:06:17,200 --> 00:06:21,200
choices depending on the
circumstance under which speech
88
00:06:21,520 --> 00:06:24,680
either would or would not be
required.
89
00:06:25,480 --> 00:06:28,280
He reported learning a great
deal about the rising of
90
00:06:28,280 --> 00:06:32,000
impulses within the being
generally and the use of
91
00:06:32,000 --> 00:06:35,560
willpower to guide and direct
which impulses would be
92
00:06:35,560 --> 00:06:38,680
fulfilled and which would be
denied.
93
00:06:39,880 --> 00:06:44,200
The mother observes quote.
There is always a moment when
94
00:06:44,200 --> 00:06:50,200
everyone has self-control, and
if one had not said yes once, if
95
00:06:50,200 --> 00:06:54,240
one had not taken the decision,
one would not have done it.
96
00:06:55,280 --> 00:06:59,080
There is not one human being who
is not the energy and capacity
97
00:06:59,080 --> 00:07:03,920
to resist something imposed upon
him if he is left free to do so.
98
00:07:05,120 --> 00:07:07,880
People tell you I can't do
otherwise.
99
00:07:08,480 --> 00:07:12,600
It is because in the depths of
their heart they do not want to
100
00:07:12,600 --> 00:07:15,600
do otherwise.
They have accepted to be the
101
00:07:15,600 --> 00:07:19,560
slaves of their vice.
There is a moment when one
102
00:07:19,560 --> 00:07:25,200
accepts it.
End Quote Reference Sri Orobindo
103
00:07:25,200 --> 00:07:28,400
and the Mother Powers within
Chapter 11.
104
00:07:28,600 --> 00:07:31,600
Power of Control, page 96.
00:00:01,880 --> 00:00:04,680
Everything we do represents an
action of will.
2
00:00:05,600 --> 00:00:09,400
Even inaction winds up being a
willed action.
3
00:00:10,600 --> 00:00:14,480
We are provided a choice at each
moment as to how to respond to
4
00:00:14,480 --> 00:00:20,080
circumstances, pressures,
events, opportunities that lie
5
00:00:20,080 --> 00:00:23,680
before us.
In many cases, however, we do
6
00:00:23,680 --> 00:00:28,560
not recognize the power of
choice, as we feel compelled to
7
00:00:28,560 --> 00:00:34,320
respond in a particular way
through instinct, habit or
8
00:00:34,320 --> 00:00:39,160
conditioned trained behaviour.
If we observe closely the
9
00:00:39,160 --> 00:00:43,600
process of developing a habit
and the influence of habits on
10
00:00:43,600 --> 00:00:48,240
our behaviour, we see that it
starts with an observation, a
11
00:00:48,240 --> 00:00:53,120
connection that creates either
an attraction or a repulsion in
12
00:00:53,120 --> 00:00:57,720
our vital being.
As we choose our response, we
13
00:00:57,720 --> 00:01:02,640
create a neural pathway, a
groove if you will, that makes
14
00:01:02,640 --> 00:01:06,000
it easier for the same response
to arise in connection with a
15
00:01:06,000 --> 00:01:08,440
similar circumstance in the
future.
16
00:01:09,640 --> 00:01:15,120
The more we actively choose, or
at least passively permit this
17
00:01:15,120 --> 00:01:20,200
response, it develops into a
more or less fixed action, and
18
00:01:20,200 --> 00:01:25,040
we have then a habitual pattern
that begins to condition our
19
00:01:25,040 --> 00:01:28,960
action in the world.
The more ingrained that set
20
00:01:28,960 --> 00:01:33,720
pattern is, the more effort of
will is required to change it.
21
00:01:34,440 --> 00:01:37,920
Therefore, it is best to make
positive choices at the
22
00:01:37,920 --> 00:01:42,400
beginning of the process, when
the response is yet in its seed
23
00:01:42,400 --> 00:01:46,520
form, and before it becomes a
fully grown habit.
24
00:01:48,240 --> 00:01:51,800
Just as a habit is created, it
can be dissolved.
25
00:01:52,480 --> 00:01:56,400
We have programmed the habit
into our being so that the mind
26
00:01:56,400 --> 00:02:00,920
accepts it, the vital nature is
drawn to it, and the body
27
00:02:00,920 --> 00:02:04,480
expects it.
The detailed operation of
28
00:02:04,480 --> 00:02:08,440
neurotransmitters, hormone
release, and physical
29
00:02:08,440 --> 00:02:12,880
experiences of craving are the
manner in which habits become
30
00:02:12,880 --> 00:02:16,840
embedded in the being.
Yet all of these things can be
31
00:02:16,840 --> 00:02:18,840
changed through operation of
will.
32
00:02:19,960 --> 00:02:23,120
The exertion of willpower is
something that can be trained
33
00:02:23,520 --> 00:02:27,320
and systematically developed
over time through repeated
34
00:02:27,320 --> 00:02:30,560
effort.
While it may not fully succeed
35
00:02:30,800 --> 00:02:35,440
in immediately overcoming a
deeply ingrained pattern, over
36
00:02:35,440 --> 00:02:38,960
time it succeeds in modifying
the behaviour.
37
00:02:40,240 --> 00:02:43,320
Certain habits go on to become
physical addictions.
38
00:02:44,000 --> 00:02:48,240
This can be an addiction to
intoxicating beverages, drugs,
39
00:02:48,720 --> 00:02:52,560
or even the stimulation and
gratification that can come to
40
00:02:52,560 --> 00:02:57,720
the vital being from exciting
actions or from sexual activity,
41
00:02:58,280 --> 00:03:02,920
or from dominating behaviour
such as bullying, or from
42
00:03:02,920 --> 00:03:06,000
excessive interaction with
immersive video games or
43
00:03:06,000 --> 00:03:10,280
television programming.
Whatever the form or source of
44
00:03:10,280 --> 00:03:15,720
the addiction, we are observing
embedded deep grooves in the
45
00:03:15,720 --> 00:03:19,000
being that utilize
neurotransmitters and hormone
46
00:03:19,000 --> 00:03:24,920
release as a mechanism to create
deep physical reactions of need,
47
00:03:25,640 --> 00:03:29,600
and any attempt to change these
addictions creates withdrawal
48
00:03:29,600 --> 00:03:33,640
symptoms.
In this case the issue is the
49
00:03:33,640 --> 00:03:38,480
same once the addiction is in
place, which started with an
50
00:03:38,480 --> 00:03:41,240
approval of the action the first
time.
51
00:03:42,040 --> 00:03:46,000
It needs an effort of will
combined with implementation of
52
00:03:46,000 --> 00:03:50,360
methodologies to systematically
break down the addiction and
53
00:03:50,360 --> 00:03:54,920
move the body, life, mind to a
new pathway forward.
54
00:03:56,400 --> 00:04:01,080
A simple example, we have a
habit of taking a refreshment, a
55
00:04:01,080 --> 00:04:05,280
snack in the mid morning or mid
afternoon between meals.
56
00:04:06,040 --> 00:04:10,120
We may start doing this as an
exception, perhaps in a period
57
00:04:10,120 --> 00:04:14,360
of high exertion and the body
requesting an energy boost.
58
00:04:15,280 --> 00:04:20,399
If we repeat this daily, it
becomes a habit whether or not
59
00:04:20,399 --> 00:04:24,200
the body needs it.
If we try to change this habit,
60
00:04:24,240 --> 00:04:28,440
we then can observe that there
is a subtle pull or what we may
61
00:04:28,440 --> 00:04:33,080
call a physical craving that
tells us that it is snack time.
62
00:04:33,920 --> 00:04:38,360
In some cases, we give in to the
craving and go and obtain the
63
00:04:38,360 --> 00:04:42,960
expected refreshment.
In other cases, however, we can
64
00:04:42,960 --> 00:04:46,560
use our will to reprogram this
trained habit through
65
00:04:46,560 --> 00:04:50,440
substitution of a different
action, such as an exercise
66
00:04:50,440 --> 00:04:56,000
program or a focus on some
subject of intense interest, or
67
00:04:56,000 --> 00:04:59,920
through a type of conditioning,
either through the use of reward
68
00:05:00,040 --> 00:05:04,840
or punishment, or through a type
of education of the body.
69
00:05:04,840 --> 00:05:09,040
Life Mind complex to recognize
that this snack is not required
70
00:05:09,680 --> 00:05:14,480
and is actually not helpful as
it will tend to increase weight
71
00:05:14,920 --> 00:05:17,040
and decrease our health over
time.
72
00:05:18,160 --> 00:05:21,960
Another method is to provide the
refreshment but reduce the
73
00:05:21,960 --> 00:05:26,560
quantity or change the
constituent foods such that the
74
00:05:26,560 --> 00:05:30,400
body's expectation is reduced
and eventually can be
75
00:05:30,400 --> 00:05:34,120
eliminated.
One way or another, with
76
00:05:34,120 --> 00:05:38,280
perseverance and patient
exercise of the active will, the
77
00:05:38,280 --> 00:05:43,160
change can occur.
Another example was related by
78
00:05:43,160 --> 00:05:46,480
an individual about his
experience in monitoring and
79
00:05:46,480 --> 00:05:48,520
controlling the impulse of
speech.
80
00:05:49,320 --> 00:05:52,440
He undertook a practice for a
period of time to not speak
81
00:05:52,440 --> 00:05:55,840
socially.
He had a pad and pen and wrote
82
00:05:55,840 --> 00:05:59,040
responses to all social
inquiries during that time.
83
00:05:59,960 --> 00:06:04,800
However, he determined to speak
if speech was necessary in
84
00:06:04,800 --> 00:06:08,200
relation to the specific work he
was given to undertake.
85
00:06:09,040 --> 00:06:12,720
This practice forced him to
observe how the impulse to
86
00:06:12,720 --> 00:06:17,200
speech arose within him and
forced him to make variable
87
00:06:17,200 --> 00:06:21,200
choices depending on the
circumstance under which speech
88
00:06:21,520 --> 00:06:24,680
either would or would not be
required.
89
00:06:25,480 --> 00:06:28,280
He reported learning a great
deal about the rising of
90
00:06:28,280 --> 00:06:32,000
impulses within the being
generally and the use of
91
00:06:32,000 --> 00:06:35,560
willpower to guide and direct
which impulses would be
92
00:06:35,560 --> 00:06:38,680
fulfilled and which would be
denied.
93
00:06:39,880 --> 00:06:44,200
The mother observes quote.
There is always a moment when
94
00:06:44,200 --> 00:06:50,200
everyone has self-control, and
if one had not said yes once, if
95
00:06:50,200 --> 00:06:54,240
one had not taken the decision,
one would not have done it.
96
00:06:55,280 --> 00:06:59,080
There is not one human being who
is not the energy and capacity
97
00:06:59,080 --> 00:07:03,920
to resist something imposed upon
him if he is left free to do so.
98
00:07:05,120 --> 00:07:07,880
People tell you I can't do
otherwise.
99
00:07:08,480 --> 00:07:12,600
It is because in the depths of
their heart they do not want to
100
00:07:12,600 --> 00:07:15,600
do otherwise.
They have accepted to be the
101
00:07:15,600 --> 00:07:19,560
slaves of their vice.
There is a moment when one
102
00:07:19,560 --> 00:07:25,200
accepts it.
End Quote Reference Sri Orobindo
103
00:07:25,200 --> 00:07:28,400
and the Mother Powers within
Chapter 11.
104
00:07:28,600 --> 00:07:31,600
Power of Control, page 96.