A Podcast Featuring Sri Aurobindo Studies
Jan. 27, 2026

The Physical Consciousness and the Method of Effectuating Change in It

The Physical Consciousness and the Method of Effectuating Change in It

reference: Sri Aurobindo, Bases of Yoga, Chapter 5, Physical Consciousness — Subconscient — Sleep and Dream — Illness, pg. 84

This episode is also available as a blog post at https://sriaurobindostudies.wordpress.com/2026/01/25/the-physical-consciousness-and-the-method-of-effectuating-change-in-it/

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The US editions and links to e-book editions of SriAurobindo’s writings can be found at Lotus Press www.lotuspress.com

#Sri Aurobindo #yoga #integral yoga #spirituality #physical consciousness #dark night of the soul

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The integral Yoga operates on
the principle of the Force

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descending from above and
working through the mind, the

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emotions, the vital, and finally
into the physical nature.

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While some action may take place
in the sadhna out of a specific

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order, this is the general case,
as the issue of addressing and

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definitively changing the
embedded habits and

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predilections of the physical
nature naturally is easier if

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the mind, the heart and the
vital nature are all Co

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operating in the process.
It thus frequently occurs that

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the seeker is encouraged and
uplifted by experiences of

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peace, clarity, wideness,
spiritual insights and

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experiences, devotion,
consecration, et cetera, as the

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Force opens the higher levels.
It is thus something of a shock

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when these things seemingly
disappear and the physical

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nature comes to the forefront.
One suddenly appears to lose the

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direct connection to the higher
aspiration and the working of

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the force and faces a period
which can be somewhat lengthy.

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When everything becomes a chore,
when 1 feels like nothing is

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moving, when the seeker
experiences waking, eating,

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working, sleeping with nothing
to inspire or uplift him, the

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connection withdraws, and many
have described such experiences

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as a dark night of the soul, or
they cry out with soulful lament

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about the withdrawal of the
Divine Beloved from immediate

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presence.
It is important for the seeker

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to remember that this is a phase
or stage that actually implies

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substantial progress has
occurred.

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The physical nature is only
taken up as a focus once

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preparation has occurred in the
mind and the vital.

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The withdrawal is only apparent,
not real.

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The Divine force continues to
work even though the seeker only

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can see the full presence of the
physical nature for the time

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being.
Eventually, when enough has been

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prepared, the seeker will see a
return of the palpable

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connection to the spiritual
force and a progress at the

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level of the physical
consciousness will have been

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made.
This implies the seeker must

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continue to have confidence in
the divine, patience for the

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time it takes, and peace as the
process works itself out.

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To the extent possible, he
should continue to focus on the

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aspiration and receptivity, even
if it seems like it is not

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having any effect.
No effort is without effect,

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Srioro Bindo writes quote.
It is the most physical

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consciousness of which you have
become aware.

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It is like that in almost
everyone.

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When one gets fully or
exclusively into it, one feels

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it to be like that of an animal,
either obscure and restless or

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inert and stupid, and in either
condition not open to the

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divine.
It is only by bringing the Force

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and higher consciousness into it
that it can fundamentally alter.

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When these things show
themselves, do not be upset by

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their emergence, but understand
that they are there to be

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changed.
Here as elsewhere, quiet is the

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first thing needed to keep the
consciousness quiet, not allow

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it to get agitated and in
turmoil, then in the quiet to

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call for the Force to clear up
all this obscurity and change

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it.
End Quote Reference Srioro Bindo

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Bases of yoga, Chapter 5.
Physical consciousness,

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subconscious sleep and dream
illness.

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Page 84.