A Podcast Featuring Sri Aurobindo Studies
May 14, 2024

Universal Forces and the Subconscient

Universal Forces and the Subconscient
Universal Forces and the Subconscient
Sri Aurobindo Studies
Universal Forces and the Subconscient

reference: Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, The Hidden Forces of Life, Ch. 4 Cosmic and Universal Forces, pg. 83 This episode is also available as a blog post at https://sriaurobindostudies.wordpress.com/2024/05/11/universal-forces-and-the-subconscient/

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0:01 There are many functions of our existence that take place without the conscious awareness or intervention of the mind. All of the complex functions of the body and its organs, for instance, are very much independent of control by our conscious mind and will. Although some of these functions may, through intensive training and focus, come under at least partial control, such as the generation of inner heat in the Tibetan practice of tumo, there are similar subconscious processes that occur on the level of perception, feeling, emotion, and mental ideation. The entire realm of what we call instinct is a basically automatic reaction in one of the vital responsive systems that takes over instantaneously when the necessary triggers or precursors arrive and prod the vital nature. This all takes place at the subconscious level. Much of what enters through the vital envelope remains subliminal to us, and if it finds a corresponding receptivity in the subconscious of the individual, it sets up a sympathetic vibration.

1:16 This is illustrated by the musical instrument called the sitar, which has primary strings and sympathetic strings. When the primary string is played, the sympathetic strings vibrate automatically. When any vibration enters the subconscient, it awakens any response of strings that may be lying there. Seeds sprout and movement of energy ensues as if from within us, but really as a response and reaction to the vibrations that have reached us from outside. Srirovindu observes Quote The universal forces act very often through the subconscient, especially when the force they send is something the person has been in the habit of obeying and of which the seeds impressions complexes are strongly rooted in the subconscient, or even if that is no longer the case, of which there is a memory still in the subconscient.

2:20 End Quote Reference Shriuru, Bindu and the Mother, The Hidden Forces of Life, Chapter 4 Cosmic and Universal Forces, page 83.