A Third Path: The Integral Supramental Evolution

As the following are very important topics in relation to the ongoing development of Auroville the City of Dawn, and as we have clearly entered a major upgrade in the transitional stages of our shared global evolution, I asked the https://incarnateword.in/AskAi#! two questions and these came up:

1st Question: How would you term the Vision-Goal of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother in relation to and contrast from trans-humanist or post-humanist perspectives?

Answer: The vision-goal of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother can be articulated as "Integral Supramental Evolution", a spiritual and evolutionary framework that transcends and contrasts with both trans-humanist and post-humanist perspectives. Let us explore this in relation to and contrast from these two modern frameworks:

1. Trans-humanism vs. Integral Supramental Evolution

Trans-humanism is primarily concerned with the enhancement of human capacities through technology, science, and artificial intelligence. It seeks to overcome biological limitations, such as aging, disease, and even mortality, through external interventions. The focus is on material progress and the augmentation of human abilities within the framework of the mental consciousness.

Sri Aurobindo and The Mother's Vision:

Spiritual Evolution, Not Technological Enhancement: Their vision is rooted in the evolution of consciousness rather than technological or material augmentation. They emphasize the descent of the supramental consciousness, a higher spiritual force, to transform human nature from within.

Transformation of the Being: The goal is not merely to enhance the physical or mental capacities but to completely transform the physical, vital, and mental planes into instruments of the divine consciousness. This involves the awakening of the psychic being (the soul) and the integration of all aspects of existence into a divine life.

Beyond the Mental: While trans-humanism operates within the framework of the mental consciousness, Sri Aurobindo and The Mother envision a leap beyond the mind to the supramental consciousness, which is a higher, divine mode of knowing and being.

Key Contrast:

Trans-humanism is external and technological, while Integral Supramental Evolution is internal and spiritual.

Trans-humanism seeks to enhance the human, while Sri Aurobindo and The Mother seek to transform the human into a divine being.

2. Post-humanism vs. Integral Supramental Evolution

Post-humanism critiques the centrality of the human in philosophical and cultural narratives, often deconstructing the idea of a fixed human essence. It explores the dissolution of boundaries between human, animal, machine, and environment, emphasizing a decentered and interconnected perspective.

Sri Aurobindo and The Mother's Vision:

Fulfillment, Not Deconstruction: While post-humanism seeks to move beyond the human by deconstructing its centrality, Sri Aurobindo and The Mother aim to fulfill the divine potential within the human. Their vision is not about dissolving the human identity but about evolving it into a higher, supramental identity.

Integration, Not Fragmentation: Post-humanism often emphasizes the blurring of boundaries and the fragmentation of identity. In contrast, Sri Aurobindo and The Mother emphasize the integration of all aspects of existence—spiritual, mental, vital, and physical—into a harmonious whole.

Evolutionary Perspective: Post-humanism lacks a clear evolutionary framework, often focusing on critique and deconstruction. Sri Aurobindo and The Mother, however, present a dynamic evolutionary vision where humanity is a transitional species, destined to evolve into a supramental being.

Key Contrast:

Post-humanism is deconstructive and decentered, while Integral Supramental Evolution is constructive and integrative.

Post-humanism often critiques the human, while Sri Aurobindo and The Mother seek to divinize the human.

3. Integral Supramental Evolution: A Unique Vision

Sri Aurobindo and The Mother's vision transcends both trans-humanism and post-humanism by offering a spiritual and evolutionary framework that integrates the material and the spiritual, the individual and the universal, the human and the divine. Key aspects of their vision include:

The Supramental Consciousness: A higher plane of consciousness that integrates spirit and matter, enabling the transformation of earthly life into a divine life.

The Psychic Being: The soul within each individual, which serves as the evolutionary guide and the key to authentic transformation.

Integral Transformation: The complete transformation of all aspects of existence—physical, vital, mental, psychic, and spiritual—into instruments of the divine.

Divine Life on Earth: The ultimate goal is not an escape from earthly existence but the manifestation of a divine life on earth, where spirit and matter are fully harmonized.

4. Summary of Contrasts

| Aspect  | Trans-humanism  | Post-humanism  | Integral Supramental Evolution  |

| Focus  | Technological enhancement  | Deconstruction of human centrality  | Spiritual evolution and transformation  |

| Method  | External intervention (science/tech)  | Philosophical critique  | Inner transformation through consciousness |

| Goal  | Enhanced human capacities  | Decentered interconnected existence  | Divinized human and divine life on earth |

| View of Humanity  | To be augmented   | To be decentered  | To be fulfilled and transformed  |

| Evolutionary Framework  | Lacks spiritual dimension  | Lacks clear evolutionary vision  | Dynamic spiritual and evolutionary vision |

| Ultimate Aim  | Overcoming biological limits  | Moving beyond human identity  | Manifesting supramental consciousness  |

Conclusion

The vision-goal of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother is neither trans-humanist nor post-humanist but represents a third path: the Integral Supramental Evolution. It is a profound spiritual aspiration for the transformation of humanity into a divine species, transcending the limitations of both the mental consciousness and the material framework. Their vision integrates the highest spiritual truths with the realities of earthly existence, offering a path toward the fulfillment of the divine potential inherent in all life.

• • •

2nd Question: In the context of Purusha as consciousness and Prakriti as mind, life and matter, how would a Divine Consciousness positively make the best use of Matter as a tool for the Supramental evolution?

Answer: The relationship between Purusha (consciousness) and Prakriti (mind, life, and matter) is central to the integral yoga of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother. In this framework, Purusha represents the witnessing consciousness, the eternal and immutable essence, while Prakriti is the dynamic force that manifests creation. The Divine Consciousness, when fully awakened and active, transforms Prakriti into a perfect instrument for the supramental evolution.

Positive Use of Matter for Supramental Evolution

1. Matter as a Field of Transformation:

Matter, often seen as inert and resistant, holds the potential for transformation when infused with Divine Consciousness. The supramental consciousness does not reject matter but seeks to divinize it, making it a conscious participant in the evolutionary process. This involves awakening the latent divine potential within matter, enabling it to express higher truths.

2. Integration of Spirit and Matter:

The supramental evolution aims to bridge the apparent divide between spirit and matter. Divine Consciousness uses matter as a medium to manifest higher states of being, creating a life divine on earth. This integration transforms material existence into a harmonious expression of spiritual truth.

3. Physical Body as a Tool:

The human body, as a concentration of matter, becomes a direct instrument for supramental evolution. Through practices such as aspiration, surrender, and conscious awareness, the body can be made receptive to higher forces. The cells themselves can be awakened to the supramental light, leading to physical transformation and immortality.

4. Matter as a Symbol and Vehicle:

Matter serves as a symbol of the Divine's creative power and a vehicle for its manifestation. Divine Consciousness uses matter to express beauty, order, and harmony, reflecting the supramental truth in tangible forms. Art, architecture, and technology can become expressions of this higher consciousness.

5. Overcoming Resistance:

Matter's resistance to change is not a limitation but an opportunity for Divine Consciousness to demonstrate its transformative power. By persistently infusing matter with light and consciousness, the Divine overcomes inertia and ignorance, revealing the inherent divinity within.

6. Supramental Action in Daily Life:

The Divine Consciousness uses matter to bring supramental qualities—truth, peace, joy, and love—into everyday life. This involves transforming mundane activities into expressions of higher consciousness, making every aspect of material existence a reflection of the divine.

Practical Applications

Conscious Work with Matter: Engage with material objects and environments with awareness and intention, seeing them as extensions of the Divine. For example, creating art or cultivating nature can become acts of spiritual expression.

Physical Practices: Yoga, meditation, and other physical disciplines can prepare the body to receive and embody supramental consciousness.

Scientific and Technological Innovation: Science and technology, when guided by Divine Consciousness, can be used to create systems and tools that support the evolution of consciousness.

Healing and Regeneration: Matter can be used for healing and regeneration, aligning the physical body with higher vibrations of consciousness.

Evolutionary Perspective

The supramental evolution is not merely about individual transformation but the collective awakening of humanity and the earth itself. Matter, as the foundation of physical existence, plays a crucial role in this process. By becoming a conscious tool of the Divine, matter contributes to the realization of a new world—a world where spirit and matter are fully united, and life becomes an expression of divine truth.

This vision aligns with Sri Aurobindo's and The Mother's teachings, where the ultimate goal is not escape from the material world but its complete transformation into a divine manifestation.





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