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Educating and Uplifting the Vital Nature: Part 2 Concepts and Principles of Action · Sri Aurobindo Studies

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  Gaining the cooperation of the vital nature is an important
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  step in the transformation of our existence, including the
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  upliftment of the physical nature.
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  Once we have begun the process of observation of the vital
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  nature, its habits, and its predilections, we can begin to
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  implement various methodologies and techniques to reshape and
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  redirect its energies. In order to do this effectively,
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  however, we must appreciate certain principles and concepts
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  that govern the process. Whichever specific techniques we
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  attempt, the vital nature will naturally respond to leadership
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  that is built on trust, respect, and a consistent, disciplined
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  approach. It will remember if it is
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  allowed to go one way one day and another way another day, and
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  it will then follow its own inclination, expecting to get a
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  result consistent with what it has observed in the process.
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  The vital nature responds most effectively to a positive
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  approach of education rather than a negative approach of
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  punishment. A cheerful, supportive
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  encouragement is far superior to an approach based in instilling
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  fear or utilizing pressure to suppress or outright deny the
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  expression of the vital. And conversely, one should not
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  take an attitude of fear in relating to the vital nature and
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  its reactions. Love and joy are more effective
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  over the long term than an approach focused on denial and
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  suffering. The process should be
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  progressive, taking into account the starting point of the
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  individual nature and working towards whatever next step or
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  stage is possible. Patience should be exercised to
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  allow for the time needed for the vital to adapt and adjust.
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  Education should be focused on adjusting the vital nature's
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  aspirations and goals away from its habitual mode of fulfilment
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  and satisfaction to a new, higher, purer and more refined
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  intention in its expression. The aim is to inspire the vital
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  nature. Gratitude and goodwill should be
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  inculcated as part of a natural relationship between the higher
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  elements of the being and the vital nature.
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  Mutual respect and support should be the prevalent
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  relationship. These principles form the basis
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  for a systematic, progressive, and uplifting development of the
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  vital nature and underpin any of the techniques that may be
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  utilized from time to time as the seeker confronts another
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  element in the complexity of the vital and its habitual ways of
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  responding to situations. The result of gaining the
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  constant and powerful support of the vital nature in the
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  transformation process is worth the effort, The mother notes
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  quote. Naturally, it is very difficult
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  to establish a constant contact between the most external
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  physical consciousness and the psychic consciousness.
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  And oh, the physical consciousness has plenty of
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  goodwill. It is very regular.
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  It tries a great deal, but it is slow and heavy.
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  It takes long. It is difficult to move it.
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  It does not get tired, but it makes no effort.
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  It goes its way quietly. It can take centuries to put the
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  external consciousness in contact with the psychic, but
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  for some reason or other the vital takes a hand in it.
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  A passion seizes it. It wants this contact for some
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  reason or other, which is not always a spiritual reason, but
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  it wants this contact. It wants it with all its energy,
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  all its strength, all its passion, all its fervor.
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  In three months The thing is done.
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  End Quote. Reference Srioro Bindu and the
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  Mother Powers within. Chapter 17.
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  The Vital. Page 135.