The Three-Fold Goal: Why “Integral” Yoga?

Integral Yoga, as envisioned by Sri Aurobindo, represents a paradigm shift in the understanding and practice of yoga. Unlike traditional paths that often seek to transcend the world, Integral Yoga is about transforming it. This approach is not for individual salvation alone but is aimed at a collective evolution. Sri Aurobindo’s yoga is a call to participate actively in the world’s evolution, making it radically different from other yogic paths.

While traditional yoga paths focus on achieving Nirvana or Moksha—essentially an escape from the cycles of birth and death—Integral Yoga seeks to bring the divine down to Earth. This “Spiritualization of Matter” is not merely philosophical but a lived experience that can be realized through the practice of Integral Yoga. By understanding these differences, we can appreciate why Integral Yoga is often referred to as a “Yoga for the Whole Being.”

Not For the Sake of the Individual But for the Divine

Integral Yoga emphasizes transformation not just at an individual level but as a means to divine manifestation on Earth. Traditional yoga often focuses on personal liberation, where the ultimate goal is to escape the cycle of birth and rebirth. In contrast, Integral Yoga is not about leaving the world but transforming it. This yoga is aimed at achieving a divine life on Earth by integrating the spiritual with the material.

Sri Aurobindo saw the world as a manifestation of the Divine, where every being has a role to play in its evolution. The purpose is not to attain personal salvation but to elevate the entire earthly consciousness. This approach transforms the practice of yoga from a personal quest for liberation to a collective journey towards divine realization, thereby making it truly integral.

The Rejection of the “Ascetic’s Refusal”

One of the key differentiators of Integral Yoga is its rejection of the ascetic’s refusal. Traditional paths often emphasize renunciation and ascetic practices as a means to attain spiritual goals. However, Sri Aurobindo argued that true spirituality does not lie in renouncing life but in embracing it fully. Life is not to be shunned but to be transformed.

Ascetic practices focus on transcending the material world, seeing it as an illusion or a hindrance to spiritual progress. Integral Yoga, however, views the material world as a field for spiritual action. By engaging with life, practitioners can transform their inner consciousness, thereby transforming the outer world. This active engagement is what sets Integral Yoga apart from traditional escapist paths.

The Concept of the “Total Man”

Integral Yoga aims to develop the “Total Man”—a being who is not just spiritually evolved but also integrated in mind, life, and body. Traditional yogas often focus on specific aspects of being, such as the mind in Jnana Yoga or devotion in Bhakti Yoga. In contrast, Integral Yoga seeks to harmonize all parts of the being.

The “Total Man” is an individual who has achieved unity in consciousness, transcending the limitations of the mind, vital emotions, and physical body. This holistic approach ensures that all aspects of life are included in the spiritual journey, allowing for a comprehensive transformation that is both inward and outward.

The Call of the Soul

Integral Yoga is described as a call from the soul to participate in the world’s evolution. This “Call of the Soul” is not just a personal yearning but a collective call to uplift humanity. Traditional paths often emphasize personal enlightenment, but Integral Yoga shifts the focus to a universal transformation.

The soul, or the “Psychic Being,” is central to this process. It acts as an inner guide, helping individuals navigate the complexities of life while remaining aligned with the divine purpose. This emphasis on the soul’s call adds a unique dimension to Integral Yoga, distinguishing it from paths that seek only personal liberation.

Life Divine on Earth

The ultimate aim of Integral Yoga is to manifest the “Life Divine” on Earth. This concept is rooted in the belief that the divine can and should be integrated into everyday life. Unlike traditional paths that often see the material world as a place to escape from, Integral Yoga views it as the realm where divine transformation can occur.

By realizing the divine in daily life, practitioners can contribute to the creation of a spiritualized society. This vision of a divine life on Earth challenges conventional notions of spirituality that separate the sacred from the secular. Instead, it seeks to merge the two, creating a holistic vision of existence.

Spiritual Evolution

Integral Yoga is fundamentally about spiritual evolution. While traditional yoga paths often aim for a static state of liberation, Integral Yoga sees spiritual growth as an ongoing process. This evolution is not just personal but collective, involving the transformation of the entire planet.

Spiritual evolution in Integral Yoga is a dynamic process that involves ascending to higher states of consciousness while also bringing those states down into everyday life. This dual movement ensures that spiritual progress is not isolated but integrated, making it accessible and relevant to all aspects of life.

The Aim of Integral Yoga

The aim of Integral Yoga is multidimensional, encompassing personal, collective, and universal transformation. Unlike traditional paths that often focus on achieving a particular state of consciousness, Integral Yoga aims for a comprehensive transformation that includes all aspects of life.

This aim is not limited to spiritual enlightenment but extends to transforming the world itself. By aligning individual will with the divine will, practitioners can contribute to this larger goal, making Integral Yoga a truly global and universal path.

Purna Yoga

Integral Yoga is sometimes referred to as “Purna Yoga” or “Complete Yoga” because it seeks to integrate all aspects of being. Unlike traditional paths that may focus on specific practices or goals, Purna Yoga aims for a holistic transformation that includes body, mind, and spirit.

This comprehensive approach makes Integral Yoga accessible and relevant to modern seekers who are looking for a path that integrates spirituality with everyday life. By focusing on the whole being, Purna Yoga offers a more complete and fulfilling spiritual experience.

Conclusion: A New Paradigm

Integral Yoga represents a new paradigm in the spiritual landscape. Unlike traditional paths that often seek to escape the world, Integral Yoga seeks to transform it. By focusing on the integration of all aspects of life, it offers a comprehensive approach to spiritual evolution.

This new paradigm challenges conventional notions of spirituality, offering a path that is both universal and deeply personal. By embracing the world rather than renouncing it, Integral Yoga offers a vision of a divine life on Earth, making it a path for the whole being.

Further reading:
traditional yoga vs integral yoga — Comparison of Yoga Paths

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is the main goal of Integral Yoga?

A1. The main goal of Integral Yoga is to transform life on Earth by integrating the spiritual and material aspects of existence. Unlike traditional paths that focus on personal liberation, Integral Yoga aims for a collective evolution, seeking to manifest the divine in everyday life.

Q2. How does Integral Yoga differ from traditional yoga practices?

A2. Integral Yoga differs from traditional yoga practices by rejecting the idea of escaping the world for personal liberation. Instead, it focuses on transforming the world through spiritual evolution, integrating all aspects of life, and achieving a divine life on Earth.

Q3. What is the ‘Total Man’ concept in Integral Yoga?

A3. The ‘Total Man’ concept in Integral Yoga refers to a being who is spiritually evolved and integrated in mind, life, and body. It emphasizes harmonizing all parts of the being to achieve unity in consciousness, transcending limitations and ensuring a comprehensive transformation.

Q4. Why does Integral Yoga reject ascetic practices?

A4. Integral Yoga rejects ascetic practices because it views life as a field for spiritual action rather than something to be renounced. It believes in embracing life fully to transform inner consciousness and, consequently, the outer world, setting it apart from traditional escapist paths.

Q5. How does Integral Yoga approach spiritual evolution?

A5. Integral Yoga approaches spiritual evolution as a dynamic, ongoing process involving both personal and collective transformation. It emphasizes ascending to higher states of consciousness and integrating those states into everyday life, ensuring spiritual progress is accessible and relevant to all aspects of life.