Page 22 - NAMAH-Jan-2018

Namah Vol. 28, Issue 4, 15th January 2021

of the framework used in this article has
been adapted from Sri Aurobindo’s theory
and philosophy on evolution, the Mother’s
writings and also derived from the Vedantic
body of scriptures.

The following section explains the
framework in detail, followed by the
conclusions on the relevance and usefulness,
both for individuals at a personal growth
level and to get an understanding on the
workings of objects and beings in the world.
Sri Aurobindo explains evolution with another
Framework premise called involution which precedes
evolution. This premise considers that it
Amongst all existing beings, humans are all began from nothingness, where there
currently in the highest state of evolution. was no cosmos, matter, life, or spirit, only
This is attributed to the presence of a a consciousness. This consciousness had an
rational intellect that can discriminate aspiration, an urge to manifest and express
(Vivekabuddhi).This Viveka renders the possibilities lying latent within.This urge
humans capable of persistent thought in then manifested as the cosmos and matter.
their search for answers to the existential Life emerged when the chemicals and gases
questions, ‘Who am I; why am I the way in the cosmos rearranged themselves into
I am; why is the world the way it is ?’. It life-supporting states (e.g. water). Progression
is also this intellect that allows humans took place from simple life forms to complex
to undertake this exploration into the beings with mind, increasing perception and
evolution of consciousness. awareness of something larger than what
is manifested.This consciousness then,
Evolution deals with the unfolding of the which manifests, obviously must have been
consciousness, the underlying principle, involved from the beginning in the whole
the substratum, the cause and the effect of matter and in every knot, formation and
of evolution. Consciousness is that particle of matter, life, mind and whatever
energy within all objects and beings, is above mind.
the vitality behind the sense organs, the
feeler potential in the mind, the light that Evolution and involution are processes reverse
illumines the intellect. Consciousness to each other. If evolution is considered to be
exists at all times, everywhere, in a state of ascent, involution is one of descent.
everything even when it may appear to Evolution starts from nothingness to
be dormant, inert. For its awakening, it inconscient, to subconscient, to the formation
awaits for the right aspiration, preparation, of matter. Its goal is to reach the highest state
readiness and nurturance to convert from of consciousness. Involution on the other
inactive to active. hand is the unmanifested holding of all the

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