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Viewing and treating others as the Divine

Dr. Larry Seidlitz

“... the idea on which the mind should fix is that of God in all, all in God and all as God (1).”

“All is the Divine Being.” (Bhagavad Gita. VII, 19)

Abstract
This paper examines human relationships in the light of Sri Aurobindo’s and the Mother’s
Integral Yoga. A fundamental assertion, common to many spiritual traditions, is that the
Divine is immanent within all human beings as well as beyond them. We are invited to make
this basic truth an ideal to which we progressively align our day-to-day experience and
practice of interacting with others. Various quotes are explored from Sri Aurobindo’s and the
Mother’s writings, which contextualise this ideal and practice in various situations such as
work, helping others, family relations, as well as interacting with others in general. The chief
obstacle of desire is elaborated. Central practices of Integral Yoga are discussed to base our
efforts in transforming our relations, such as inwardly concentrating on the psychic being,
developing awareness of the Witness Purussa, calling on the Divine Grace for help in effecting
the changes sought and developing greater awareness and vigilance in our day-to-day
actions.

It is perhaps obvious, but at times it is useful However, underlying all differences of
to stress this important truth, that the Divine viewpoint, opinion or approach towards life,
dwells in every person, that each is in fact there is a fundamental unity, a fundamental
a form of the Divine, however imperfect truth in which differing views all find their
that form may seem to be. It is especially justification and reason for existence, as well
important to be reminded of this at this time as the basis for their harmonisation with all
when people have become so polarised with others.
opposing values, religions, philosophies and
political views, viewpoints on social issues Sri Aurobindo and the Mother have presented
and perspectives on various practical issues. a certain view of the nature of Reality which

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