The Aims and Ideals of The Sri Aurobindo Ashram

This compilation deals with the aims and ideals of the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, its character and way of life. The subjects covered include living in the Ashram, the practice of the Integral Yoga, the place of work, relations with others, religion, philanthropy, politics and business. The texts are all brief passages from the works of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother; most are letters to disciples who were living in the Ashram. At the end there are notes on Sri Aurobindo, the Mother and the Ashram, and a glossary.

The book will be of interest to anyone who wishes to understand the purpose of the Ashram and its way of life.

Contents

1	The Character of the Ashram
	The Foundation	3
	The Aim	6
	A Laboratory of Yoga	9
	Growth by Consciousness	10
2	Living in the Ashram
	Living in the Ashram and Outside	13
	The First Condition of Admission	14
	Qualities Indispensable for Progress	16
	The Necessities of a Sadhak	17
	Comfort and Happiness	19
3	The Integral Yoga
	What is the Integral Yoga?	21
	The Object of the Yoga	22
	The Call to the Yoga	22
	No Set Method	23
	Self-opening	24
	Surrender	26
	Faith	28
	Sincerity	29
4	Work in the Ashram
	The Meaning of Work	31
	Yoga through Work	33
	Work and Meditation	34
	Perfection in Work	35
	Discipline in Work	36
	Harmony and Cooperation in Work	38
	Difficulties in Work	40
	Paid Workers and Servants	43
5	Relations with Others
	Harmony with Others	45
	Criticism of Others	48
	Attachment of Family and Friends	51
	Sexual Relations	53
	A Rule for Behaviour	55
6	Religion, Philanthrophy, Politics, Business
	Religion and Spiritual Life	58
	Helping Humanity	60
	Propaganda	61
	Politics	63
	Financial Arrangements and Business	65
7	Other Subjects
	Physical Education	68
	Questions and Answers	70
	Persistent Practice	78
	A Dream	79
	Sri Aurobindo	81
	The Mother	82
	Sri Aurobindo Ashram	83
	References to the Texts	85
	Glossary	91

Sample Pages