The Ascent of Sight in Sri Aurobindo's Savitri

Section V:

Supraphysical Subtle Visions

The first question we have to answer is: What is, after all, a "vision"? Here are two passages from the Mother's writings which make the point absolutely unambiguous:

(1) "A vision is a perception, by the visual organs, of Phenomena that really exist in a world corresponding to the organ which sees. For example, to the individual vital plane there corresponds a cosmic vital world. When a human being is sufficiently developed he possesses an individualised vital being with organs of sight, hearing, smell, etc. So a Person who has a well-developed vital being can see in the vial world with his vital sight, consciously and with the memory of what he has seen. This is what makes a vision." (CWM, Vol. 10, p. 41)

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(2) "Vision is another plane of perception which awakes. It is the senses in the mind or vital or physical which wake up and manage to pass their experiences to the outer consciousness. It is as though one had another pair of eyes behind these, eyes which could see [other planes of consciousness] instead of seeing in the physical." (CWM, Vol. 7, p. 129)

The second question requiring answer is: Are visions a freak and abnormality? The answer is: No, the faculty of subtle sight is always there. Only, as one is concentrated in the most material life, one does not notice it.

For the normal functioning of this supraphysical occult sight, the conditions that have to be fulfilled are: (i) the quietening and the purification of the surface mind and vital; (ii) the opening up of the wall separating the outer mind and the inner consciousness; and, preferably, (iii) the capacity to enter freely within and dwell there at will. In this connection we may read with profit the following letter of Sri Aurobindo addressed to one of his disciples who wanted to know the truth about the matter:

"... this power or gift of [supraphysical sight] ... is a universal faculty present in all human beings, but latent in most, in some rarely or intermittently active, occurring as if by accident in others, frequent and normally active in a few. ...almost anyone, if he wants, can with a little concentration and training develop the faculty of supraphysical vision. ...It comes more easily with the eyes shut than with the eyes open, but it does come in both ways." (Letters on Yoga, p. 937)

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The third question that may haunt our mind sometimes is: What value is there in developing this faculty of subtle sight? The answer is: All visions have a significance of one kind or another. When rightly interpreted they can be of great help in the development of Sadhana. Also, by the opening of the inner vision, one becomes aware of the subtle planes of experience and of the worlds of existence other than the material, which are all the time exercising their occult influences to shape and govern our outer life and consciousness. The following quotation from Sri Aurobindo pithily sums up the matter:

"This power of vision... should not be rejected although it is not the most important thing - for the most important thing is the change of the consciousness." (Letters on Yoga, p. 931)

The fourth question that may intrigue some persons is: Is there any negative side to the free indulgence of the faculty of subtle vision? The answer is: Yes, all that comes in visions may not be true; some visions may be due to the mental or vital formations of the subject; some others may be introduced by some hostile occult forces and beings. Some visions may be nothing more than alluring falsehoods. Some others may come only with the purpose of sidetracking the spiritual aspirant from the main path of sadhana. So, in order to avoid all these dangers and pitfalls the sadhaka should develop in himself inner purity and sincerity, a clear mind, a power of luminous discrimination and above all an attitude of "benevolent indifference". In Sri Aurobindo's pointed recommendation:

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"...one must see and observe without attachment, keeping always the main object in front, realisation of the inner Self and the Divine". ( Letters on Yoga, p. 1027 )

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