Part I. The Yoga of Divine Works:

The Four Aids (Excerpts)

Selections from the Sri Aurobindo Birth Centenary Library

From Volumes 20, The Synthesis of Yoga

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from Part 1, Chapter 1, p.47, "The Four Aids"

Yoga-siddhi, the perfection that comes from the practice of Yoga, can be best attained by the combined working of four great instruments. There is, first, the knowledge of the truths, principles, powers and processes that govern the realisation -- sastra. Next comes a patient and persistent action of the lines laid down by the knowledge, the force of our personal effort -- utsaha. There intervenes, third, uplifting our knowledge and effort into the domain of spiritual experience, the direct suggestion, example and influence of the Teacher -- guru. Last comes the instrumentality of Time -- kala; for in all things there is a cycle of their action and a period of the divine movement.
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