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Dr Reddy’s commentary, transcribed from his talks on The Synthesis of Yoga, continues with Chapters 6–12 of Part II: The Yoga of Integral Knowledge.  In these chapters the author examines Sri Aurobindo’s stipulation that the aim of seeking knowledge must be to realise our own supreme self, to break free from any false identification with our body, mind, and life. To achieve this we must follow a systematic process, beginning with securing our release from subjection to the body, initially  through the separation between Prakriti and Purusha. Next, as the satisfaction of desire is one of the primary motives that drives the ordinary human life, we must follow a discipline to release us from the desires of the heart and the mind. Chapter Nine highlights both the immense difficulty and the absolute necessity of transcending the ego. Then, moving toward the true knowledge of our supreme self, the last three chapters expound on the realisation of the cosmic Self, the modes of the Self, and the realisation of Sachchidananda.

Transcribed from Dr Reddy’s talks on The Synthesis of Yoga, Volume VII continues the examination of The Yoga of Integral Knowledge with Chapters 13–18.  The first chapter examines the difficulties of the mental being in embracing not only the transcendent peace and bliss of the One, but also recognising the divine spark at the origin of creation. Likewise, the chapter on the passive and the active Brahman seeks to establish the connection between both aspects in the Integral Yoga and the effects of that connection on sadhana. Moving from the state in which Brahman alone exists to one in which we see Him everywhere and in all things, we must know what it means to identify with the cosmic consciousness. Similarly, the final chapters lay out the path to reach the Supreme Oneness, how that Oneness manifests in duality, and the true meaning of the soul’s liberation.

In these transcriptions of his talks delivered at Savitri Bhavan in 2013–2014, the author discusses Canto 4 of Book I, “The Secret Knowledge”. The canto describes the secret knowledge that Aswapati discovers as he ascends in his spiritual journey. It deals with the present human condition, the emergence of the psychic being, the Upanishadic description of the nature of Brahman, and the world as experienced by Aswapati. The Mother’s conversations, particularly those on the psychic being, bring an invaluable clarity and richness to the book.

In Volume Four of these transcribed talks delivered at Savitri Bhavan in 2014, the author expounds on Canto 5 of Book I, “The Yoga of the King: The Yoga of the Spirit’s Freedom and Greatness”. Armed with the secret knowledge described in Canto 4, Aswapati continues his individual yoga, culminating in his psychic and spiritual transformation.  He realises that the world is destined to evolve further towards a higher realisation, prompting him to undertake the next phase of his yoga as a Traveller of the Worlds in Book II.

In this paper presented at a 2005 conference, the author traces the theme of transformation through the course of Aswapati’s sadhana. At every stage Aswapati has to make an effort of sadhana to be able to receive the transforming grace of the Mother. When at last a glimpse of the New Creation is revealed to him he then prays for the descent of a human embodiment of the Supreme Mother to come on earth to save and transform mankind. The supramental transformation, which only has the power to make earth the field of divine life, is shown as being prepared by Aswapati, embodying the steadfast aspiration of the earth, and Savitri, embodying the grace of the Supreme Mother.