Compiled from the answers Sri Aurobindo gave in writing to some elementary questions about Yoga put to him by a disciple during the years 1933-36.
IV
Q: Is it true that it is only through the power of absolute sincerity that one can get full transformation and reach the Supramental Truth?
A: Yes.
The Mother has said: "If you are not sincere do not begin Yoga." Does this imply that if after entering Yoga a person finds that his sincerity is not complete, he should leave it?
A: No. It is only if he is fundamentally insincere that he should leave it.
Q: How can a sadhak know whether he is fundamentally insincere?
A: If he sees that he is full of ego and doing sadhana for the sake of the ego only and has no real turning towards the Divine.
Q: Is there no possibility for a sadhak to get rid of his fundamental insincerity ?
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A: If the sadhak becomes aware of his insincerity and sincerely wants to get rid of it, he can.
Q: How can a sadhak know whether he is growing in sincerity ?
A: By seeing whether he responds to the Divine forces only or still responds to, accepts and harbours the ego-forces and desire-forces.
Q: Is it true that if a sadhak has complete sincerity he can make rapid progress even if his devotion is deficient?
A: If he is sincere, there is bound to be devotion. Sincerity in Yoga means to respond to the Divine alone and if he has no devotion he cannot do it.
Q: What is the right attitude to stick on to this path till the Supramental Truth is realised?
A: There is the psychic condition and sincerity and devotion to the Mother.
Q: Is it a sign of sincerity to confess one's weaknesses and faults to the Divine and to others?
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A: Why to others? One has to confess them to the Divine.
Q: But if one does some wrong to a person, is it not necessary to confess it to him ? Is it enough to confess it to the Divine?
A: If it concerns the other persons, then it can be done.
Q: How can the sadhaks avoid being misled by the forces of falsehood in their sadhana?
A: They have to be always sincere—it depends upon that.
Q: How long is it necessary for the sadhaks to live in discipline?
A: Till they get the realisation at least.
Q: Does this mean that they have to live in discipline till they get the complete realisation?
A: At any rate a fundamental realisation so that they will no longer seek to act according to their mental fancy or vital ego.
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Q: What is meant by "fundamental realisation"? Does it refer to the condition of those sadhaks who are fully surrendered to the Divine and completely transformed?
A: That is the complete realisation. If they are fully transformed, there is no more sadhana.
Q: What is meant by "meantal fancy"?
A: When the mind follows its own ideas for the pleasure of it and out of attachment to them, not caring for the Truth.
Q: Is it possible for the sadhaks who have not got rid of mental fancy and vital ego to get even a partial realisation ?
A: No, they must be surrendered to the Divine.
Q: Is it sufficient to get rid of mental fancy and vital ego to reach the fundamental realisation?
A: No. He must surrender and his psychic must be in front and dominate the mind and vital.
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