Community Building: Insights from Integral Yoga

These are times of great turmoil and uprising. Some might argue that humanity is at a crossroads. We are faced with choices that could either lead to our evolution or trap us in a repetitive cycle. This moment offers an opportunity for humans to rise to their full potential and embody their “superman” being.

In these uncertain times, we both love and fear each other, often confused about our roles and how to contribute. There is an incessant urge to uplift and rise, yet certain forces may hinder us from realizing our truth. Chaudhuri (1973) reflects on this by asking, “What will be the precise status of the Individual in the social structure of the coming race of Supermen? In what relations will individuals stand to each other and to the collective whole? The establishment of a perfect collective life on earth — a Kingdom of Truth — depends upon the setting up of the truly balanced type of relation between the individual and the social whole to which he belongs” (p. 168).

This moment invites us to envision and embody our “superman” potential, rising above current challenges. Recognizing our full potential can guide us on a path forward, both outwardly and inwardly, in ways that have never been seen before. While humans often commit to destructive behaviors, committing to awakening our full potential offers a chance to rekindle lost wisdom and commit to our Becoming. We can learn to embrace our Being within. The concept of the superman alone can act as a catalyst for profound awakening, reminding us of what is possible and guiding us toward creating pathways to achieve it.

A possible common thread for creating community in modern times. These descriptions of superman are drawn from Haridas Chaudhuri’s writings in Sri Aurobindo: The Prophet of the Life Divine (largely from Chapter 7) discussing Superman or Divine Man. As Chaudhuri (1973) explains, “The vision of Supermanhood sums up and brings to a focus the loftiest ideals which have been inspiring mankind throughout the ages. It is the vision of the rich outflowering of the Divine in Man” (p. 121). This vision has significant implications for contemporary Western culture, particularly in the context of community building and placemaking. In an era marked by turmoil and transformation, the ideal of Supermanhood potentially provides a pathway for humanity to rise to its full potential. I will include the example of Auroville, as explored by Debashish Banerji and explore the creation of Auroville as a comparative framework for my personal experiences in community building.

The concept of Supermanhood

Supermanhood is a vision by Sri Aurobindo for the progressive human race, pointing to a bright future of an evolving mankind. Supermanhood encompasses the passage from duality to the immortal existence of infinite consciousness. Chaudhuri (1973) writes,“Supermanhood implies the bringing into play of the Supermind in man, its overt operation in all the parts of his existence, and its success in transforming him thoroughly into an image of the Divine. The Superman is thus man transfigured in all the members of his being by the sovereign dynamism of the Spirit. In other words, the Superman is man divinised even down to the cells of his body and the corpuscles of his blood.” (p .120) Sri Aurobindo’s concept of Supermanhood encompasses both spiritual and material dimensions. As Chaudhuri (1973) notes, “It is the vision of the rich outflowering of the Divine in Man.” (p.121) I will further explore what this outflowering would look like in action, and within the context of material life.

Characteristics of the Superman

There are some characteristics essential to the development of the Superman that I would like to highlight and explore in depth. I believe that by exploring and developing these characteristics, we can formulate strategies and potentially develop a blueprint for approaching our lives with greater conviction and strength. Chaudhuri (1973) writes, “Supermanhood carries with it the solution of the problems of human existence and the remedy of the chief maladies of collective human living.” (p. 122) I propose that if we can uncover pathways to Supermanhood, then we can also learn to remedy the collective suffering of humanity. I will highlight some specific characteristics to more fully investigate potential creative pathways to Supermanhood.

The first characteristic is self-realization. The Superman is one who has integrated the personality and the realization of the supreme Truth. In The Philosophy of Integralism, Haridas Chaudhuri speaks to the Psycho-cosmic continuum of the absolute. Chaudhuri exposits, “The cosmic order is as much relative to the psyche, — to the ordering and unifying power of the psyche, — as the psyche is relative to the cosmos, — to the function of the cosmos as its sustaining medium. Subject and object interpenetrate in the structure of Being.” (p. 71) So, when we think about our psychological process moving towards Supermanhood, we will likely have to begin to expand our current psychological frameworks.

The next aspect I will highlight is insight. The Superman has a deep understanding of the significance of his life in the material world. “Having struck a middle course between asceticism and materialism, it directs man’s attention to the goal of dynamic self-identification with the Divine Will in the world.” (p.121) The Superman will have overcome limiting beliefs and realize himself as one with the greater Divine Will; and then will begin to act accordingly.

Another aspect of Supermanhood is a creative one. “The Superman is essentially the playmate of the Divine in His cosmic self-expression and creative adventures.” (p.121) The Superman will likely need to adopt strategies for being in constant co-creation with the Divine, realizing that this playful partnership is the process of Becoming. This is shared with the tenant of non-dualism. “It means the passage of the soul from the sphere of death, desire, and duality, to the immortal existence of ineffable joy and infinite consciousness.” (p. 153)

Finally, we reach the exploration of Community and Collectivity. The consciousness of the Superman is struck by the realization that his Self is identical with the Self in all other beings. This leads to a sense of unity and harmony, where there is no conflict between self-interest and social interest”, “the Superman feels himself in others and others within himself.” (p. 171) Here we have clues to understanding how to evolve and also continue to exist in the company of others. Haridas further wrote, “Supermanhood is a pointer to the bright future of evolving mankind.“ (p. 122) These words lead us to a more hopeful way of approaching the challenges that exist in being in communion with others that may not share similar values and outlooks. We may no longer fear “troubled waters” and can enter them with a greater awareness to our potential impact of a growing consciousness. “His liberation would be liberation in Nature, and not simply liberation from Nature.” (p. 160)

Community of the Superman

What would it look like to be in a community of supermen? What are the conditions that would create this? What can we do now to create the birthplace of the Superman? Haridas points out, “In a true sense the ideal individual and the perfect community arise together.” (p. 209) Interestingly, I have recently created a physical community space that I call, “The Center”. I can integrate this perspective, an integral approach, to my already existing framework for The Center. I will further explore what Integral Yoga can offer my birthing community. Chaudhuri explains, “So, the Superman is one who, having attained integral self-realisation and supramental transformation of his entire being, functions as a worthy playmate of the Divine in establishing the kingdom of heaven on earth {dkarmardjya).” (p. 157) Establishing “the kingdom of heaven on earth” may seem like a lofty goal, but by applying the characteristics of Superman, maybe we can begin to achieve greater harmony, from which the creation of accelerated community living can exist.

I posit that creating a community on a shared vision of Supermanhood would involve a commitment to consciousness. Members must be dedicated to their conscious process and self-discovery. There would also be shared values and principles. The community should embody principles of non-ownership, continuous education, and integration of past, present and future wisdom. There should also be an integration with nature. Living in harmony with nature and engaging in practices that honor and communicate with the natural world. This would also lend itself to stronger placemaking, which I will speak to in greater detail.

Placemaking and the creation of community

We have the power to establish a birthplace and a home for this new way of being. We can choose to live a life that aligns with the superman pathway and is in right-relation to its environment. Embracing this realization, allows us to become who we truly are and appreciate the divine plan while remaining patient with the process. The journey is not about the end but a start to a catalyzing process. Once we have shaped a reality within ourselves, a new collective reality can emerge. Superman’s existence, whether lived or understood, can create a wave and project us into a new way of being. I share some words that came to me while contemplating this.

Some have a voice

to live and relive.

we have a way forward.

Superman is a name for a cosmic reality that is realized through man.

It is a merging of forces in a body to create something new.

We are all potential pathways for cosmic realities to join and create.

What we want to know is

that it is not us.

and we are not it.

What it becomes

and what it realizes

is but the creation itself.

— Crystal L. Peña

“The consciousness of every Superman will be thoroughly penetrated by the vivid realisation that his Self is identical with the Self in all other beings and that all individual Selves are but integral portions of the one universal Self.” “He will feel himself in others, and feel others within himself.” (p. 172) I am touched by the idea that we can allow ourselves to feel our way to Supermanhood.

Inspirations from Auroville

I was inspired and moved unexpectedly by the discussion on Auroville. First, I was unaware of its existence, yet there was a familiarity in the references to its teachings and founders. In the article “Auroville: Land, Technology, and the Micropolitics of Integral Living in an Intentional Community,” Debashish Banerji writes about Auroville, and it served as my introduction to this community.

There should be somewhere on earth a place which no nation could claim as its own, where all human beings of goodwill who have a sincere aspiration could live freely as citizens of the world and obey one single authority, that of the supreme Truth.

~ The Mother

A comparative look at Auroville and my current process of community building

Sri Aurobindo, as referenced in Banerji’s article, observed that “one can align this social space with other experiments of the time, such as those of Rabindranath Tagore or M. K. Gandhi, who both founded “ashrams” as habitats for personal and collective self-determination with ethical, cultural, and psychological goals. In all these cases, the “ashram” as a habitus of collective isolation and social critique, served as a space resistant to the global drive of capital, and offered a buffer for selective assimilation of modernity. Of the three, living in harmony with nature was most prominent as a goal in Tagore’s Shantiniketan” (p. 248)

I am struck by harmony in nature, as this is in full alignment with my own vision and indigenous teachings. I made a concerted effort to not disrupt the ecosystem of the land and to ask permission of what we create and be in constant communications with the living beings on the land. This statement also leads me to introspect this idea of an ashram within my own personal context and lived experience. Currently, I like to call my space, “a sanctuary” that is “free of hierarchy and harm inherent in capitalist systems”. I can see the similarities of inherent purpose here and wonder what I can learn from the creation of Auroville and its history and current standing. I am immediately grateful for the invitation into the space through the virtual introduction, writing and shared experience of those who have participated and lived there.

Furthermore, Banerji highlights “Auroville will be a site of material and spiritual research for a living embodiment of an actual human unity” (p. 258). I seek to create a place where diversity can live abundantly and there is a shared relationality and opportunity for dialogue on common ground. Regarding the founding of Auroville by Sri Aurobindo’s spiritual partner, Mirra Alfassa, aka the Mother, Debeshish Banerji wrote,

“Auroville is the name she gave this community, providing a charter for it which emphasized its international scope and its grounding in the effort for integration — now inclusive of psychological and cultural dimensions (the ideal of human unity):

1. Auroville belongs to nobody in particular. Auroville belongs to humanity as a whole. But, to live in Auroville, one must be a willing servitor of the divine consciousness.

2. Auroville will be the place of an unending education, of constant progress, and a youth that never ages.

3. Auroville wants to be the bridge between the past and the future. Taking advantage of all discoveries from without and from within, Auroville will boldly spring towards future realizations.

4. Auroville will be a site of material and spiritual researches for a living embodiment of an actual human unity.”

Auroville belongs to nobody in particular. Reminiscent of the term “diaphaneity” used by Jean Gebser (1986). Auroville belongs to humanity as a whole. But, to live in Auroville, one must be a willing servitor of the divine consciousness.” (p. 7)

What struck me the most about all of this is that only one week before reading this, I created a public “statement of us” in which I detail the principles and purpose of the space I have created. I am only recently learning about The Mother, but her teachings continue to move and inspire me because their values closely align with those I have adopted. I had just written a statement myself as a founder of The Center @thecenter_atx. Due to the challenges of creating the space and recent personal challenges, I realized the importance of the statement. I have said repeatedly in the past that the center belongs to nobody in particular, it is for everyone. I have also said that the people that will be part of it are committed to their conscious process. I see it as a place of education, inspired by the concept of the rainbow bridge. I have described it as being a lab for conscious embodiment. An excerpt of my statement reads,

“This is a laboratory for self-discovery, growth, team-building, and community-making. Our practices address the root cause of suffering and are informed by our indigenous lineages and ancestral wisdom. We have made a concerted effort to decolonize our practices, removing harmful hierarchical patterns of control and manipulation inherently built into capitalist systems. Our approach utilizes a compassionate lens, embodying whole-body, humanistic mindsets and allowing for the restoration and unfolding of parallel realities simultaneously. Reworking the nervous system is integral to the healing and embodiment process. Our collective healing space facilitates the transference of wisdom and reconciliation of harmful patterns of control and dominance. We aim to discover our own inner truths, recognizing that we are stronger together. Each meeting and workshop is an opportunity for growth and evolution, continuously informed by our experiences.” Further I wrote, “With gratitude, we reach great heights, healing ourselves from the exhaustion of capitalism and intrinsic human struggles.”

In addition, I’ve experienced numerous synchronicities while writing this paper, particularly related to “Earth Animism,” land, purpose, and community building. For example, on the eight acres where my studio is located, a newly hired employee recently mentioned that he lived in an ashram and has studied Integral Yoga. Interestingly, I also find myself currently enrolled in an Integral Yoga course, sitting in a yoga studio on this very land, while we discuss the founding of Auroville and intentional community. Although I’m reading about The Mother for the first time, many of the words she uses have already emerged in my meditations and lived experiences. The timing of these developments is inspiring and motivates me to delve deeper into The Mother’s work and writings, where I continue to find inspiration and reassurance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, creating a community of Supermen requires a collective commitment to conscious processes and self-discovery. Members must embody shared values and principles, fostering an environment where continuous education and the integration of past, present, and future wisdom are prioritized. Such a community must also live in harmony with nature, engaging in practices that honor and communicate with the natural world, emphasizing the unity of individual and collective consciousness. As Chaudhuri suggests, “Integration of personality = realization of the Self = knowledge of the Divine = spiritual liberation or freedom” (p. 154). This equation can serve as a foundation for building communities that realize humanity’s highest potential, integrating both spiritual and material dimensions.

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References

Banerji, D. (2021). Auroville: Land, technology and the micropolitics of integral living in an intentional community. Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

Chaudhuri, H. (1967). The philosophy of integralism: The metaphysical synthesis in Sri Aurobindo’s teaching (2nd ed.). Sri Aurobindo Ashram Trust.

Chaudhuri, H. (1973). Sri Aurobindo: The prophet of the life divine (2nd ed.). Sri Aurobindo

Ashram Publication Department. (Original work published 1951, 1960)