. Jiva as an individual divine spark
- Divine original nature:
Sri Aurobindo emphasises that Jiva is basically the individual expression of the infinite Divine. Every human being carries within him a spark of the Absolute, which is called Jivatman (the true Self). This self is unchanging and eternal, despite the numerous external changes and experiences in life.
- Individuation and diversity:
Although all jivas emanate from the same divine source, they manifest in diverse forms and personalities. This individuality serves to experience and unfold the divine in countless forms of expression.
2. the difference between Jivatman and the psychic being
- Evolution of Mental, Vital and Physical:
Jiva passes through different levels of existence:- Mental level: This is where the first forms of individual thinking and feeling are formed.
- The psychic being - inner divine guide:
In addition to the jivatman, there is the psychic being or inner guide that develops in the depths of the soul. This being actively works to lead the human being to an ever more conscious and deeper connection with the divine. It gathers experiences, guides development and acts as a mediator between the infinite Jivatman and the limited aspects of individual life.
3 Jiva and his relationship with Prakriti
- rong>Manifestation in der Natur:
Jiva tritt in die materielle Welt ein, um sich im Spiel von Prakriti (der Natur) zu entfalten. Sri Aurobindo sieht in der Interaktion von Jiva und Prakriti eine kosmische Dynamik, bei der das Göttliche durch die Vielfalt der Schöpfung wirkt.
- strong>Evolutionary role:
Through constant interaction with the material world, Jiva gathers experiences that contribute to spiritual evolution. This development is not a random process, but follows a conscious, cosmic plan in which each individual life makes a contribution to the whole of creation.
4 The dynamic nature of Jiva
- Continuous evolution:
Sri Aurobindo emphasises that jiva is never static. Although the jivatman remains eternal and unchanging, the manifestation of the individual consciousness - the jiva - is subject to constant change. This change manifests itself in the constant expansion of consciousness, in turning towards higher knowledge and ultimately towards union with the Divine.
- Evolution von Mental, Vital und Physis:
Jiva durchläuft verschiedene Ebenen der Existenz:
- Mental level: The first forms of individual thinking and feeling are formed here.
- Vital level: Emotions and willpower play a central role at this level.
- Physical level: The body as an expression of material existence forms the basis for all experiences.
The development of the jiva aims to transform these levels so that they come closer and closer to the universal, supramental consciousness.
5 Jiva as an integral part of the cosmic plan
- strong>Creative expression of the divine:
For Sri Aurobindo, jiva is not just a passive recipient of experiences, but an active co-creator of creation. Through his individual experience and development, he contributes to the ongoing manifestation and evolution of the divine.
- Goal of union:
Ultimately, the evolutionary process of jiva strives to return to a conscious union with the infinite Jivatman. This goal of spiritual transformation, often referred to as supramental evolution, marks the path from a limited, egocentric existence to a conscious, all-encompassing life in harmony with the divine.
6. summarising perspective
Sri Aurobindo summarises the meaning of Jiva as:
- The individual expression of the infinite divine: Every human being is a living spark of the Absolute.
- A dynamic, evolving process: Through interaction with the material world and the inner guidance of the psychic being, jiva is constantly transformed and expanded.
- A central player in the cosmic plan: The individual experience and spiritual development of each jiva contributes to the ongoing manifestation and realisation of the divine in creation.
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