Jivanmukta (SAP 033)

This talk is woven around Sri Aurobindo’s poem which describes the ideal of the Jivanmukta, taking examples from his own life.

JIVANMUKTA

There is a silence greater than any known
To earth’s dumb spirit, motionless in the soul
     That has become Eternity’s foothold,
          Touched by the infinitudes for ever.

A Splendour is here, refused to the earthward sight,
That floods some deep flame-covered all-seeing eye;
     Revealed it wakens when God’s stillness
          Heavens the ocean of moveless Nature.

A Power descends no Fate can perturb or vanquish,
Calmer than mountains, wider than marching waters,
     A single might of luminous quiet
          Tirelessly bearing the worlds and ages.

A Bliss surrounds with ecstasy everlasting,
An absolute high-seated immortal rapture
     Possesses, sealing love to oneness
          In the grasp of the All-beautiful, All-beloved.

He who from Time’s dull motion escapes and thrills
Rapt thoughtless, wordless into the Eternal’s breast,
     Unrolls the form and sign of being,
          Seated above in the omniscient Silence.

Although consenting here to a mortal body,
He is the Undying; limit and bond he knows not;
     For him the aeons are a playground,
          Life and its deeds are his splendid shadow.

Only to bring God’s forces to waiting Nature,
To help with wide-winged Peace her tormented labour
     And heal with joy her ancient sorrow,
          Casting down light on the inconscient darkness,

He acts and lives. Vain things are mind’s smaller motives
To one whose soul enjoys for its high possession
     Infinity and the sempiternal
          All is his guide and beloved and refuge.

(Sri Aurobindo, Collected Poems, pp. 551-552)