the basis of the old, is the result that can follow. Till then work and life can be only a means of sadhana, not a “self-fulfilment” or a brilliant and interesting vital life on the old basis.Sri Aurobindo
Letters of Sri Aurobindo
09. Sadhana in the Ashram and Outside
Fragment ID: 1677
Obviously the life here is not that of a place where the mind and vital can hope to be satisfied and fulfilled or lead a lively life. It is only if one can live within that it becomes satisfactory.... But for one who has the assured inner life, there is no dullness. Realisation within must be the first object; work for the Divine on the basis of the true inner self and a new consciousness, not on the basis of the old, is the result that can follow. Till then work and life can be only a means of sadhana, not a “self-fulfilment” or a brilliant and interesting vital life on the old basis.