Sri Aurobindo
Letters of Sri Aurobindo
12. Experiences of the Inner and the Cosmic Consciousness
Not speaking or contacting when one is in the intensity of the peace is one thing – that can be done. Remaining isolated at other times as a rule of life does not seem to me necessary – it is safe only for those who can live entirely within without losing their hold on outer reality. If one has always a solid poise of peace one can do that or a clear mind balanced and discriminating along with constant experiences which it is able to put in the right place. But some get absorbed in inner experiences which they get lost in and get passionately attached to and this inner life becomes for them the sole reality without the outer to poise it and keep it under check and test – there lies a danger. Again if one remains isolated without the support of a settled inner poise and constant experience over which one has a discriminating control, then in periods of emptiness the vital can arise bringing struggles, difficulties, unrest, suggestions of all kinds, a troubled and turbid state – rather than spend the time in that, as some do, it is better to mix with others or do some work or otherwise externalise oneself in a healthy way.