Date: January 30, 2026
Venue: Matriniketan
As part of the residential programme organized by Uditam: Institute for Integral Healing, Sri Aurobindo Society, Dr. Beloo Mehra, Director, BhāratShakti, was invited to facilitate a group discussion session on Friday, January 30, 2026. For her session, Dr. Mehra focused on the topic – Role of Silence in Human Relationships.
Dr. Mehra began by sharing that the teaching of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother on Integral Yoga are all-encompassing and do not leave out any aspect of life. So when all life is yoga, how can we not speak of human relationships in the light of yogic wisdom? She shared with the group that in the Renaissance journal the theme of Human Relations and Yoga has been dealt with extensively. One of the features in this theme also explores the place of Silence and Solitude in human relations.
Dr. Mehra said that just as in sadhana, in human relations also, one must be able to enjoy some inner solitude. It is there one must first discover and feel a sense of wholeness, because that will prepare one for having a meaningful relation with the other. As has been said by many, a fulfilling relationship also needs space in between.
She pointed out that when the modern rationalistic mindset, once super happy and content with its strong dose of individualism and ‘my life, my choice’ finds that extreme to be unhealthy, the pendulum swings to the other extreme. And we begin to see way too much emphasis on companionship, spending quality time together, doing things together, etc. But what is generally ignored is the need to have enough spaces in companionship…on the value of creating healthy inner solitude while still enjoying a beautiful relationship.
Dr. Mehra then shared a few verses she had penned on this theme and also read a few lines penned by the Punjabi author Amrita Pritam on this theme. This opened up the session for discussion on the right place of silence and solitude in healthy and fulfilling relationships. The group was very candid in sharing and it led to a meaningful and thought-provoking learning experience for all.
Several valuable insights were shared by the particiapnts. Topics of unfulfilled expectations, hurt ego, vital preferences, and instinct of possession were also briefly explored as the group examined the need to raise the basis of human relationships from vital to psychic level. Some time was spent on understanding the difference between loneliness and healthy solitude which helps in one’s inner rejuvenation.
It was also briefly discussed how important it is to explore the notion of human relationships from an evolutionary perspective. The session lasted for 1 hour and 45 minutes, but it was appreciated by all the participants.