In this collection of brief replies to the question of a disciple, Sri Aurobindo discuss the essential qualities needed to practise the Integral Yoga-aspiration, faith, devotion, surrender, sincerity. He also explains how to deal with some of the problems of spiritual life.

How can one know if he is fit for the spiritual life before taking up yoga?

How can anyone know before he puts his step on the path? He can only know whether he has the aspiration or not, whether he feels a call or not.

When can it be said that a sadhak has laid his foundation in sadhana?

When he has a settled calm and equality and devotion and a continuity of spiritual experience.

This book is a compilation of Sri Aurobindo’s replies to elementary questions about yoga raised by a disciple during the years 1933 to 1936. It was first published in 1953 and reissued in 1956. In 1991 the text was reproduced as the first part of Commentaries on “Elements of Yoga” by the Mother. Elements of Yoga is now being issued independently again in a second edition.