Yoga and directed evolution

Sri Aurobindo on how Yoga is directed evolution - from 'The Synthesis of Yoga'

The process of yoga leaves behind the ordinary tardy method of slow and confused growth through the evolution of nature. For, the natural evolution is at its best an uncertain growth under cover, partly by the pressure of the environment, partly by a groping education and an ill-lighted purposeful effort, an only partially illumined and half-automatic use of opportunities with many blunders and lapses and relapses; a great portion of it is made up of apparent accidents and circumstances and vicissitudes, - though veiling a secret diving intervention and guidance. In Yoga, we replace this confused crooked crab-motion by a rapid, conscious and self-directed evolution which is planned to carry us, as far as can be, in a straight line towards the goal set before us. In a certain sense, it may be an error to speak of a goal anywhere in a progression which may well be infinite. Still, we can conceive of an immediate goal, an ulterior objective beyond our present achievement towards which the soul in man can aspire. There lies before him the possibility of a new birth; there can be an ascent into a higher and wider plane of being and its descent to transform its members. An enlarged and illumined consciousness is possible that shall make of him a liberated spirit and a perfected force.