According to the Vedantic view, the fundamental reality constituting the human being as well as the universe is Chit or Consciousness. All energy, dynamism or power comes from consciousness, for, as Sri Aurobindo states, "Absolute consciousness is in its nature absolute power; the nature of Chit is Shakti [Force]."Therefore, Chit is called also Chit-Shakti, Consciousness-Force. Thus the different forms of consciousness -physical, vital, mental, subliminal, subconscient and superconscient- are different formulations of powers of consciousness. In our ordinary state of consciousness we identify ourselves with our separate individual self called the ego, and seek power for the aggrandisement of the ego. But from a deeper point of view, all the endeavours of the ego are motivated unconsciously by the urge to discover one's true Self and its powers of consciousness.

Sri Aurobindo defines occultism as "the knowledge and right use of the hidden forces of Nature... -especially the forces of the subtle physical and supraphysical planes." As the Mother points out in a way, everyone practises occultism without knowing it because everyone uses the powers of thought and imagination which are in fact occult or hidden but which produce visible effects on oneself and others. The effects produced by our ordinary thought and imagination are meagre compared to what they could be if the powers were developed through training. In fact, most people are not even aware of the effects brought about by thought and imagination on
our bodies and our external lives. Therefore these powers are often used in ways which are detrimental to us and others. An important step in developing the powers within us is to become more conscious of the powers we already possess and use as also of the effects they are producing in our daily lives, so that we may learn to use them more deliberately and beneficially.