Thanks for the explanation.

On the question of my stance, I think that non-dualism is probably the ultimate 'truth', but that the universe is organised in a hierarchy of levels, all of which emanate from an ultimate non-dual intelligence, thus apparent dualism (and more than just two). Any intelligence manifested at the material evolutionary level is the consequence of these higher levels. This is a form of intelligent design, and would be a relative 'truth', although not necessarily the one advocated by Christians with their creator God. That would be more of a metaphor of the process.

I've read a little Aurobindo, and I would be surprised if he didn't believe something similar. I understand that he was not a traditional Hindu, but did come from an Indian background, so presumably started from that perspective. Hinduism seems to me to fit with my position, where Brahma is the equivalent of a creator God, but there are other creative intelligences.

If the material universe is “inherently intelligent”, that can presumably only be if it is composed of intelligence. If you do not attribute this to a manifestation from higher levels, then I assume that the alternative would be more along the lines of pantheism, an immanent 'God'?