The Mother's brief statements on various aspects of spiritual life including some conversations.
Part One consists primarily of brief written statements by the Mother on various aspects of spiritual life. Written between the early 1930s and the early 1970s, the statements have been compiled from her public messages, private notes, and correspondence with disciples. About two-thirds of them were written in English; the rest were written in French and appear here in English translation. There are also a small number of spoken comments, most of them in English. Some are tape-recorded messages; others are reports by disciples that were later approved by the Mother for publication. These reports are identified by the symbol § placed at the end. Part Two consists of thirty-two conversations not included elsewhere in the Collected Works. The first six conversations are the earliest recorded conversations of the 1950s' period. About three-fourths of these conversations were spoken in French and appear here in English translation.
(Suggested programme for a study group)
1) Prayer
(Sri Aurobindo, Mother—grant us your help in our endeavour to understand your teaching.)
2) Reading of Sri Aurobindo's book.
3) A moment of silence.
4) One question can be put by whoever wants to put a question on what has been read.
5) Answer to the question.
6) No general discussion.
This is it not the meeting of a group but simply a class for studying Sri Aurobindo's books.
31 October 1942
I have read X's letters and would like you to tell him that:
1) I think it would be better to begin the circle without a too expensive basis to start with, so that the question of money will not be at the forefront and troublesome. Later on when the circle will have proved a success it can move to more expensive quarters.
2) The yearly subscription for the members can be fixed at Rs.10, but I propose that all those who wish to come to read and study Sri Aurobindo's books can do so without being members of the circle and on a small subscription of Rs. 2 for instance.
3) It is better not to lend books and let them go out of the circle premises.
4) I wish that apart from the yearly subscription, no money should be asked from those who send money here regularly because it would be so much taken from their contribution here.
Page 202
5) He must not form a committee except with people with whom he can fully agree and also who are accepted by Sri Aurobindo and myself here.
6) He must not do anything without our written consent and to save time it is better if he writes directly to me in English, stating in a short and precise way the steps he intends to take.
Finally you can send him my blessings and my recommendation to avoid all quarrels, bad feelings and misunderstandings.
A word to finish:
It is only egoism that is shocked to find egoism in others.
5 October 1943
(Message for the inauguration of the Sri Aurobindo Philosophical Circle, Hong Kong)
Let the eternal Light dawn on the eastern horizon.
26 June 1954
(Message for the inauguration of the Delhi Branch of Sri Aurobindo Ashram)
Let this place be worthy of its name and manifest the true spirit of Sri Aurobindo's teaching and message to the world.
With my blessings.
12 February 1956
In Delhi at the Sri Aurobindo Ashram branch they need very badly somebody qualified who could give lectures on Sri Aurobindo's teaching and organise the higher studies in the Ashram School.
I am quite convinced that you are the best man to do that work. You have a very clear and deep understanding of Sri
Page 203
Aurobindo's writings and at the same time your explanations are very attractive and comprehensible.
Kindly let me know if you agree to this proposal, so that the necessary arrangements can be made.
I feel quite sure that you have fully benefited by this time of rest you had with your family and that you are quite fit now.
Blessings to all and for you with my love.
13 June 1958
To all those who work and learn in the Delhi Branch of the Ashram, I send my blessings.
Let each one do his very best and, peacefully, leave to the Supreme the care of the results.
21 August 1960
(Message for the inauguration of Sri Aurobindo Nilaya, Santiniketan)
To open a centre is not sufficient in itself. It must be the pure hearth of a perfect sincerity in a total consecration to the Divine.
Let the flame of this sincerity rise high above the falsities and deceptions of the world.
With blessings.
21 December 1962
Sri Aurobindo's Action and Sri Aurobindo Society
are equally working for the manifestation of the truth in the immediate future; and to help both equally is to work for this realisation.
Page 204
And my blessings are with all help and good will.
2 May 1971
Home
The Mother
Books
Share your feedback. Help us improve. Or ask a question.