Champaklal Speaks

Mother’s Self-Portrait

1944-07-18

When the Mother came to Sri Aurobindo's room this morning, I showed her her self-portrait done for Chandanbala [Dr. Manilal's daughter]. And she exclaimed: “Seigneur! Qu'est-ce que c'est? (Lord! What is this?)”

Then she saw her signature and asked: “When was this done?”

I pointed out the date, 28.8.34, which Mother herself had written there below.

Mother: “But it is not good, not good. The mirror was not good and it was slanting too.”

C: “What you did for Kaushiki [Doraiswami's daughter] was remarkable, Mother, it was extraordinary, wonderful. That was the best.”

Mother: “Yes, but it is no longer there; it was destroyed.” She told me how and by whom it was destroyed, but I shall not repeat it. It was a sad happening. Perhaps it was destined. It illustrates how unprepared we are for her Grace.

C: “Mother, the portrait you did of me, is that not nice?”

Mother: “Perfect! If it had been signed Leonardo da Vinci, nobody would doubt it was not by him. Do not spoil it.”