The Story of a Soul

25 October 1955

I really wanted to be released from the grip of the opposing elements. In reply to my prayer she wrote:

25.10.55

My dear, very dear little child, I do want that you should be freed from these cruel forces that make you so unhappy and inwardly I am constantly working to save you from their nasty grip—with my force, thought and love I never leave you for a moment—they constantly surround you with their protection and help. It is only physically that I cannot see you and speak to you always because I am too busy and have too many things to do. So you must learn to feel always my very real presence and also my help whenever things become difficult.

It would be good if daily you could devote some time to prayer, worship and meditation in whatever place you find easier.

Meanwhile keep courage and faith. I shall see you on the first November, your birthday, with the purpose of giving you a new birth, a birth in the spirit, to make you strong and peaceful.

With my love and blessings.

The Mother

This letter brought me a gleam of comfort and hope.

I recall what the Mother has said about "New Birth", in the Bulletin of February 1959, p. 81:

What is called "New Birth" is the birth into the spiritual life, into the spiritual consciousness; it is to carry in oneself something of the Spirit which, through the individual soul, can begin to govern the life and be the master of one's existence. In the supramental world it is the Spirit which will become the master of this world in its entirety and of all its manifestations and all its expressions consciously, spontaneously, naturally.

The Mother, Questions and Answers (1957 - 1958): 26 November 1958

I wondered why Mother gave importance to birthays. Every evening I saw many birthday people going to her at the end of the distribution, carrying posies of flowers to offer to her, and to seek her blessings. The Mother received them and greeted them affectionately.

About birthdays the Mother has stated:

From the viewpoint of the inner nature, the individual is more receptive on his birthday from year to year, and thus it is an opportune moment to help him to make some progress each year.

The Mother, Some Answers from the Mother: 25 September 1969

I shook off the confused thoughts, and once more proceeded along the Path. The Mother sent me some incense-sticks which had a delicious perfume. Along with them came a plate and an incense-holder.

Then I started praying, meditating and worshipping the Divine as she had advised me, although I was hardly an expert in meditation.

She started sending roses, to be placed near the photographs of Sri Aurobindo and herself. Now my room had the air of a temple. When I burnt the incense-sticks, their aroma transported me to a celestial world.

As I write, the whirling smoke of fragrance reminds me of these lines from Savitri:

An incense floated in the quivering air,
A mystic happiness trembled in the breast
As if the invisible Beloved had come
Assuming the sudden loveliness of a face,
And close glad hands could seize his fugitive feet
And the world change with the beauty of a smile. ||75.14||