Jagannath Vedalankar's Correspondence with The Mother

15 January 1947

Divine Mother,

Today I am writing to you a few lines about an externality of life. Often I have been careless about dressing my hair. The main motive behind has always been that it is a sheer waste of time and energy which can be spent for a higher pursuit. There have also intervened periods when I was impelled by some other motives, superior or inferior, and either I became excessively careful and attentive to the dressing of my hair or else I became more inattentive to it.

But now something in me wants that I should take the right yogic attitude even in this matter. What is true and good for me — to let my hair grow freely and keep it in a beautiful way, or get it cut from time to time and also remain clean-shaved? Especially, what attitude should I keep about this externality of life?

Generally the motive behind all neglect of the body is a tamasic laziness. The right attitude is not to give an undue attention to these externalities, but at the same time to take all necessary care for the body to remain fit and strong. Moreover external untidiness is always the expression and symbol of some inner confusion and lack of organisation, mental or vital.

With my love and blessings

15 January 1947