Maude Smith's Correspondence with The Mother

8 October 1957

Mother,

I found a suggestion in your book On Education about how to deal with vital rebellion and depression: "At these moments one must remain quiet and refuse to act." Do you mean what these words say? What happens to one's work etc. on such days?

This is a misunderstanding. The sentence in French was clear enough. I meant that at these moments of depression and revolt, no fresh decision must be taken under the impulse of the wrong movement—but practically one must go on with the usual routine quietly and undisturbed.

Mother, can't you tell me whether or not I should persist in my efforts until success comes?

YES, undoubtedly.

You have often said we should persist stubbornly, tirelessly: "Do it ten times, a hundred times, a thousand times." But I am always prevented from doing this because, among other things, you once told me to stop doing sadhana, relax and take a holiday. (You didn't say for how long.)

This was only for a time to relax.

Something within stops me from persisting, but I don't know whether it is you or some hostile force or my own laziness.

Surely it is not me.

Why do you have to be so unapproachable? I can't talk to you, I can't write to you. Many times I have tried but am stopped by a feeling of its utter futility.

Why not write? I have not banned writing and am always ready to answer any reasonable questions.

With my love and blessings

8 October 1957