The letters reveal Nirod's unique relationship with his guru. The exchanges are suffused with a special humour.
Sri Aurobindo : corresp.
Nirodbaran's correspondence with Sri Aurobindo began in February 1933 and continued till November 1938, when Sri Aurobindo injured his leg and Nirod became one of his attendants. The entire correspondence, which was carried on in three separate notebooks according to topics - private, medical, and literary - is presented in chronological order, revealing the unique relationship Nirod enjoyed with his guru, replete with free and frank exchanges and liberal doses of humour. Covering a wide range of topics, both serious and light-hearted, these letters reveal the infinite care Sri Aurobindo devoted to the spiritual development of his disciple.
THEME/S
I enclose a poem. The philosophical conception expressed therein may perhaps be wrong, because the Purusha is supposed to be inactive only giving sanction to Prakriti. Isn't it so? I have represented the Lard with dynamism along with static poise.
That is the Sankhya Purusha—the Purusha of the Gita is Ishwara also. The objection as philosophy is correct. Poetically—the opening is heavy, but the rest is good.
There is a notion that with the approach of Darshan there is a greater descent of Force. I don't feel any difference. But they corroborate their theory by the evidence of an upheaval of vital troubles etc. I think one should feel more calm and peace. Which view do you subscribe to? And is it a fact that there is such a descent?
There is usually a descent, but there is also a great opposition to the descent at these times. Some feel the descent only, some feel the opposition only, some feel both the descent and the opposition.
February 9, 1934
With the taking up of the new work a calmness and ananda have descended on me and I have been surprisingly free from cravings and disturbing thoughts for a long time at a stretch. Is it due to the effect of the work or due to the descent of the Force you speak of?
The Force comes down as soon as it finds an opening and acts in the Adhara whenever it is ready. What determines the descent cannot always be mentally fixed. Aspiration, call, will, prayer, etc., create a favourable precondition in the head or heart or anywhere else and are sometimes the determining cause.
February 10, 1934
I am much better now. Shall I join work tomorrow?
Yes, if you are all right.
May I be permitted to see you on the 15th instant, the centenary of my arrival here?
[Sri Aurobindo underlined the word "centenary", put an interrogation mark above it.] I say, you have not been here 100 years surely!
Mother won't be free probably before 12.30, but if you like to come in and make pranam, you may do so.
February 12, 1934
I would surely like to come even if it be for a pranam Please let me know the time through Nolini.
We had said, I think, after 12.30.
February 13, 1934
I have become a persistent tea-drinker, going against your instruction, though the mind does not see any harm in a cup of tea.
You can take. It is a question of self-mastery, that is all.
February 27, 1934
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