Sri Aurobindo : conversations
Talks with Sri Aurobindo is a thousand-page record of Sri Aurobindo's conversations with the disciples who attended to him during the last twelve years of his life. The talks are informal and open-ended, for the attendants were free to ask whatever questions came to mind. Sri Aurobindo speaks of his own life and work, of the Mother and the Ashram, of his path of Yoga and other paths, of India's social, cultural and spiritual life, of the country's struggle for political independence, of Hitler and the Second World War, of modern science, art and poetry, and of many other things that arose in the course of conversation. Serious discussion is balanced with light-hearted banter and humour. By recording these human touches, Nirodbaran has brought out the warm and intimate atmosphere of the talks.
THEME/S
NIRODBARAN: Gandhi says he won't embarrass the British Government; at the same time he is asking permission to start non-violent non-participation in the war. This statement seems queer.
SRI AUROBINDO: Yes, it is very funny. He may as well hope for the Viceroy and other Englishmen to walk out of India non-violently. But does he think non-participation will remain non-violent? (Looking at Purani) You have seen the incident at Madras? (There was a police firing and riot in a Congress meeting.)
PURANI: Gandhi in his interview may ask for clarification of the whole question again and, if the Government doesn't offer satisfactory reforms, he may ask that the situation be allowed to remain as it is, instead of this extension of councils, etc.
SRI AUROBINDO: That is what the Working Committee said, isn't it?
PURANI: Yes.
NIRODBARAN: It seemed from Gandhi's speech that he almost wished he had stuck to his first statement.
SRI AUROBINDO: Yes.
NIRODBARAN: People make wonderful statements. Nehru said they were not bargaining with the British Government, and now Gandhi again makes another contradictory statement.
SRI AUROBINDO: Original ideas!
EVENING
PURANI: Anilkumar has been asking me if it is true that Italy has invaded Egypt.
SRI AUROBINDO: No, not invaded. Mussolini wants to deliver Egypt. Anilkumar seems to be naive.
NIRODBARAN: He doesn't read the papers.
PURANI: This man Sumer is saying that though Spain is quiet now, it doesn't mean that Spain has no interest in the New World Order in Europe. When the time comes, Spain will take her share. He has gone to Germany. Perhaps Hitler may persuade or force him to join him.
SRI AUROBINDO: Yes. Siam is also claiming from the French her bit of territory, not by using any force but only as a concession. However, if France doesn't listen, Siam will renounce the non-aggression pact!
PURANI: It must be the Japanese pressure behind.
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