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
PURANI: Have you read the review of a book on Russia in the last Manchester Guardian? It says that some Englishmen who worked in Russia think that an alliance between Russia and England is not possible; it is possible between Russia and Germany. Between themselves they have divided their spheres. Hitler is to take the West and Stalin the East.
SRI AUROBINDO: I suspected some such thing. So India is to fall under Stalin? Only, Indians don't yet realise it. But though Hitler may allow it for now, he may turn against Stalin afterwards.
NIRODBARAN: So India will be treated with another subjugation by Russia? Communists, of course, won't call it an aggression.
SRI AUROBINDO: No, they have no national sense.
PURANI; Besides, they will have favourable positions under Stalin.
SRI AUROBINDO: Our condition will be worse, even worse than under Germany. But Russia will have to face Japan before Stalin comes to India. It is Japan's firm, age long aim to drive out all Europeans from Asia. She considers herself as holding and guarding the destiny of Asia. This aim is stronger than her own imperialism.
NIRODBARAN: Japan has already given a hint of her aim—she wants to link China, Indo-China and the Dutch East Indies.
SRI AUROBINDO: Even before that, she had the same rooted aim. Mother's friends who were prominent people hold that idea and for that reason they have been protecting Indian refugees. The leader of the Black Dragon first developed the idea and Okakura too had it. China can't be expected to have that mission. She is more self-regarding and international.
PURANI: Yes, she won't mind taking European help for her purpose.
SRI AUROBINDO: Only the Japanese have lost their clear mind and high vision by Western contact, and their soldiers also are not what they were.
NIRODBARAN: The Western races know Japan's aim very well and they call it the yellow peril.
SRI AUROBINDO: Yes, and theirs is the white peril, which Japan knows.
NIRODBARAN: The Supermind ought to descend now; the conditions are getting very bad with Hitler and Stalin threatening everybody.
SRI AUROBINDO: The Supermind is not concerned with these things.
PURANI: Nirod is surprised to find that the Supermind goes by different values and he doesn't like it.
SATYENDRA: If it had not different values, it would not be worthwhile.
SRI AUROBINDO: Quite so.
NIRODBARAN: We are hoping the 15th will come soon so that the descent on that day will act as a check against Hitler.
SRI AUROBINDO(smiling): According to the rather discredited astrologers the 3rd, tomorrow, is the date of his death.
SATYENDRA: It has been estimated that about two and a half crores of rupees will be required to equip one division.
SRI AUROBINDO: Then forty such divisions will be necessary against Hitler or Stalin.
PURANI: The Pétain Government has declared that French pilots fighting for England will be shot if they land in French territory while the English will be taken prisoners.
SRI AUROBINDO: So it means France is at war with England.
PURANI: Practically.
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