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: I was reading Okakura's book on Japan. He says that even if the Japanese have to be Westernised to protect their independence, they will go to that length.
SRI AUROBINDO: Being Westernised won't serve. As you say, the Western nations lost their independence.
EVENING
Champaklal and Purani standing at either extremity were making gestures at each other; Champaklal burst suddenly into laughter and Purani joined in. Sri Aurobindo looked at them. They continued to laugh.
SRI AUROBINDO: Unspoken jokes seem to be more successful.
PURANI: Champaklal was showing different poses of standing.
The British have started arresting the Japanese.
SRI AUROBINDO(laughing): Yes, and they say it is not retaliation. Extraordinary coincidences, I suppose.
PURANI: Yes, many such coincidences are possible in this world.
SATYENDRA: This is better than wordy warfare.
PURANI: The Bengal Government is taking many communal measures. The Hindus should organise.
NIRODBARAN: They held a protest day on the 4th.
SRI AUROBINDO: Mere protest won't do anything.
NIRODBARAN: Shyama Prasad is the only figure now who says other measures have to be taken.
Home
Disciples
Nirodbaran
Books
Share your feedback. Help us improve. Or ask a question.