Parichand's Correspondence with The Mother

8 May 1947

O Gracious Mother,

The number of workmen, permanent or temporary, is now sixteen. We can get satisfactory work from most of them only under strict supervision; otherwise they are prone to idle away their time, and the more the number of men the less the output. We need two more supervisors for better management.

For the moment I have nobody to give you.

The supervision of the workmen and the stores demands much of my time and attention. As a result the cultural and decorative side of gardening in the Ashram and Cocotiers does not get proper care and attention. A suggestion comes therefore to look for a sadhak to help me full-time, preferably a Tamil sadhak or Tamil-speaking one, and gradually entrusting him with responsibility.

Yes, if such a man can be found it is good; but for the moment I see nobody.

But there is another thing. Dealing with the workmen these days has increasingly helped to embolden my weak parts, to strengthen my nerves and to instil faith and courage in my vacillating heart. This seems to be a gain. So a counter-suggestion comes: "Continue till you find that no part shrinks or shudders even in the teeth of opposition."

I ardently pray to know, Mother, which suggestion to accept in order that I may best fulfil Your will in life.

Do not plan in advance, do not decide beforehand, keep silent and do at each moment the thing that you can do while inside being concentrated on me.

8 May 1947