At the feet of The Mother and Sri Aurobindo

08 April 1935

MYSELF: Sri Aurobindo, kindly give me a clear and satisfying answer to this question: Can a person, who brings up another person’s child as his own, love him as much as his own child? The question is Jyotirmoyee’s to Nolina. Nolina says that in her experience it is possible. Dilip says it is not at all possible. Nolini says, why not? He says it is quite possible. What is your opinion? We would like to know and understand.

SRI AUROBINDO: It is certainly possible because it often happens — especially with women in whom the maternal instinct is easily aroused, but it happens to men also. Especially the very fact of bringing up a child in that intimate way has the tendency to create a feeling which may be tenderness or affection only but may be and often is even strong love.

(8.4.35)