Living in The Presence

My First Birthday At The Ashram

14^th December in 1951. I was celebrating my first birthday in the Ashram. I have already mentioned that after my very first darshan of the Mother, I had realised that She was not an ordinary human being, She was the Divine in a human body. That is why I used to jot down any conversation I had with Her immediately on getting home. Here is a transcript of the conversation I had with Her on my first birthday.

    I - Sweet Mother, how do I quieten my mind? My mind is very restless, all kinds of worries crowd my mind. I am unable to focus on anything fully. Even at school I am overwhelmed with all kinds of worries.

    The Mother - Kick them out forcefully. Mind you, the word 'kick'. Throw them out forcefully. Our mind is a centre where all kinds of thoughts and worries enter and disturb us, disturb us even physically. Stand guard against these. Be very vigilant about the mind and do not let any negative thought enter your being. (Pause) When such a negative thought comes, start reading a book of Sri Aurobindo's or mine. Or else try and focus your mind on some other activity.

    I - Mother, how do I concentrate?

    The Mother - (looking at me) Keep trying. One day, you
will be able to do it.

    The Mother blessed me by putting Her hand on my head.

    The Mother - OK, then? Aurevoir!

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