Living in The Presence

The Organ From The Mother

After I began organising the Sangeetmala programmes, some-one lent me a 'baby organ' or table harmonium. I played on it for some time, but then the person to whom it belonged took it back. After this, I would go to the Library after Group and play the big organ there. Nobody else used it so I would play and sing at the same time.

    One day, I got word that Nolini-da wanted to see me. As I entered his room, he asked me, "Mother wanted to know if you had an organ." "No, Nolini-da, I sometimes go and play the organ in the Library with Niranjan-da's permission. I don't have any organ at home."Nolini-da replied, "I will inform the Mother."

    After this I forgot all about the incident. From time to time, K and I would go to the Library and sing, K would play the guitar and I would recite something. Or when K recited I would play the organ. We used to really play and sing to our hearts' content. One day, I went to take my French class at the school. When I got back in the afternoon, I found Niranjan-da sitting outside in the verandah of our house along with the big organ of the Library. As soon as I entered, he informed me that the Mother had instructed him to hand over the organ to me. It was to remain with me. I was overjoyed! It was a pedal-organ and had a very deep, sweet sound. I called a few boys and got the organ moved into my room. My heart was dancing that day! I had never imagined that such a big organ

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would one day sit in my room! The following Sunday when I went to meet the Mother, She said:

    Mother - Have you received the organ I sent to you?

    I - Yes, Mother. I have. It's beautiful and the sound is absolutely lovely!

    Mother - I would like you to play this organ. You know how to play it, don't you?

    I - Yes, Mother. When I was studying in Calcutta, my Principal, Miss Lindsay, taught me the piano. I can't play it very well but I do play.

    The Mother straightened herself in Her Chair and closed Her eyes as if She had gone into a trance. I kept looking at Her from my seated position. After some time, She spoke again:

    Then the Mother smiled a little, concentrated on my eyes, then continued:

    Mother - Let's end it here. Aurevoir, my dear child.

    I - Aurevoir, Douce Mère.

    She began giving me flowers into both my hands, one by one. I asked Her:

    I - Mother, have You played this organ?

    Mother - No.

    She blessed me once more. Today, after all these years, I look at myself and I understand how much of the Mother's Grace and benediction were behind that simple act of giving me that organ.

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