Painting as Sadhana

Correspondence (1935)

3/1/1935:

Mother,
Herewith I send four portrait studies which I did recently. The portrait [of] Shivji I did before he went away, and gave it to him. He left it here and I have to send it to him.

Anu's portrait I have tried in pastel colours. Other two portraits are of Champaklal and Mohanlal.

I request Mother to let me know how far each of them is successful and what are the defects. I would like to have suggestions and instructions which may be helpful in other such studies which I intend to do.

Sri Aurobindo: As yet it is not successful. There are some mistakes in the building of the faces, but that is not of so much importance. It is the expression that is not satisfactory—you have not yet been able to bring out what is best in your subjects—it is something from the lower vital that comes out so that they do not look really like themselves. It is the expression of a mood and not of the man.

*

4/1/1935:

Mother,
I have done a design of peacock which I intend to present to Anu on her birthday if Mother has no objection.

Sri Aurobindo: You can do if you like.

*

Undated [end]

…the idea I may have to do the outline drawing of the design about four times bigger than the original. The blue of the design can be worked with white or silver thread and gold colour with gold thread on a light blue or green colour cloth.

Sri Aurobindo: No, Mother does not want a curtain behind her seat.

[Sketched in the margin is Mother's Darshan seat; behind it a curtain with a peacock drawn just above the line of the head of the seat.]

*

25/Jan/1935: [end]

…herewith. The papers are in rolls of 25 yds each. May I request Mother for the sanction of half roll of each?

Mother: Yes.

K: If Mother sanctions I think of writing to Jagmohan at Bombay, who can send the roll of paper with some person who may be coming for Darshan in February.

In that case Mother will kindly inform Amrita to give the necessary amount.

Mother: You can ask him.

[Later K added at the bottom right, in red pencil, "8Rs 2as" underlining it twice.]

*

28/1/1935:

Mother,
The picture that I gave you today is done in the tempera style. Generally I do pictures by giving washes of colours. Instead of that in this picture I put layer after layer of colours mixed with white colour. This tempera style is similar to that of Rajput and Mogul paintings.

What does this picture signify?

Sri Aurobindo: The red lotus signifies the presence of the Divine on the Earth. The sun is the symbol of the Supermind.

*

5/2/1935:

Mother,
Since some days I feel strain on the nerves. After sleep I find a little ache in the body. Sometimes I get the sleep rather late due to the nervous strain in the head. The headache is more or less constant. I have not been able to trace any reason for it.

I try to remain quiet but sometimes to try means more strain in the head. I do not read and do not exert for concentration also, though sometimes it automatically begins and I feel relieved for that much time.

Mother will kindly explain me what is it due to?

Sri Aurobindo: It must be due to inner contradictions straining the nervous system and the physical mind.

*

5/2/1935:

Mother,
On the occasion of the mid-night Pranam I gave a design done on an everite piece. I did it only for the temporary use. I intended to do a new design at the interval of some days, and leave it with Mother or at any place where Mother may decide. If Mother approves of this idea Mother may send back the everite piece.

Sri Aurobindo: Very well.

*

8/2/1935: [end]

…especially brushes and colours which are likely to be destroyed by insects.

In addition, I use fly-tox on the back of the picture of the Cows in the Reception Hall. But henceforward I will be economical in the use of fly-tox.

Mother will kindly let me know whether I can get it once a month or not?

Mother: Yes, you can have it once a month. In the Fly-Tox notice they advise never to leave Fly-Tox in the pump as it evaporates very quickly from there.

*

18-Mar-1935:

Mother,
In my painting activity I have observed that after doing some pictures there comes an interval when I do not feel to do any painting, there is no inspiration and sometimes I feel dryness (forgetfulness of myself being an artist) momentarily. But once that interval is over the joy of painting returns and I get inspired mostly from within and from outside also. I am not being able to trace any reason for such intervals.

Mother will let me know the possible reasons.

Sri Aurobindo: It is very common with artists, poets and all creators. The usual reason is that the vital gets fatigued and needs some time to recuperate itself and get back the creative effort.

K: In this interval I think I have to deal more with the impulses of vital nature and to keep balance in them. Can it be that because I have to remain concentrated on the movements of the vital nature I cannot concentrate on the painting work? This is my construction. Mother will kindly guide me with her light.

Sri Aurobindo: It is more likely that the vital, fatigued of the effort, begins to have movements of other kinds which you have then to control.

K: This time I feel another thing also, but it is very vague and I am not sure about it. I feel that now I should go to deeper or higher sources for the inspiration, and that the sources from which I generally did my pictures, now do not appeal to me much. Am I correct in having this feeling? Or what is the right thing behind this feeling?

Sri Aurobindo: It is correct. There is a movement to get at deeper and higher sources.

*

28.3.1935:

Mother,
Herewith is a letter for Mother from Kanta (my wife). She requests Mother for copies of Mother's and Sri Aurobindo's photographs with signature and blessings.

Sri Aurobindo: We give these new photographs only to the members of the Ashram.

*

6.4.1935: [end]

…Jayantilal for the copy of the messages. Mother will kindly let me know if he can be given permission or if he should apply for it directly.

Sri Aurobindo: He can have the permission.

[Pencilled here "(N. L. Bose wanting to have a copy of Messages through Jayantilal)"]

*

19-5-1935: [end]

…for the permission in the Ashram to stay for some months. Mother will kindly let me know if he can be given permission.

Sri Aurobindo: What is his exact idea in wanting to come here? To practise Yoga?

["Jayantilal" is pencilled at the top of the letter.]

*

24.5.1935:

Mother [on white chit paper]:
Krishnalal,
Would you have any objection to giving some painting lessons to Anusuya (the daughter of Duraiswami) during her stay here? She is very eager to learn.
With blessings always.

*

24/May/1935: [end]

…Mother will kindly suggest as to how shall I give her painting lessons.

Sri Aurobindo: She can do what you give her at home and show you. But it is better if from time to time you show her how things are to be done.

[Pencilled here "(Drawing lessons to Anusuya Doraiswamy)"]

*

29.5.1935: [end]

…him in answer he wrote to me the accompanying letter.

Sri Aurobindo: He can come for darshan and we will see.

[Pencilled here "(Jayantilal wanting to stay in Ashram for some time)"]

*

4.6.1935:

Mother,
Herewith is a letter from Kanta (my wife) to Mother. She is asking for the permission for darshan in August.

Sri Aurobindo: Are you [sure] she does not want to come with the hope of living near you?

*

4.6.1935:

Mother,
I have started a drawing for a painting. I have done the pencil outline of the main female figure. I would like to show it to Mother and take suggestions if Mother can spare some time.

Sri Aurobindo: Mother will see when she can call you.

*

5.6.1935:

Mother,
I have made it clear to Kanta that here there is not that same old relation. And whenever she asked about the Ashram life I wrote clearly about it and also that all those who stay here are to stay according to Mother's guidance and to serve them—Mother and Sri Aurobindo. And so I am sure that she knows about the requirements of the Ashram life.

Sri Aurobindo: She can come for darshan but it must be understood that she must not ask to stay here.

*

13.6.1935:

Mother:
Krishnalal,
It struck me, this morning, that the cause of your emaciation might be worms. Do you not think it would be better to consult Nirod on the matter?
With my blessings.

*

Undated

Since last three days my whole body aches, especially after the sleep in the morning and noon. For the whole day I feel I want to lie down. While sleeping I get dreams but I feel as if I am not asleep. What attitude should I keep in this?

Sri Aurobindo: It is probably only a temporary resistance in the physical. The best attitude is not to be anxious, to open quietly to the Yoga force and let it pass.

*

17.6.1935:

Mother,
I take Nergine everyday in the noon and in the evening with curd and milk respectively. Since then I find that my appetite is increasing, and gradually I increase the quantity of food. As yet the weakness is the same, perhaps it has increased after taking a dose of purgative (with the tablet for worms).

Nirod is to give me cod-liver oil which I will try and see if I recoup in health and energy. As for nervous strain I find that it is lessened. As long as the inner quietness is maintained there is no strain. But I am not able to keep it for all the time and once lost there is nervous strain in even trying to be quiet. What should be my general attitude to remain relieved from the strain?

Sri Aurobindo: To sleep well (not resisting sleep) is one thing. Inner quiet is of course the most important.

K: Mother will also suggest if there is anything to be done for the health.

Sri Aurobindo: You must tell when the Nergine is finished so that Mother [can] give you more. With that and the cod-liver oil, if it agrees with your constitution, the health ought to get stronger.

K: May I put my suggestion before Mother whether I can prepare and take tea in the afternoon? I may take it only if Mother does not see any objection in my taking it.

Sri Aurobindo: Tea does not give strength—it only stimulates for a time.

*

18/6/1935: [end]

…Can Mother allow me to take something with the bread? When tea is not good, Mother may give permission for milk, or else what She may think suitable.

Sri Aurobindo: Mother thinks it would be best if you take plantains with the bread and drink some lemon and water. Mother is giving a chit.

*

21.6.1935:

Mother,
I had a dream on Wednesday night. In it I saw Mother sitting for Pranam ceremony, a great many people had gathered for darshan and Pranam. When pranam began first there came two cats, most probably one female and the other male, for pranam. Mother gave them blessings and flowers which they took in their mouths and went away quietly. After that when others were doing pranam I also did pranam and Mother put both her hands on my head and back and kept them for a long time. I felt so happy that I began to cry. Then She gave me two flowers.

After that dream on the next day—Thursday—morning when I did pranam and took flower the Mother had actually given me two flowers. (On that day the flowers were "Right attitude in the material"—a small red flower with 5 petals). What can be the significance of the dream?

Sri Aurobindo: Right attitude in action. Mother was moved to give the two flowers, one for spiritual life, the other for your work.
It was simply a blessing and bestowal of two powers. Cats represent vital tendencies, here shown to be converted.

K: And if there is any connection between giving two flowers in the dream and in pranam, what is its significance?

Sri Aurobindo: It was to confirm on the physical what was done in the vital plane in the dream.

*

27.6.1935:

Mother,
Nergine is finished. It will last only for to-morrow.

It seems my health is improving. I feel more energetic also. Though the body does not seem to gain.

I take cod-liver oil also twice a day. Up till now I find it is suitable to me.

Mother: As you take cod-liver oil, it may not be necessary to continue Nergine, at least for the moment.
I myself have noticed that your health is improving.

*

29.6.1935:

Mother,
Herewith is an album of pictures by a friend of mine, who has sent it to me. We studied painting together at Baroda and so as a friend he sent this copy of his picture album. Mother will see it and will oblige me by letting me know Her impression of it.

Mother: I am sending you back the pictures. I find them good; some of them are quite pretty.

K: I have to see Mother on Monday. On that day may I bring the painting (mounted on the big drawing-board) the outline of which I showed to Mother? Only finishing is to be done which I will do after showing it to Mother.

Mother: Yes, you can bring your picture on Monday.

[Krishnalal's wife Kanta had arrived that morning; the album by Somalal Shah must have come with her.]

*

4-7-1935:

Mother,
On the day of interview I told Mother that I want to study human figure from life. I had a talk with Sanjiban about that study; he is also anxious to study it. So we have the idea that we can begin it together if Mother thinks it proper. If Mother allows there remains the question of a separate room for the purpose. Kindly Mother will suggest Her idea about the whole thing.

Sri Aurobindo: When a new building is done, Mother will see about it; she has already thought about it. For the present nothing can be done. But your room is one with the best light in it—so you should manage till then.

*

15-7-1935: [torn] …with I send some portrait studies which [torn] …cently. In these ones I have mainly tried [torn]… the facial features.

Sri Aurobindo: They are very good studies.

K: [torn] …and Sanjiban are eager to start the studies [torn] …human figure, but for that to get somebody [torn] …seems difficult. I will be much obliged to have instructions on these studies from Mother for the right method of starting the drawing, developing the features, finishing in details and bringing out the personality of the sitter.

Sri Aurobindo: For that each one must find his own technique. Only for you what you must find is a way to express the psychic instead of the vital. At present it is the vital you bring out. The psychic is the eternal character, the vital brings out only transient movements.

*

15 July 1935:

Mother,
Yesterday I received a letter from Jayantilal Parekh in which he informs me that he is rejoining Kala-Bhavan Santiniketan and that he will try to be steady there with Nandalal Bose. He writes about one Ajit Chakraborty, a professor at Santiniketan. As he writes Ajit is a devotee of Sri Aurobindo and perhaps Mother knows him. Ajit wants the permission to allow him to get a copy of the messages allowed to outsiders. This professor is known to Prithising (sic) also.

Sri Aurobindo: We will wait till Prithvisingh comes.

*

22/7/1935: [end]

…are removed.

But it seems there are many more ['insects', see next para] over the body which are not visible. I have taken bath with H.P. lotion, and have bought carbolic soap to take bath.

Can these insects be the reason of my emaciation? Mother will oblige me by giving necessary instructions.

Sri Aurobindo: You should go to Nirod and get from the dispensary the proper medicine for this.

*

24-7-1935:

Mother,
Sometimes, when I come for Pranam before Mother I find that something intervenes between Her blessings and myself. At that time I am either in ordinary consciousness or the physical mind becomes active or some other condition is there which does not allow me to keep internally in Mother's touch. Even though I may be in meditative mood just before going to Her, that condition comes. This condition is not regular but at times it happens.

What is it that happens and why does it happen?

Sri Aurobindo: It happens to many and from one of two causes—either something in the physical that is not willing rises up when there is the need of the act of submission, or else forces of suggestion in the atmosphere come across. With a little persistence one can get over both these causes which are largely mechanical in their nature.

*

4-Aug-1935:

Mother,
The night on which I wrote the previous letter (of aspiration for Mother) I had a nightmare. In it I saw a neat house with a thatched roof. It was an Ashram building about which I felt that it looked neat but without anything interesting from outside but really it was full with the atmosphere of Yoga and art inside. I slept outside the house and was caught by a being. I struggled with it and got hold over it. I took it by its hands and wanted to take it to Mother. After going to a short distance it managed to take me somewhere down. There I had to struggle hard to get out of him. While struggling I woke up.

Last night I had disturbed sleep. In the beginning as I got sleep, very soon I had to get up in the condition of a man, quite dull of his senses. For a minute or two I could not feel or know where was I or what was I doing. In that way so many times I got sleep and again woke up in that condition. The remaining night also the sleep was not quiet and sound.

The condition about which I wrote formerly is there but not with so much of weeping. Some part is aspiring for Mother against another part which seems to be rigid. I am not able to know what is that part that hinders.

Sri Aurobindo: It is something in the mind as well as something in the very material part. It is probably these that "slept outside" and had the difficulty.

*

Aug.1935:

Mother,
Herewith is a picture of a vision which I saw before the 15th Aug. Before the 15th I was concentrated on doing pictures for some days. Daily I was finishing one picture. I did seven or eight small pictures like that. During that time I had visions of different kinds of colour schemes. This one is a clear vision of that period. May I know from Mother its significance?

Sri Aurobindo: The light of the higher knowledge and consciousness rising up out of the darkness of the Ignorance from the sea of life.

K: The picture of Shiva and the cloud which I offered to Mother on the last occasion was the perception of the above-said period, and it was so clear that I finished it within three days without hesitation. I would like to know from Mother what it represents and on what level of consciousness can be its origin?

Sri Aurobindo: It seems to come from the mental plane.

*

27.Aug.1935:

Sri Aurobindo:
I do not quite understand—we do not supply copies of messages. If people want to take copies of the messages that are allowed to be sent outside they ask for permission. Is it that Prithvisingh has to take the copy for which we give permission? If so, you might speak to him about it.

[K in pencil "(copy of messages for Ajit Chakravarty)"]

*

Undated

Mother,
I have begun the classes for drawing. All are interested in them. I showed them how to put even washes with colour and also have shown them that their drawing is weak. They have shown their desire to do drawing from the beginning.
Now they want to show me their drawings whenever they do and want my suggestions and corrections. Should I give them suggestions and corrections?

Sri Aurobindo: Yes—since they have gone to you they are progressing.

K: Today I send the drawing of the flower of Divine love. I have no appropriate red for it, so I could not bring out its brilliancy.

Sri Aurobindo: It is excellent.

K: Can I give my clothes to washerman for washing?

Sri Aurobindo: Yes.

Mother: The appropriate red can be got here in a small box of colours worth 5 annas. You can ask Champaklal where it can be got.

*

6/9/1935: [end]

…may write to a firm at Bombay and get its quotations [pencilled under this "(Painting materials)"]

Mother: Yes.
Have you begun some sketch for the town hall's decoration? They have asked also for a rough estimate of the expenses.
Will the eight panels be all of the same size? and how many everite pieces are needed for each panel?
They are waiting for our answer, so we cannot make them wait too long.

*

19-Sept-1935:

Mother,
Since my interview with Mother on last Saturday I find that there remains restlessness during sleep at night or in daytime. When I get up from sleep my whole body is aching. Headache is more or less constant.

I get the suggestions for the pictures but they are disturbed by some kind of mental constructions or suggestions.

What is all this due to? And why has it begun after the interview with Mother?

Sri Aurobindo: I suppose it must be some wrong or restless activity of mind that was thrown upon you afterwards so as to come across the action of the Mother in you. You have to reject it till it falls quiet.

*

2.10.1935: [end]…mood.

My mother has devotional temperament from the beginning and it is kept up due to her strong faith in Vaishnava religion.

Sri Aurobindo: What sadhana is she doing?

*

7-10-1935:

Mother,
To-night Champaklal might have given the picture which he and Vishnu finished with my help. They thought of starting a big picture of sea half-seriously. When I came to know of it I pushed their idea by asking them to give help. When they began they found it difficult to start and so I had to give a rough sketch which they enlarged. But most of the work I had to do. In such a way of doing work they learnt some things such as how to develop a picture, how the water surface of the sea and foam can be done.

In this way to push their idea of painting—is it good? They were not capable of starting or finishing such a picture.

Mother will let me know if such a trial comes from them, should I push it up and help them as I did this time?

Sri Aurobindo: Yes, certainly—it is sure to help them very much.

K: The picture could not be finished as it ought to be when started and finished by one person. Anyway it is made a finished picture.

Sri Aurobindo: The picture is good and of course it is very clear from it that you did almost all.

*

18-10-1935:

Mother,
Now-a-days I am trying to reject the unquiet ideas and impulses due to which I am disagreeable sometimes with others. In doing it I find that I am successful, I get Mother's presence and quiet and am much relieved from the disturbed condition. But that lasts for three, four days and again the former condition comes—perhaps in the same intensity and it lasts also for some days and again I am quiet and in Mother's presence.

I would request Mother to explain me where I may be wrong. Why I get the disturbance after having Mother's presence and quiet? Is it because I may not be able to bear the nervous strain of having Her presence or can it be that the condition of disturbance wants to have its place again in me? How can I keep it separate and at a distance from me and not lose the Mother's presence and guidance?

Is this an unbalanced condition which may throw me out of the path towards Mother?

Sri Aurobindo: No. When one tries to change something in the vital, then, due to the nature's habit of persisting in a movement to which it has been accustomed, there is usually an alternation like this; the new condition persists for some days, then the old forces its way for some time to the surface. If one persists, the old movement begins to lose its force and die out and the new permanently replaces it.

Mother: How are the sketches for the Town-Hall going on? It will soon be the moment to send them to the Governor (at the end of the month).

*

19-10-1935:

Mother,
I send three pictures for the town-hall of which two are unfinished. About its colour scheme I could not manage and so was a little slow.

Now I intend to consult and take help of my friend Jayantilal who has come and wants to stay for November Darshan. He knows and has done much of fresco-work and decoration-work. I may take his help if Mother has no objection. I will keep the same subjects for the pictures but want to change the compositions and colour schemes in them.

I think it will be ready by the end of this month or latest in the beginning of November.

Can I allow Jayantilal to come to my room?

Sri Aurobindo: Yes. The finished picture is very pretty.

*

20-10-1935:

Mother,
Herewith I send some sketches by Jayantilal. As he has no other paintings with him he sends these for Mother's kind look at them. He intends to do some paintings which he will send to Mother when ready.

May I request Mother to let me know what Mother thinks of these sketches?

Sri Aurobindo: As studies they are interesting and skilful. Mother will wait for the paintings before forming an idea of his work.

*

21-10-1935:

Mother,
I have done some cards with the idea of distributing them, mostly to those who are doing painting work. The list of those to whom I want to give I write at the end. From that, those meant for sadhikas may be given by Mother and the others, Mother may give or I may give, as Mother desires.

If the idea of distributing, Mother does not like or any other suggestion is there I will be glad to accept.

The names: Champaklal, Vishnu, Sanjiban, Anilkumar, Nishikanta, Romen, Arjava, Purani, Dayakar, Chinmayi, Kamala, Tajdar, Anu.

Mother: The cards are all very nice, some extremely pretty. I am sending them back for distribution except one that Chinmayee has chosen and kept with great pleasure.
All the names are all right.

*

(Oct-35?):

Because in November we will have the exhibition work and the occasion of Darshan and so, much time will be engaged in that. This was my idea, but I think I will do according to Mother's instructions.

Mother: Yes, it is all right. When the sketches are ready they will have to be shown to the Maire [the Mayor] and the Governor and this will take some time. That is to say between the sketches and the actual beginning of the painting there will be plenty of time for the exhibition and the Darshan.

K: I have done 12 pictures during last one month; I want to offer them to Mother. May I ask if Mother can find some time and oblige me by giving an interview?

Mother: Next Saturday I shall call you.

*

1-11-1935:

Mother:
As I told you, it would be good to show the sketches to the Governor on the 10th of this month or about, because the Conseil General [regional council] is sitting just now and the final decision has to be taken by this Conseil. Four sketches and the elevation of the room will be sufficient.

*

1/11/1935: [end]

…Mother will kindly supply me with one if possible. [Here K has pencilled "(about time piece)"]

Mother: I am asking Amrita to give you one.

*

3.Nov.1935:

Mother,
I send the four sketches of the decoration work which are ready to be sent to the Governor. The drawings of them are done by me and the colouring by Jayantilal.

Mother will see them and suggest if any alterations are necessary in drawing or colour-scheme.

Mother: They are truly very fine. I see no change to suggest.

K: The smaller sketches for the elevation will be done within two days after Mother has seen the sketches. And then I will submit everything to Mother to be sent to the Governor.

Brushes, colours and other things for this work will have to be ordered now so that everything may be ready by the end of November. For that some money will be required. Can this order be put now or when these sketches are sanctioned?

Mother: You can put the order now.

*

15-11-1935: [end]

…I put the thing before Mother to consider whether I should go to Madras or drop the idea. If I am to go I may start to-morrow and return before the 19th inst.

Sri Aurobindo: To the Mother such a journey or activity has no meaning, so she is obliged to leave it to you to decide.

*

26.11.1935:

I have the idea to do some decoration on the ground when the Governor is invited for the concert. A design can be done by arranging cereals of different natural colours. The available corns of different colours can be used by spreading on the ground to make a good form of design. If Mother approves the idea I would think of doing it in the space between the semi circles of the guests and musicians or any other better space which Mother may suggest.

Mother will kindly let me know about the idea of the decoration.

Sri Aurobindo: How long will it take to do it and how much space will it take? The idea is good; it has to be seen whether the execution is possible.

*

27.11.1935:

Mother,
The decoration design can be done on a whole piece of everite—4 feet square—instead of on the ground. The work will take about 3 hours to finish. If the work is to be done on everite, it can be done on it and kept in a corner of the same hall and put in its proper place when the seats are arranged.

Sri Aurobindo: Very well, it can be done like that.

K: Myself, Jayantilal and Vishnu intend to work in it. Anu is eager to work in it, I may ask her if Mother allows.

Sri Aurobindo: Yes.

*

(2?11.1935) [end]

Why do I feel unhappy? Is it that I make myself unhappy or is it the condition when everybody will feel the same?

N.B. Mother, most probably to-morrow I will send all the four sketches of the decoration work.

Sri Aurobindo: The unhappiness is not necessary or inevitable in the Sadhana, but it comes because your inner nature feels the touch of the Divine Presence indispensable to it and uneasy when it does not feel it. To feel it always a certain constant detachment within allowing you to remain within and do everything from within is necessary. This can more easily be done in quiet occupations and quiet contacts. For it is quietness and inwardness that enable one to feel the Presence.

[*On 6 December, the doctor wondered if he ought to stop giving cod-liver oil to Krishnalal as he "seems all right". (Nirodbaran's Complete Correspondence with Sri Aurobindo, p. 397.)

Sri Aurobindo: It might be stopped. Perhaps Nergine may be given instead. He will have hard work now, so a little support may be necessary.]

*

9/12/1935: [end]

…in it.

Mother: I do not think it will be quite safe to leave the pictures in that house so long as the work is going on and nobody will live there to prevent the robbers from coming.
Also some arrangement will have to be made to keep them safely from the insects and that cannot be done in a day.

*

16.12.1935:

Mother,
I prepare some cards to be offered to Mother on the new year's day. For that I want one album to be bound; I have papers and other materials for it. Mother will kindly give the permission for binding.

Mother: Yes.

*

undated: [end]

…to the arrangements.

Mother: You can ask another key for the gate, through Amrita. (Show him this note.)
Blessings.
P.S. To avoid all further complications the key will remain with Nolini and you will fetch it whenever required.

[Apparently about the key to the "Painters' house".]

*

17-12-1935:

Mother,
I think it will be better for me to see Mother, to ask about some points for the exhibition.

May I ask Mother to spare some time and kindly give me an interview?

Mother: I will see you Saturday at about 12.30.

*

23.12.1935:

Mother,
13 curtains in all are necessary for the exhibition-rooms. 36 yards of cloth will be sufficient for the purpose.

Mother: What cloth do you want? If it is ordinary Japanese cloth which we usually buy, you can ask Amrita to buy a piece of 36 yards. Remember that if the cloth is dyed it will shrink—I can not sanction anything more costly than 2 or 3 annas a yard. Perhaps it would be better if you went yourself to choose what you want.

*

25-12-1935:

Mother,
Herewith I send the list of the things required for the exhibition which Mother will sign.

May I suggest Nayak to talk in Tamil with carpenters when necessary? As he is on work in the same building he can be called for. [rest on this sheet is cut off]

Mother: Yes.

K: [top of next sheet has only] …of the exhibition.

Mother: I will write to him about it.
I have written also to Benjamin about the curtains.

*

26-12-1935:

Mother,
we worked up to 12 o'clock with the 2 carpenters and Sanjiban's room is completely arranged. [Pencilled beside this is "(about Exhibition in Nouveauté)"]

Myself and Anilkumar have a point on which we do not agree. Mother will consider it. [rest of the letter snipped off]

Sri Aurobindo: The Mother has said very clearly in front of all that it is you who have to arrange the pictures for the exhibition—Anilkumar's and Nishikanta's included. This decision stands and cannot be either changed or modified.

*

27.12.1935:

Mother [on a chit]:
Krishnalal, you know that you have much hard work to do in day time until the end of the month, consequently I expect you to go to sleep early in the night.
Moreover it is not proper that you should go to Kanta as it was understood that she came here and was kept on the condition she would no more consider you as her husband.
I feel sure you will understand my point.

*

undated:

[End of Kanta's letter in Gujarati]

…mulle evi kripa karsho. Kanta-na pranam.

(I shall be grateful if I can get [the things from the Stores]. Kanta's pranam)

Sri Aurobindo: Certainly you can have things from the Stores; Mother did not know you were not getting.
As for permanence, you can stay so long as you wish to do so; but Mother does not nowadays wish to give a formal permission of permanence as it is not good for the mind—it comes practically however to the same thing.

*

28/12/1935: [end]

…Mother wanted that the copies should be kept separate.

Mother: This was not explained to me, otherwise I would have said to leave them where they are.

K: In the copy-room there are other oil-paintings which are original, these are kept because Anilkumar [parts of the next 2 pages have been cut out] …to be considered copies—as Mother instructs.

Mother: If everything is arranged—you need not change anything.

K: We used fly-tox yesterday night in all the rooms. But the whole bottle was used up. No pictures are spoiled by the insects last night. Should we use the fly-tox daily or at interval of certain days?

Mother [underlining K's "interval of certain days"] Yes.

K: The curtains are dyed and ready. I will send them to-morrow for Mother to see.

Mother: All right.