Shyam Sundar shares precious memories including daily notes of the work transacted with Mother related to Auroville during the period 1972-1973.
The Mother : Contact Auroville
THEME/S
This book is an extract from Down Memory Lane by Shyam Sundar Jhunjhunwala.
It comprises of the following two chapters of the original book:
These 180+ pages are notes of Shyam Sundar's "visits to The Mother regarding Auroville affairs".
It was felt that material of such valuable and rare nature, should be available in a form that can be easily discovered and accessed. Hence this book.
Pourna Prema came to see me one evening, early February 1971, with a message from Mother to see her next morning. It was something very important and in connection with Auroville. She knew what I will be told, but thought it would be better if I heard it first from Mother herself.
Mother had stopped seeing people from early December, and in the latter part of January, Nolini had resumed going to her and then Madhav also. But it was just coming and going, work was not resumed yet.
There was some natural suspense in my heart. Never before Mother had sent for me and on the way I felt its importance.
I did my pranam to her as usual and when I lifted my head, she smiled and asked, "Will you do what I say?". It was an unexpected start, but I immediately answered, spontaneously,
"Yes, Mother."
She was still very weak and her voice feeble, but clear. She first spoke of the sad state of Auroville and of the way things were being done there. She specifically mentioned the name of Nava and wanted a change.
"I have none else in view," Mother said. "You are my last chance for Auroville."
Then she spoke of the hard and difficult work that was being assigned to me, in spite of my weak health of which she would take care.
She also said, "Don't think that I am giving you a big and comfortable chair to sit on. You will have lots of difficulties, but I will be with you. You will not give up saying that you are incapable."
She added, "And I will hold you morally responsible for all that happens at Auroville."
In the end she said that if I agree to do the work, she would see me daily with my report and problems, and with her divine solicitude and humility, she added, "I will try to help you."
I repeated, "Yes, Mother."
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The very next morning she asked with expectant smile, "So, what did you do yesterday?" I reported to her, and for further steps suggested to wait for Navajata's return. Mother did not like to wait, and we started in full gear.
A chapter in my life had ended. No more of silent pranams and blessings.
The Auroville work was a full-time occupation. Mother relieved me of several activities, mainly concerning Sri Aurobindo Memorial Fund Society, Sri Aurobindo's Action, and the non-Auroville part of Sri Aurobindo Society.
A sort of Auroville office was there at Navajata's residence and people were called there by him for meetings. We then needed a bigger place for the Auroville Office and shifted to a big hall owned by Sri Aurobindo Society on the sea-side. It came to be known as the Beach Office of Auroville. When Mother told me that meetings should not be held at somebody's house, but in the office, I arranged accordingly and informed Navajata about it.
The land for the Matrimandir building had not yet been purchased. Its construction was a priority of which Mother had been reminding before. Land purchase for the other zones of Auroville was another neglected priority. Regulating the admission of people to Auroville and making the people aware of the needed discipline for the Auroville life was another. Financial management was absent.
I had to look after almost every detail. Here are some of her directions:
For the proper progress of Auroville all personal demands concerning the life of Auroville will be presented to The Mother exclusively by Shyamsunder.5.4.71
The Mother has advised that all requests to the various Auroville associations abroad, for money, books, any objects or equipment should be centralised by Shyam Sunder who will organise the distribution of the requests and establish an order of priority according to the needs of Auroville.2972
Auroville is still in the state of elaboration, and those who want to remain there have to collaborate to its erection according
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to the plans made and to be made, approved by me and signed by Shyam Sunder.4.3.73
*
* *
Towards the end of February 1971 Udar told a German visitor that Mother had approved of his admission to Auroville. This person had been declined admission a few days earlier, mainly because of financial conditions. Udar's understanding was different and he had reported accordingly. This naturally created confusion, misunderstanding and some rumours.
Kumud who was attending upon Mother had noticed that various things were being said and advised me to ask Mother if she had authorised Udar as claimed by him. I wrote a note for Mother and gave it to Kumud who had thought of showing it to her and getting her answer before I would see her.
The matter, in fact, came up only when I was with Mother. She was not happy over the situation. She spoke to Kumud and to me and said, "I want to clarify the position so that there is no doubt about Auroville administration", and wrote the following message, original in French :
8.2.73
For the affairs of Auroville and whenever Aurovilians are concerned it must always be done in consultation with Shyam Sunder to whom I have entrusted the responsibility of Auroville.
She told me to show it to Udar in the correct way. She did not use the words "in the correct way", but that is what I understood from her expression and gesture. On my way back from her room, I saw Udar coming up the stairs. A word had gone for him to come. I gave him the message and he went with it to Mother.
I went straight to the office as usual. Shortly after, Udar came there and handed over the message to me saying, "Mother has told me to give it to you to keep."
I must say, he was very happy and shared his happiness with Chamanlal Gupta who happened to be there.
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I took this message of Mother's as her confirmation and acceptance of my Auroville services and her sacred blessings for the continuation.
There was a suggestion that the message should be put on the notice board or circulated. But in view of my above feeling and of the fact that it was a formalisation of what was actually happening, I did not give it for circulation and the news spread by word of mouth and the message was stored along with other messages.
The work went on as before, upto May 20, 1973 when Mother received me for the last time.
Then during the six month period from May to November that year, when Mother had retired from outer work, I continued to work on the lines set by her.
After her passing on 17.11.73, for some time, things went on as before, but then started a long chapter of dissension, revolt, quarrels and intrigues. In brief, I will just say here that I fell a victim to attacks from all quarters, and here I confine myself to the subject of Mother's message about my work and place in Auroville.
The arguments put forward by Navajata, adopted by Sri Aurobindo Society and supported by the top of the Ashram hierarchy to declare the above direction to be invalid were as follows :
The message was meant for Udar only.
In February 1971, Mother did not speak to Navajata about the work given to me, although in the normal course, he would have been asked.
I had manipulated things with Mother to get authority in the temporary absence of Navajata.
In any case, even if the Mother's direction is taken to be genuine, it stood replaced by the decision of the Society's Executive Committee to remove me from the work and to entrust it to Navajata.
The following arguments were made from the Auroville side :
Mother's message was valid for her life-time only.
Mother was free to change her mind, and they knew that she had changed her mind about me.
Mother had given me a chance, but I missed it.
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I have betrayed the Auroville community.
There were still a few left who saw the factual falsehood and hollowness of these arguments, but theirs was a cry in the wilderness.
When Jayantilalbhai tried to persuade Navajata to follow Mother's statement about me, he was simply ignored.
When some rethinking was taking place in Sri Aurobindo Society, Udar took the initiative to meet its General Secretary, Guru Pershad, and some others with the advice to act according to the Mother's directions. Regarding her above message, it was agreed to refer to Nolinida the issue of its interpretation. On 9.5.1977 Udar wrote the following letter to Nolini after showing the draft to Guru Pershad :
"I thank you very much for your advice on how I should take the Message given by The Mother on 8-2-73 regarding Shyam Sunder and Auroville. I now write to confirm what I had asked from you and shall be very grateful for confirmation of your advice on a copy of this letter which can then be kindly returned to me for record,
The case is as follows:-
There were some difficulties regarding a German couple who wanted to stay at Auroville. The matter was referred to The Mother and to this She wrote as follows:-"8-2-73. Pour les affaires d'Auroville et quand il s'agit d' Auroviliens il faut toujours le faire en consultation avec Shyam Sunder a qui J'ai confie la responsabilite d'Auroville".
The Mother
Now this is the Message given by The Mother as late as the 8th February, 1973 and so is, perhaps, Her last instruction on Auroville.
There are several persons who say that this Message should not be read out of its context and that its import is related to that context.
I felt, however, that the Message is wide and forceful and cannot be limited to the context. The context was just an occasion for Mother to express Her will on the affairs of Auroville and so this Message has a great importance and validity, irrespective of the context which occasioned it.
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I came to you with this question and you have confirmed that the Message should be taken as Mother's directive on the conduct of the affairs of Auroville in its full wide sense.
I shall be happy to have your written confirmation of this.
With love and respect,
Udar
In his reply, noted on Udar's letter itself, Nolini bracketed the words 'full wide' in the paragraph, put the word 'simple' and wrote 'yes' and signed. Thus according to him, "the Message should be taken as Mother's direction on the conduct of the affairs of Auroville in its simple sense."
Udar sent a copy of it to the Society. was not to their liking and there the matter ended.
It will be interesting to know that in the course of the CBI investigations, Navajata, Sri Aurobindo Society and the Auroville people, all took the stand that I had been duly authorised by Mother for all the Auroville affairs and that I was looking after everything there. In fact, Mother's message about me was quoted by the CBI in all the three cases and relied upon by them to fix the liability on me. It was put forth by the CBI as the Mother's power of attorney in my favour. A certain part of the period covered by the CBI investigations related to the time after Navajata had taken over from me by virtue of the decision of his Executive Committee, but even for this period no distinction was made by his witnesses and the CBI.
In the eighties Nata disclosed that in August 1970 Mother spoke to him of the mismanagement of Auroville and the sad state of affair there. It was clear to him that she wanted to replace Navajata when she said that she was still preparing the man for it, and he thought that it was he himself to whom she was referring, but when he asked Mother if it was so, Mother said, "No, it is Shyam Sunder."
It is interesting to note that Carlo Schueller had intuitively spoken of Mother having prepared me for the Auroville work, much before Nata made his above disclosure.
It is again interesting that while a large number of Ashram residents chose to join others in wriggling out of Mother's direction about Auroville and myself, Carlo Schueller, not an
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Ashramite, stood firmly for it for the simple reason that it was her direction.
So far as the Auroville 'community' is concerned the ban on the circulation and printing of Mother's messages about me still continues, though with a diminishing force. Also the ban on my name in their list of Aurovilians.
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From day one when Mother gave me the Auroville work it started in right earnest. The very next morning she asked me about what I had done the day before.
Precious are the memories of the days that followed upto the end.
The overall impression is indelible, though difficult to express.
From 23.2.72 I maintained daily notes of the work transacted with Mother. I had almost forgotten them till I now discovered them lying safe with me. And a few notes for 1971 also came into my hands. That was the year for which daily notes, if kept, would have made a big bulk.
I now share these papers the way they were written.
I
1971
22.1.71
I wrote to Mother,
According to my understanding, Auroville residence is for those whom Mother has approved. There are certain persons who say that those who reside at Auroville should be hospitable to the whole world, and there are persons at Auroville whom Mother has not accepted.
Mother's answer,
I hope to guard for Auroville the character of aspiration for a truer future.
But if the Aurovilians find this ideal too high for them, it will have to be renounced, at least for the moment.
4.3.71
To the question,
There are two camps of consciousnes in Auroville, one in opposition to the other. The opposing camp may cause a bad influence on the other—what is the solution ?
Mother answered,
You should rise so high in your consciousness that the opposition is
dominated by it.
That is the solution.
A few days later.
A rich woman, residing at the Ashram and working for Auroville, wanted to know about bringing down her standard of living to the "present Auroville minimum".
Mother answered orally,
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"You should grow in consciousness.
You should feel that you are working for the Divine, living for the Divine.
You should want the Divine alone.
You should not be affected by the opinion of others. You should try to know and do only what the Lord wants you to do.
Don't think of pleasing others. If you try to please one, some others will be displeased. I also do not try to please.
You have made your life simpler. If you decide to make it still simpler, my help will be there.
All the circumstances are there as opportunities so that you can grow in consciousness, sincerity and consecration. You can always have my help for it.
This is the only solution."
23.3.71
Mother says that she is in agreement with Roger's plan. The Auroville constructions should be in accordance with his plan.
She also asked, "Is it that those who are already there do not wish to come in the community constructions?"
Mother is not sure of her answer to Dennis. She wishes that in future all these things come to her through Shyam Sunder.
31.3.71
There have been cases of mental imbalance in Auroville. Rob was looked after by Wil and Brigitte by Svetlana. Wil and Svetlana have proposed that such cases are not cases for mere doctors, but there should be a suitable place for their rehabilitation.
Mother agrees that there should be a separate house. She says that the house should be at the outskirts of the city and not at the centre. And It should be large enough to give the impression that one can move about freely and at the same time that one cannot get out.
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1.4.71
I spoke to Mother about the need of a Wood-working unit at Auroville for construction purposes. No suitable person to establish and run the unit was there at Auroville at the moment and Roger had spoken to Ved Prakash at the Ashram about it. Ved Prakash said that if Mother saw like that he could take up the work at Auroville.
Mother said "Very good" and she wrote on Ved Prakash's letter,
Your collaboration would be extremely useful and fully appreciated.
5.4.71
The following note was prepared by Roger:-
On the subject of Bharat Niwas Mother had said to Roger:-
"I see no reason for not engaging contractors. How to build Auroville without help ! What I have said to Shyamsunder is that for the Matrimandir it would be preferable to go without it, but for other constructions it is different..."
Question:
Does Mother agree on the following points ?
—For the Matrimandir in the present situation, neither contractors nor paid labour.
—For Bharat Niwas, schools, etc, until the new order Auroville can utilise contractors under the supervision of the Architectural Office of Auroville.
My noting: Mother agrees.
For Kuljian Corporation, Mother has permitted me to talk to Pradyot.
10.4.71
A note from Mother:
As we are in a period of construction, it is imperative that the
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Aurovilians who live at the Centre work on the construction of the Matrimandir.
Those who do not want to work on the Matrimandir should not live at the Centre.
16.4.71
Verne, living at Forecomers, made a proposal for a trading "post" at Auroville where Aurovilians could bring their handicrafts and unused items for trading or donating. A small exchange of money, primarily for items sold to visitors would have to be done. The whole profit would go to Auroville for use. She suggested the name Changestor the shop. "I would plant trees, make a terrace and quiet place for people to rest and communicate," she stated at the end of the letter.
Verne sought Roger's approval before asking Mother. Roger's note said that this idea of a "shop-showroom" was interesting and a temporary site could be chosen for it.
My noting:
Mother has approved of the idea.
Name Exchange.
Near Auroson's Home.
27.4.71
Notice
Auroville Transport
The vehicles in "Auroville Transport" are to be used for the work of the Auroville community and Auroville projects.
Those wanting transport for personal purpose can make use of the available space in the regular bus services of Auroville or the public buses.
Trips to Madras are discouraged unless sufficient material is to be brought or the work demands such movement in Madras. Persons wanting to go for personal purposes can make reserva-
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tion in the public bus. "Auroville Transport" can help in getting the reservation if 24 hours notice is given.
Blessings.
—The Mother
3.5.71
Mother's reply to Christiane,
The egoistic vital reactions must disappear before anything serious can be done.
6.5.71
Gene does not want to resume responsible work at the Matrimandir Centre unless it is Mother's wish. Mother's reply :
Until the building of Auroville is over, those who want to live on the spot must help in this building. So it is natural that you should take up some useful work there. Do with good will what is asked from you.
12.5.71
Lisa has been producing textile articles with a new tie-dye technic and now suggests the name 'Aurocreation' as a trade label. Or any other name that Mother may give.
Mother approves the name Aurocreation.
I can help in the organisation of the work.
20.5.71
In reply to Ravindra's letter Mother said that she has not appointed any doctor to look after sick Aurobabies. There is no child specialist there at present. One can go to Kamoo or choose anyone else.
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22.5.71
Mother gave the name Auropolyester for the polyester factory.
She said that she would write the name when the factory will be constructed.
29.5.71
Mother wrote to Stephan,
Because of too many car accidents due to careless people, I want to make a rule that no car shall be given without written permission from Shyamsunder.
30.5.71
Howard's letter about the disposal of fruits and vegetables being grown at the Nursery. Should they be distributed freely to Aurovilians or should they be sold within the Auroville community or outside of Auroville ?
It depends on the quantity. One can distribute these if it is little, otherwise it can come to the kitchen and the kitchen can pay.
9.6.71
The question of fertilisers arose on a reference from Dayanand. Mother said that she was against any chemical fertiliser. It is poisonous. it gives some more yield in the beginning, but it is not good to take things produced by it. ("I hope they are not giving it to me! "she exclaimed.) Other countries have tried it, she continued, but seen its effects and are rejecting it. What others are discarding, India is following!
I mentioned that in India cow-dung manure had been re-
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garded as the best and Merrier also thought so. Mother said that it was correct. She said that some years ago she was growing banana here and she did not use any fertilisers but the result was good. She added/'What is needed is labour, care and attention. if you save labour, you lose health."
I said, "According to my experience, plants and animals like cows respond to love and personal labour."
"Yes, yes", said Mother.
She wants Mercier, engaged in agriculture, to be left undisturbed to do what he is doing.
The question arose regarding the difficulty of the children's kitchen at Aspiration. Mother wanted the kitchen to be very clean and the food to be simple and healthy for the children to live and grow. She did not favour many kitchens. Regarding a separate kitchen for integrated families she said, "Why division, division?" They should be encouraged to feel that they are Aurovilians and not different, integrated etc.
Mother said that in Auroville she did not want number but quality. Twelve good men would be better than hundreds of stupid persons. Auroville is not for comfort but for the servants of the Divine. People in Auroville should not shirk hard work. They should not think of escaping from the outer control until the divine control is there.
5.7.71
When the subject of sexual activity among the children here was mentioned to Mother and she was asked what the person in charge of the children's boarding house should do, she made the following remarks:-
i)The atmosphere here has been spoiled and has gone down. It is full of vital desires. ii)It should be so arranged that the boy does not go to the girl.
i)The atmosphere here has been spoiled and has gone down. It is
full of vital desires.
ii)It should be so arranged that the boy does not go to the girl.
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iii)I hope these things do not occur in our class rooms. iv)If names of such boys and girls are given to me I will not see them on their birthdays. I will not know them. v)If they do not get cured completely they will be asked to go
iii)I hope these things do not occur in our class rooms.
iv)If names of such boys and girls are given to me I will not
see
them on their birthdays. I will not know them.
v)If they do not get cured completely they will be asked to go
Next day it was mentioned to Mother that the above trouble was not restricted to one or two cases. The young ages of the involved students show that they do it as imitation of examples they have seen and there is the influence of the cinema.
Mother nodded..
It was mentioned to her that the children said that when the elders did it why they should not.
Mother concentrated for a long time.
22.7.71
The following note was placed before Mother,
Aspiration is a centre of work for Auroville. Those who do not work should leave their place for needed workers.
Mother wrote on it,
Yes. It is alright.
Blessings
23.7.71
(Note read out to Mother and approved by her)
The residents of Silence will go on vacating their places for Bharatniwas without causing any delay in the work. They will help in the quicker construction of the Matrimandir Workers Camp so that some of them can shift there and some will be accommodated in the huts on the borders of Silence not immediately required for Bharatniwas. These too will be vacated as soon as needed.
The residents of Silence wish to set up some cottage industry like ceramics and tiles and live near Kottakarai village and work for the development of this village and better relations with the
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people of this village. A concrete scheme will be made by them in such a way as to suit the overall Auroville programme in consultation with Shyam Sundar and Roger and placed before the Mother for approval and blessings.
August 71
(On August 16 I placed before Mother a request for a symbol for Auroville and its departments. She gave a design for tracing by Jayantilal.
On 24th I took the tracing to Mother. She liked it.)
She explained the significance as follows;-
"The dot at the centre represents the Unity, the Supreme. The inner circle
represents the creation, the conception of the city.
The petals
represent the power of expression, realisation."
Next day I read it out to Mother and she confirmed it.
24.8.71
Mother's note for Rod against whose irregularity and character complaints have been received :
If you want to continue the teaching work, you must be regular and teach in the school itself at teaching hours.
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26.9.71
Mother signs a note with blessings: Smoking must not be a public danger.
Those who cannot get over smoking can smoke in a smoking room made for the purpose. Blessings.
A detailed note from Roger about security measures in Auroville was approved.
23.11.71
A letter from outside was read in which there was a mention of pulling the supramental Force.
Mother made it clear that pulling is not advisable. What is needed is aspiration; aspiration that is self-giving. (Mother makes a gesture by hands of self- offering) If one starts pulling, the ego and selfishness create trouble. In Auroville also people are pulling.
I asked about the pulling by people in Auroville. Is it by their vital or by their mind ?
Mother replied that there are some who pull by the mind, and there are some who pull by the vital. One is as bad as the other.
23.12.71
(To one who asked Mother about stopping his activities because his mind is not pure.)
If men had to stop work when they are not perfect, everybody would stop working. It is in the work that we must progress and purify ourselves.
Continue to do the work you are doing but never forget that it can and must be better.
A letter from an unknown person at Delhi says,
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"The Saint of Puttaparthi has informed me telepathically that you are keeping very indifferent health. May God bless you with good health to inspire us, your devotees, in the pious ways of life!
I shall be eagerly waiting for a reply from you to relieve me from anxiety.
With homage.
" Mother's answer,
I am alright.
30.12.71
Mother signed the following note:
In a letter published in a newspaper a supposed statement by
Mother on Bangla Desh has been quoted.
This is to inform everybody that
NO SUCH DECLARATION HAS BEEN MADE
31.12.71
Varadharajan has asked questions from time to time about the integrated families and villagers. Many of them were for day to day matters. Here are Mother's answers to some of general interest.
One should explain to the villagers that we are there to make life better and easier for them and not more difficult. We will like to take them as people of Auroville if they collaborate and are willing for it. We have to explain it to them properly and also show that we mean it.
One has to convince them that we are their benefactors,— benefactors, but not with a sense of superiority. They have been so long ill-treated as inferiors, so they are untrusting. The sense of superiority in dealing with them must not be there.
if the Divine took the attitude of superiority, men would be crushed in a minute.
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Those villagers who have goodwill for Auroville should become stronger.
To give things of need in place of cash is better, but one should not give with miserliness, and those to whom we give should feel that it is better for them.
When requested for approval of the wish of two pregnant women with three children each in two integrated families for birth control surgery at the time of delivery, Mother said that she was not interested in it. She expects people in Auroville to evolve towards higher life.
If Mother is not interested in it, I cannot say yes. They can do as they like.
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II
1972
8.2.72
Last evening Mother had received a report about the attitude of superiority of some non-Indians at the Health Centre towards Indians. As soon as I entered, she asked me about it. I told her what I knew and also that I was waiting to talk to other persons concerned before speaking to her about it.
She said that people coming to Auroville from abroad should know that India is their host country and they are on the soil of India India is the country of spirituality and even a peasant here is nearer to the Divine in his heart than the philosophers of Europe. People in Auroville must recognise this fact; those who do not, have no place in Auroville. The spiritual status of India is an absolute knowledge.
She added that she was categorical in what she had just stated, and wished that I had brought a recorder to tape it.
Then she wrote a message in French, dated it, and advised its distribution:-
From the spiritual point of view, India is the foremost country in the world. Her mission is to set the example of spirituality. Sri Aurobindo came on earth to teach this to the world.
This fact is so obvious that a simple and ignorant peasant here is, in his heart, closer to the Divine than the intellectuals of Europe.
All those who want to become Aurovilians must know this and behave accordingly; otherwise they are unworthy of being Aurovilians.
P.S. Subsequently when I showed the message to the concerned persons their reaction was what Mother had already told me while giving the message.
.2.72
I asked Mother, "28th February is the anniversary of Auroville. hat programme should we have that day ?"
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"Has Roger made any programme ?"
"No, Mother."
(Silence)
"What do you say ?" she asked.
"Mother may give a time for meditation when people at Auroville can meditate wherever they are, and they can work a little more and a little better than before for Auroville."
"11.30 ?"
For the proposed optical glass industry at Auroville, the Government's licence and know-how collaboration can be arranged by Sharma, a friend of Ved Prakash.
Mother approved of it, but asked twice whether we have a man who knows it. I told her that we have none at present and I can ask Sharma himself.
24.2.72
The notice for the 28th February programme was read out:—
The 28th of February is the anniversary of Auroville.
On that day—wherever we are—we shall meditate at the appointed hour 11.30 a.m. and resolve to work more and to work better than before and open ourselves ever more to the Divine Will.
Mother wrote "Blessings" and signed it.
Aurela Soap Industries had charged the first pan for making 501 Brand soap on 21.2.72. One soap tablet was offered today to Mother. Even the markings on the wrapper were noticed by her. Champaklal will send for it for washing clothes.
The letter dated 22nd February from some residents at Peace was read:
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"On days when special meditations are held in the Ashram, some of us would rather remain in Auroville than to go to town. We would like to hold collective meditation in Matrimandir at the same time that meditation is held at the Samadhi.
Do you approve of this ?"
Mother approves.
25.2.72
A family wanted to leave Auroville for two months for "physical and spiritual regeneration". They were upset due to long illnesses of family members, one after another.
Mother asked, "Why are they upset ?"
I told her the reason.
They have requested for written blessings. She wrote, "Blessings".
Mother signed the notice of the play "Katha Upanishad" on 26.2.72 at the Aspiration Cultural Centre.
There was a request from an American Hippy, William Phillips, "Your vibrations of Universal love and light have reached my life at this time, and I'm looking forward to visit you in your physical form if you so desire. Thank you."
He was allowed to come for Pranam in group.
6.2.72
A French resident at Aspiration has written about his thirst to read books on Matter and scientific things. Before, he felt joy and happiness in reading only books of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother. He wanted to know if this new movement merited a free flow.
Mother gave the advice to read 'The Life Divine' and 'The Synthesis of Yoga' to have the answer to all questions.
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The note on Cinema in Auroville, based on what Mother had said to Roger yesterday was read out :
Children below 15 will see only educational films.
Care should be taken in selecting films to be shown in Auroville.
Mother explained that films showing countries, mountains etc. should be shown. Not many such films are there, but the films which, in general, lower the consciousness, should not be shown.
A week later she added on the note:
All that encourages the lower movements and actions must be avoided. Blessings.
S. wrote to Mother offering her body to have the illnesses and obstacles that Mother's body was having.
Mother said,
"It is kind of her.
But I have no ailments.
The body is in course of transformation.
As for obstacles, everybody has got them."
27.2.72
Mother touched the foundation stone and prasad for S. Niyogi's house for the 29th inst.
She gave blessings for Mark, Aleena and Aurovarsha for their journey to Europe.
28.2.72
Mother was looking for something. Kumud was called and asked about a cheque. I told Mother that I had already received it from Dyuman.
Out of the writing pads offered by Meenakshi and Sukanya,
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the one made by Meenakshi, bearing the Auroville symbol, was given to me by Mother on Champaklal's suggestion.
When I came down, Meenakshi said that she had wished it to come to me, although she did not speak about it.
Kiran's Auroville album was placed before Mother for blessings. Mother wanted to see some photos and after seeing the first two sheets, she wrote blessings, and gave a transformation flower for Kiran.
I spoke to Mother about the birthdays of people at Auroville. I was telling them that Mother wished to see only those whom she knew, who were here for more than a year and were of service to Auroville. For visitors, I was seeing about their services. But what about the students of the Aspiration School ?
Mother said that she could not see them; there were too many people.
Kumud intervened to say, "Today there are 251."
Mother said, "You see."
Upon Chamanlal's request to Mother for someone to do the opening of the Meteorological Station, Mother asked me to do it. It was for the next day, the 29th February, and as at 6 a.m. we were to start the concreting work of the Matrimandir pillars, I will be at the Matrimandir then. So I asked Mother if Roger could do it.
She said, "If he likes."
Then she said, "There is meditation here tomorrow."
"The work starts at 6. We will be back in time."
Sebastian wanted to dance at the Matrimandir the next day in the evening in the foundation-hole. I commented that the concreting work was to start in the morning and these things disturbed the work.
Mother said, "He can dance elsewhere."
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29.2.72
Today Mother had no time, so no talk.
But what a smile !
1.3.72
Frederick's proposal of "Aurofund for Rural Development" to receive money from the German Association was approved.
For surgery on Mercier's hernia there was a choice between Dr. Satyabrata Sen and JIPMER. The latter was approved.
Katak's trip to Dharamshala to see the Dalai Lama was approved. Mother did not wish to give a message for the Dalai Lama.
Mother gave blessings for Sachala, a child at the Ashram, who was seriously ill in the night.
2.3.72
Mother was pleased to see and touch the first cube of concrete cast at the Matrimandir, offered by Piero to her.
The cube was sent to the Auroville Exhibition as suggested to me by Champaklal.
For Sachala, who is better, but who cries, "I want only you,
Mother", Mother gave her photo to be kept on the bed.
3.3.72
Dayanand sent flowers of gratitude to Mother for the settlement of the tractor issue at the Lake Estate last evening.
She asked, "Settled ?", z
and was happy to know that it was so.
I reported about the daily new arrivals at Pondicherry. Two to
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three young people from foreign countries are coming, who have some money to live on, are used to drugs and smoking, and wish to join Auroville, but are not found useful for Auroville or do not wish to work.
Mother inquired, "Where do they stay ? What do they do the whole day ?"
"They are easy going people without discipline, enjoying smoking and drugs. At Auroville we have no accommodation left for about six months to come. If I tell them 'No' for anything, how angry they become !"
She said, "Have we not said 'no smoking, no drugs in
Auroville'?"
"For drugs, yes; but for smoking Mother has given the provision of a smoking room. But even this is not followed."
Mother said that I should tell people that those who did not ask us before and are not accepted will not be taken by
Auroville.
I reported a remark of Yvonne's about me and wanted to know if I needed rectification on that point.
Mother told me not to care for what others say, and added.
"Mind is unreliable and makes all sorts of mistakes. Even if someone tells me that someone is criminal, it does not affect my seeing. I see differently... A day will come, I don't say that it will come soon, but it will come when the truth will be out.
Let others wallow in the mud, it does not matter, "
4.3.72
"Mother, what should I do for the truer and faster progress of Auroville ?"
"Any problem ?"
"Everyday I bring questions and problems and Mother gives answers. Does Mother wish to say something particular today?"
"No", she said and raised her arms.
I read out the letter of Kenneth. Should he go to Auroville ?
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Mother said that she would like him to be at Auroville. At the
Ashram one does not produce children.
5.3.72
Mother signed formal resolutions.
She inquired about the position of the Hand Made Paper Unit. I answered that we expected to commence production in the month of May.
6.3.72
Mother gave blessings for Stephan Joss who wants to go to Puddukottai for the cure of his knee at a Nature Cure Sanatorium there. She inquired about the distance and direction of Puddukottai from here.
I placed the request for birthday pranam for a three year old and a one year old child, both born at Auroville.
Mother agreed to see them.
She called Champaklal and said, "Champaklal, I wish to make an exception in the case of children born in Auroville. They can come to me when they are one year old."
"Yes, Mother," said Champaklal.
She said that it was not good that children below one year be seen by her, but Kamoo was bringing even one or two months old children.
For adults in Auroville, she says that she does not wish to see those who have been here less than a year.
She agreed to see a very troublesome person who has been here since several years.
I said, "Mother, if this man is called, others who have come recently and are of better service to Auroville may feel that such a man gets the opportunity whereas they do not. This is a difficulty on the physical plane."
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She said that she was not interested in seeing this man, in fact she was not interested in seeing anyone. "I want to control, but..."
I said that whatever she thought good for Auroville, she should decide; I was simply trying to understand.
She asked, "Should I write or you will remember ?"
"I will prepare a note and read it to you tomorrow."
7.3.72
The note on birthdays was read out:
"For birthdays of persons in Auroville Mother can see those who are in Auroville since more than a year.
Children born in Auroville can come when they are one year of age and more, other children when they are four years of age and more."
Mother said, "It is very good."
After we finished some other items of work, on the suggestion of Champaklal, I placed the birthday note before Mother for he signature.
She asked, "Should I write 'approved' ? "
"Have you signed it ?"
"No, it is a plain note."
Then she wrote Blessings and signed.
Mother approved of the opening of the 'Auroville Designs' account in the State Bank of India.
I put up the request of a British visitor to see Mother. He had written a letter to her, an interesting one. She was not so interested, but consented to see him.
I spoke about foreigners with big hair and beards coming here being directed to me now-a-days as they are thought to be Aurovilians. Mother had a laugh and she said raising her hands towards her hair, "Oh ! They are coming with big hair !"
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"And when they make requests to see Mother, I will bring the same."
She nodded.
8.3.72
Informed Mother of the death of Auroselvan, born in Auroville in October 70, child of Ramchandran, a paid driver of Auroville. The JIPMER doctor wished to have the body for dissection.
She asked, "What is the wish of the parents ?"
"The father wishes the body to be buried at Promesse near Auroson and Dorothy's child."
"It is better," she said.
Last night there was an outbreak of fire at the Workshop at Aspiration. Attached to the Workshop was the store-room of Auroconstruction. Both were completely burnt with the materials there. Also two vans and one car. The loss in terms of money would be about five lakhs of rupees. The fire started at about 10 p.m. A few minutes before, there was an altercation with the paid watchman who was reported to be drunk and trying to drive away the van. There was a rumour that some persons in the village were thinking of destroying the Workshop.
Mother asked, "Was it insured ?"
"Who is in charge ?"
"Ved Prakash was put in charge, but people there were always quarrelling with him, so some time back it was decided that he would have another place for the work and Vincenzo was in charge of this Workshop. Most of the things there came with people coming from abroad, some were purchased by Auroville, some were donated by Vincenzo's wife Claire."
Mother concentrated long.
"Mother, what may be the reason ?"
"You mean reason, or cause ?"
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She concentrated.
I asked, "Should the police be asked to leave or to continue their inquiry ?"
"Can they help in finding the responsibility ?"
"Well."
Coming out I saw Vincenzo waiting with a wish to see Mother. He was called in and when he came out he was in tears.
Mother had spoken to him about the lack of harmony and absence of real aspiration for the Divine due to which her protection did not work.
To Vincenzo's question,'Do I have to start again ?", she had said, "Always we have to start again; everybody has to start again with the true aspiration to the Divine..
9.3.72
Mother said, "Alors ?"
"The police have not been able yet to find any person as responsible for the fire."
"It is not a person", she said.
(concentration)
"Madhusudan, an integrated family man has been held by the police for investigation. He says that he is innocent and prays to Mother for protection."
"Naturally, poor man !"
"Mother, it is a big blow for us. Unless we, those who are working at Auroville, learn lessons from it, I don't know what will happen in future."
"The atmosphere there was so bad that my protection which is there was ineffective. But it was a big blow."
"In the Polyester unit, close by the Workshop, people were working well and harmoniously. There were explosive materials in it, but the fire did not touch that side."
"Yes, yes." (concentration)
"Was the workshop in a house ?"
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"No, Mother, it was in a hut-shed."
"It is dangerous."
"Yes, Mother, and we have decided to shift to a pucca
building."
Then she asked, "Have you received something ?"
She was looking towards the place where money envelopes are kept. I had received one, so I said "Yes". It was an envelope containing Rs 1000 from Madhav Pandit for reconstruction with his letter of a pained heart.
Then other works were transacted:
(i)signing of the Bank resolution for 'Auroville Designs';
(ii)reply to Piero and Vikas that she doesn't like haphazard work;
(iii)reply to a woman from Indonesia;
(iv)disposal of requests for admission to Auroville; (v) disposal of requests for Pranam.
A group of nine visitors got permission, but Mother said,
"Oh, nine !"
10.3.72
"Mother, the police has not been able to find out about the fire. I have no hope now that they will be able to do so."
"No."
"So we will let the matter be closed in a few days." Mother nodded.
"Mother, I don't think that people in Auroville are going to learn a lesson from it. They are still busy with mutual criticisms."
She expressed disgust and went into concentration.
Mother gave her photo for someone who was having difficult nights which affected his waking state also and brought a kind of revolt.
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A Japanese woman who wrote, "I want to know who I am", was allowed to go to Mother with me, instead of joining the group.
Birthday Pranam requests and admission requests were disposed of.
11.3.72
Mother gave Rs 50/25, the offering of the School children for the Matrimandir.
12.3.72
"Mother, the people in Auroville want to know what she has said about the fire accident. I have prepared a note."
When I came to the words, There was no harmony', Mother said, "Not only harmony, there is no unity, no sincerity, no consecration to the Divine, no faith, no confidence in the Divine. It was not the Divine's fault."
She asked me to continue to read. At the end she said, "It is alright."
Then I added the words, 'no sincerity, no faith and no confidence in the Divine' and when I read the whole sentence again, she nodded.
The whole statement then read as follows:
In connection with the fire in the Workshop at Aspiration Mother has said that Her protection was not effective because the atmosphere there was very bad. There was no harmony, no sincerity, no faith and no confidence in the Divine. Each one worked for his own proper satisfaction and not with an aspiration to the Divine.
The blow was big, but it is a lesson to learn.
We should start again, start again with the right attitude of working for the transformation.
(Note corrected and approved by Mother.)
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13.3.72
Mother wrote the reply to Shanti,
"I will like you to do your best to organise the education at Aspiration.
With love and blessings."
Ambabhikshu has written that his wife living outside is pregnant and wants the delivery to take place in Auroville, the child to be an Aurovilian.
Mother wrote, "All right. Blessings."
Requests for birthday pranam were disposed of.
The parents of the child born at Health Centre on 8.3.72 want the name to come from Mother as the child was born in the Mother's city.
Mother gave the name 'Auroshe' and wrote the names of the parents. Then she made another copy for the child's parents. (All this for an unknown villager's family.)
Ved Prakash had found Anil to be dishonest. I transferred Anil to another work. Now Ved Prakash says that this means that a dishonest man is allowed to feel that he can live in Auroville in spite of his dishonesty.
Mother said, "He is correct." In this case he is to be told that he is on trial.
14.3.72
Mother approved of the Bombay trip of Vincenzo and Claire for funds for the reconstruction of the workshop after asking me, "What do you think of it ?" and getting my reply that it seems alright to me and to Nava also.
Mother approved of the so-called 'Shop Project' of Claire and in response to her request for a name, she first uttered 'Aurofraternity', then 'Auroutility', but remarked, "These are not the right words". Then came 'Pour Tous', 'For All', and she wrote
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the name with blessings. She dated it as March 1972 after inquiring today's date.
For the 27th April musical performance at Madras for the benefit of the Matrimandir, Shobha and her party will participate. They have not gone out of Pondicherry since years and want Mother's blessings and protection. They wish to go to her before leaving for Madras. She agreed to see them in group and gave blessing packets.
Names of two drug-takers were reported.
For the first one to whom I had not talked about it, Mother said that I should first speak to her about it.
The second one has admitted that he was taking ganja once a week, but he cannot promise that he will give it up. Mother said,
"Tell him that if he tries to give it up, my help will be there."
The Japanese woman Fukiko was called in. Her question was, "Who am I ?"
Mother meditated with her and said, "Look deep inside yourself and you will know the answer. "Then she gave her a blessing packet which she should hold in her hand while doing so.
15.3.72
It was already 10 o'clock and Satprem was waiting outside. I said 'Rien d'urgent' (nothing urgent) and got a quiet minute with Mother.
16.3.72
Krishna Aiyar's complaint regarding the hygienic conditions
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in Auroville was read. Of course Mother knew of it. The draft notice was approved and she wrote blessings and signed:
Hygiene in Auroville
Strict cleanliness is highly desirable in Auroville in community kitchens and places of sanitation. The present state is far from satisfactory. For lasting improvement the community as a whole should accept it as a need and some persons should take responsibility of looking after these matters.
The following persons have already offered their services for this purpose:-
1.Kusum for Promesse
2.Shanti for Health Centre Kitchen.
Volunteers are needed for Aspiration. Names may be submitted to
Mother through Shyamsunder. Blessings
—Mother
Then the question of cheese came up.
In Europe cheese is made from unboiled milk. At Aspiration it is done the same way. But the conditions in Europe and India are different. Cheese made from boiled milk may not be so good, but it is safer to boil the milk for this purpose.
Apart from the question of cheese, Mother further advised boiling in general from the viewpoint of health.
She added, "In Auroville you have to tell people persistently."
(Next day I issued a notice containing Mother's advice about boiling milk.)
Letter of Tim Rees regarding the Forest Seedling Nursery. Mother said, "It will have an effect on the climate." In response for a name, she said Success and wrote it.
Regarding agriculture I wanted to know whether more farms should be developed by giving charge to capable persons for each farm, to one or two for each farm.
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Mother agreed and advised, "But it is necessary that the Europeans who do it should first know the Indian conditions."
"Should we have one Indian with one European ?"
"Yes, yes."
After a pause she mentioned Mercier's name.
"But, Mother, he may not be having time."
"Yes, and he is old."
Norman Dowsett's letter. In view of Mother's letter to Shanti a few days ago he wanted to know about his own function and that of Anand.
Mother spoke the reply and told me to write it and show it to her next morning.
17.3.72
The following reply for Norman was read out,
"You will continue to go to Aspiration as at present. Shanti is always there and you can advise her. Also Anand. Besides, the work you are doing at Pondicherry for the Aspiration School and Sri Aurobindo Society is useful."
Mother wrote blessings and signed.
A long letter of Anand was read. He had written about how he had organised the classes and asked two questions.
To the first question whether Mother approved of the system and if it should continue, she said, "Yes. It has my full approval." The second question asked if it should be changed. Mother said No.
"I have spoken to J. She admits having taken drugs. There is another American girl who also admits this, but she says that she does not believe it."
"What does she not believe ? "
"That Mother has said, 'No drugs in Auroville'. "
Mother kept silent.
"What to do about such people ?"
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Mother gave me a typed sheet saying it was for the Ashram.
I said, "The visitors to the Ashram are not following the Ashram rules. They do all sorts of things, but due to their stay in the Ashram Guest Houses they get Mother's protection, otherwise the Government can handle them differently. Nowadays there are newcomers everyday."
I suggested some additional words in the typed sheet to make it clearer. The words 'or in the Ashram guest House as a visitor' were to be put in the last para, after the opening words 'While you are at the Ashram'. Mother accepted the suggestion and again heard the sentence as altered. Kumud was told to note it and she will convey it to Maggi.
The text is as follows:
Before answering your enquiry we must inform you that it is now very rare indeed that applicants are admitted to the Ashram except in absolutely exceptional cases. They must have an outstanding aptitude for this yoga and must offer their work unconditionally.
They must also offer all that they possess and are required to observe the following rules of the Ashram: no sex, no drugs, no alcohol, no tobacco, no politics.
You may, if you like, come as an independent visitor but we would advise you to study the teachings of Sri Aurobindo before coming.
We enclose a list of the Ashram Guest Houses.
While you are at the Ashram or in the Ashram Guest House as a visitor, you will be required to observe the rules of the Ashram.
18.3.72
Mother signed her photo for the Mat Weaving Centre at Aspiration, a note with blessings for Nirmala Sachdeva approving her working in the Auromodel Health Centre kitchen, and the Balance Sheet of Sri Aurobindo Memorial Fund Society for 1970.
Mother permitted Anand Reddy to come with his father on
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28.3.72 to take Sri Aurobindo's relics to Hyderabad and go there for the installation ceremony. About his further' request for permission to go to Orissa, Konarak Temple etc, she first kept silent. Then arose the question of his absence of more than two weeks while the school is in session. She said, "I was thinking of that", but finally she did not object.
In response to Bill's letter regarding the sinister effect of R on him, Mother gave a blessing packet which he should keep on his person.
19.3.72
Chamanlal has asked whether Mother wishes that he does the liaison work between Newcombe, the UNDP expert, and Auroville.
Mother wrote, "I wish that you take up this work."
20.3.72—25.3.72
Mother has not been keeping well. She did not see us.
26.3.72
Mother resumed seeing the daily-goers. Physically speaking, it was just going and coming.
27.3.72
Mother still looked very weak in body. I did not place any matter before her. She asked, "Nothing ?"
"Nothing urgent, Mother."
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28.3.72
A cheque for Auroville, wrongly addressed to the Ashram, has been received. Mother asked me if I got it. I told her that it is after a long time that we have received something.
Dayanand has raised the question about the offer of the Pondicherry State Congress Committee to have him as its member.
Mother advised, "Better to accept it."
Two persons in Forecomers take drugs and refuse to believe that drugs are not to be taken in Auroville in spite of Mother's clear injunction, 'No drugs in Auroville'.
Mother said, "If my authority is not respected in Auroville, do you not think that there will be more difficulties there ? Do you think it will be better ? What do you mean by 'they do not believe' ? Do they think they have a right to do what they like in Auroville ? Have they the right to kill others if they so like ? Do they understand this ? "She repeated, "Do they understand this?"
"Mother, as they refuse to obey the conditions, they should go-"
"What for are they in Auroville ? To do what they like ?"
"I have tried my best to persuade them. One of them when living at the Auroville Centre had promised not to take drugs. Now he says that his promise was for that' place, not for Forecomers. Tomorrow he will say that his promise was for the particular house he was living in and not for the one to which he has now shifted."
"Yes. I did not know that all this has happened. Well, I do not say that they should be here. But if they refuse to go ?"
"For that I can do the necessary. Till now all those who were asked to go have been made to go. They refuse to go, two days, three days, even more, but in the end they go."
29.3.72
Robert, the dentist at Aspiration, informs Mother that he was
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asked to look after the teeth of the children at the Aspiration School. Richard and Therese have agreed that he could use their chamber at Pondicherry once a week until the dental chamber comes up at Aspiration
Mother has no objection.
Regarding his wish to go to France with Anata and to bring a car to be used by him and Anata, Mother said that the car would not be acceptable on these conditions, and it would be better that they do not come back.
There is a joint letter from an American boy and a French girl, informing Mother of their intimacy, their feeling of psychic relationship and intervention of vitalistic attraction.
Mother said that the psychic relationship does not express itself in this form. If it expresses itself, there would be no doubt of the confusion of vital relationship.
Two persons rejected several times before were given a chance to be in Auroville. They have apologized. I told Mother that I do not believe their words.
30.3.72
Behram and Dhan Palkhivala have sent Rs 5000 for the workshop at Aspiration. Mother gave blessing packets for them.
Diane's letter.
In reply to her question about work and meditation during these last three months of pregnancy Mother explained that she should do so only such work as does not strain her. At this time strain and fatigue should be avoided.
"I have suggested that she works on the plants in the Matrimandir Nursery an hour or two when she feels like it."
"Yes, that is very good."
Then came the question of her relationship with Larry from
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whom the baby is coming. The baby is not coming from her husband.
Mother said, "What is this? Going after one man and another! I do not wish to say anything... For, well, I am in this matter old-styled."
"Mother has said something on 'no marriages in auroville'. She has also spoken of the soul-relationship between man and woman, but people choose to read the first part only, then to couple it with their idea of liberty and non-discipline, and to do such things. If Mother does not reply, it will be understood as her consent."
Mother said 'We are trying to be above humanity, but these things are animal things, below humanity. In future when there will be no need of sexual activity for birth, that will be a proof of it.
Tell her that they can be good friends, but for good friendship kissing is not necessary, nor sexual activity."
Sandy's letter about a man at Aspiration posing as a guru, some persons gathering around him, and the bad effect of his contact on herself.
Mother said, "Let those who are interested in these vital things have their experience and see for themselves what happens. They can be left to themselves. One need not do anything about it."
"Mother, she wants help and protection for herself." Mother took out a blessing packet for her and said,
"Let us see. But, for the protection she has to be sincere. One cannot ask for protection and claim it in spite of what one may like to do... I say it once for all... Will you remember?"
31.3.72
Mother signed Sri Aurobindo Memorial Fund Society's annual Return for 1970 for filing with the Registrar of Societies.
She wrote Blessings on the announcement of the Society's U.P. Conference at Lucknow.
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Took three blessing packets.
The State Bank wishes to open a branch in Auroville. Roger had spoken to Mother about it and then to the Bank that in their branch at Auroville there should not be employees in the office, but people who have accepted the Auroville way. The Bank says that the ideal is good, but it is not possible to do so at present. The matter had gone to the Chairman, Talwar; he also finds it difficult. It is a Governmental organisation and legal difficulties are there.
"In Auroville we should not have the old way, otherwise it will always be there. The Bank can have its branch outside Auroville."
"What is your proposal? "
"Either outside or perhaps in Aspiration."
"Yes, it can be in Aspiration."
"As a transition. Right type of people willing to work this way might come."
"Yes."
In Forecomers there was Bob Lawlor from the beginning. Now he is in America. He has written to Navoditte asking for circulation in Auroville of what Mother has said about Auroville.
"Send them what I have said yesterday, and not what has been printed before, what was printed without telling me about it but as if I had said it."
"Yes, Mother. I will show the note tomorrow."
Navoditte wants to know whether what Mother had spoken to the Aspiration people in the early days could be used now after selection. At that time Mother had said that it was not for publication.
"I do not remember," said Mother. "Can you show it to me?"
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"First Navoditte can select; then I can see and bring it."
The subject of differences and quarrels between Nava and Udar came up. Roger has spoken to Mother about the points of arrangement arrived at between them. As one participating in the matter, I reported to Mother that according to me it was not an agreement for there was no change of heart. At best it was a working arrangement which will fall at the first test of reality.
"Yes, it will fall at the test of reality", said Mother. "Both must change."
She added, "People come and tell me that they wish to do my will, but all they want is to do what they will. I look straight into the heart; pretensions can not help. I can not be cheated. It is cheating oneself."
"Mother, on the one hand we are talking of the Supermind and human unity, on the other hand, among people who go outside..."
"Where?"
"To Delhi, Bombay, Calcutta, etc... there are not even four who can work together."
"Yes, they talk of human unity and act like this. It is grotesque."
"People outside are intelligent, and they laugh at us."
"Yes, they laugh."
"Mother, should I tell X to come or keep quiet?"
"You keep quiet."
1.4.72
The monthly offering from Kishorilal and Prabha was handed over to Mother. She wrote as usual on the cover that goes back to Prabha, "To Prabha, with love and blessings."
Udar came last evening and asked Krishna, "Why is Nava not
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coming when he has been asked by Mother?" They phoned him this morning and he is coming this evening for a day.
Mother looked very pleased and said, "It is better that he comes like this without being called."
2.4.72
Huta's letter for blessings for Anne, who will project the Savitri slides tomorrow instead of Richard who is ill, was read. Mother gave her photo for Anne as blessings and flowers for Huta.
Huta had presented me a copy of 'About Savitri' and wished that I get it touched by Mother. Mother wrote blessings on it.
Informed Mother about Nava's arrival and Rs 1.75 lakh brought by him.
Prof. Newcombe's letter refers to the four zone sketch of Auroville drawn by Mother. He writes, "The sketch shows the main elements of the town: cultural, residential, industrial and international. Did you envisage at the time that each element should be identical with one single land use zone? Or would it be acceptable to arrange in the new city around Matrimandir, a number of sectors (say six), each one of these containing a part of the four elements? Such an arrangement would bring the four elements more intimately together and particularly from the point of view of education it would produce to a greater extent that richness of the environment which I believe Sri Aurobindo demanded in relation to the universal university. If all the four elements can be included within one sector, it is, of course, possible to construct one sector at a time which may be considered a great advantage."
Mother's reply for the Professor was, "We are open towards everything, but it needs study."
Then she said, "I am not an architect. I can't decide these questions. What he suggests has some advantages, but great
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disadvantages. It will create confusion. I had said before what I had seen, what came to me in vision."
I showed her the photo of the original sketch.
She said, "Yes, that is what I saw."
I drew her attention to the shifting of the location of the four zones. She said, "Yes, that he can do."
She had also remarked earlier, "I have given the charge of architecture to Roger and he is capable."
"Roger goes to France on the 5th inst. for a month. If I come tomorrow with Roger when he brings Newcombe to Mother, I can follow up the matter better."
"Yes, that's it."
3.4.72
"Between the residential colony of Aspiration and the Handmade Paper unit under construction there is a small ravine upon which a bridge has been constructed by Auroconstruction—its first complete job. Tomorrow morning they wish to open it and want me to be there for it."
Mother said, "Yes."
"I think some child born in Auroville should be the first to walk over it."
"Yes, who?"
"Auroson?"
"How old is he?"
"About three."
"No, he can't be three."
"I am not sure, perhaps less."
"He is 18 months. You can ask Aurofilio he has a will. If he goes, you take him; else, Auroson and his mother."
Auroville has taken 26 lakhs from the State Bank of India. The lands are given as security. Six lakh are to be repaid by 30.6.72 and the balance by 31.12.72. It is not expected that we will accumulate this big sum to be paid off at one time. So, although we are in financial shortage at present, from the monies which come I can go on repaying 50% to the Bank.
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Mother said, "Yes, yes. This is what should be done."
The polyester unit's construction has stopped for want of money. Louis Cohen could not bring money from France. The Bank is willing to give money for it. It is an industrial unit and repayment can be made out of its earnings.
Mother approved.
I mentioned to Mother the receipt of the typed copy of her conversation with Satprem on 30.3.72 for circulation in Auroville. She wanted me to read it out. Some portions were deleted.
Near Aspiration a new colony Fraternity is coming up. The people there who wish to live there, want to organize their lives in an autonomous way.
Mother said, "They can try."
"I have made it clear to them that only those who are accepted by Mother to be at Auroville should be there and the ideals of Auroville have to be recognized by them. If they need any help from me, I am at their disposal."
"Yes, try."
4.4.72
Today the kitchen started by Prabha at Pondicherry is one year old. Asked for a blessings card, Mother wrote blessings with the following dates at the top:
4.4.71
She gave blessings packets for the workers there.
Mother made a card for Auroshilpam, the Sanskrit name for Auroindustries, the industrial sector of Auroville.
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The first eggs received from the poultry at 'Service Farm' were offered to Mother. She took one in her hand and put it back in the basket. The basket went to the Aspiration kitchen.
**
A passage from the conversation on 30.3.72 was read again. The English passage was restored and changes were made in the French version. The sentence, as altered, was reread and approved.
Kishorilal has received a letter from his nephew at Varanasi where his mother is ill and has got a heart attack. The letter asks them to go there once.
"What does he say?"
"He says that he has nothing to say."
"I too have nothing to say except that the best will be done... With my protection the best will be done, but not always the best in the sense as one would like it to be... "
"Roger spoke to Mother yesterday that he will come today when I am here and ask her something about Auroville. "Yes," said Mother.
"The question is about undesirable people in Auroville. Sometimes people rejected by Roger and me are accepted by Mother. I am not capable of judging the people beyond a mental judgment; I simply place the facts. Mother can see the people in their inside, their soul, their destiny, and as I understand her—I may make mistakes in understanding her—but I try to do as I have understood. For me it is alright. Auroville is Mother's responsibility. Roger is exercised over the problem and what she will reply is alright for me. "
She wanted specific instances and I gave some names.
(Mother's answer and the rest of the conversation were taped by Kumud.)
"Some people say that they are spies and are kept by the American Government, some others, some Americans tell me that the Americans would never take such incapable spies! So
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myself I don't see the... To tell the truth, I don't appreciate them very much, but I have nothing very positive against them. That's all. It's all like that. I tried my best to push them out, that is to say, that they would want to go. But they... it didn't happen, they really willed to remain. If we could have evident proof that they are spies, then it would be very easy. I would tell them to go. But for so many years they have been here. It must be proved, it can't be a feeling or an idea or something like that, there must be a concrete proof. Voila.
I would like that the Divine's will should manifest very clearly in a very positive way. Because human appreciation is worth nothing. He alone knows the Truth, and it is He who has to decide. Like that. I don't know if you understand and follow; what I say may not be clear. But I—you see, to tell the truth, I have no respect for human appreciation and outlook, and I am absolutely convinced that only the Divine can see the truth. What I do is to tell, to show clearly His way so that we will do only what He says, what He sees. We are not capable of seeing. We will go by the Divine."
(silence)
"Let Your will be done whatever it is. Voila. That's my position."
(Roger is called in.)
Roger: There has been a chain of events which makes it necessary for me to ask you a question. I have read this question to Shyam Sunder, because we have spoken together at length, insofar as we feel that certain decisions must be made to try and improve the situation in Auroville. But we keep running up against the same problem, which I have summarized in this letter:
"Auroville is burdened by a small group of people who are contaminating its life and spirit and jeopardizing its progress. They thwart any effort to implement safety and hygiene measures, working decisions, and they behave in contradiction to Auroville's ideal. One solution would be to send some of these people back home and, for a certain period, to limit newcomers to those elements directly useful to the building of Auroville.
We see that, in practice, this possibility has not been endorsed by you. Is the presence of these elements—which according to
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us are undesirable—necessary to Auroville for reasons known to the Divine consciousness? Are we supposed to build Auroville amidst the difficulties they represent? And are they useful to Auroville's development?"
Mother: In a general and absolute way, difficulties are always graces. And due to... (How can I put it?) human weaknesses they fail to be helpful. Difficulties are always graces. I have been on earth for quite a while this time and always—always, always, always, without a single exception—I have seen in the end that difficulties are nothing but graces. I can neither feel nor see things otherwise because it has been my experience all my life. I might be upset at first and say, 'How come, I am full of goodwill, yet difficulties keep piling up...' But afterwards, I could have simply given myself a slap: 'Silly you! It's just to bring more perfection to your character and the work!' There.
Some persons have been driven out of the Ashram into Auroville. Those, I admit, are difficult elements who make things difficult. I wish they would be naturally driven out of Auroville to... somewhere else. This wouldn't be very nice for the rest of the world—but never mind! Although in a free environment, they may be tolerable. Practically, one would have to speak to each one individually.
Now go on, tell me what you wanted to say.
Roger: Well, Mother, I simply wanted to know if we are supposed to accept the presence of these seemingly undesirable people as a necessity for Auroville's growth, and if so, we'll just have to act accordingly and face the difficulties they represent; or should we take definite measures to solve the problems of safety, the problems of hygiene...
Mother: What problems of hygiene? What problems of safety?
Roger: For example, Mother, it's absolutely useless to give them fire extinguishers, hoses and water if they don't make any effort to learn how to use the fire extinguisher and keep the water hose in proper condition.
Mother: Yes, that's plain.
Roger: The same for hygiene.
Mother: Is there no one who could be given the responsibility for those things?
Roger: Yes, Mother, we'll have to manage with what we have.
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Mother: Yes. Something could be organized with the people we can trust, and if the others are dissatisfied, they can leave. Do you understand what I mean? Instead of taking an active position of 'Go away' (which for many reason's is very difficult), if we put them under authority they don't accept, they will be forced to leave. They will protest at first, but we must remain firm: 'This is how it is'.
We must find the people capable of doing this, with the required strength of character, and once we find them, they can be given the authority, and if the others don't like it, they'll have to leave! And that's that. But we can't dismiss people who are already there as long as we don't have the person or persons capable of actively assuming that position.
Roger: Yes, Mother, it's clear. But there's also the problem of admissions to Auroville.
Mother: Oh, well?
Roger: For instance, certain elements seem absolutely undesirable to us from the start. And yet these people are sometimes accepted. Is there a reason for this?
Mother: On trial. Only on a trial basis, never otherwise.
Roger: But, Mother, once they're here on trial, nobody can ever send them away!
Mother: Ah, no! If they are not satisfactory, they can be sent away. I was only speaking of those (this is in fact what I was saying to Shyam Sunder) whom I was forced to remove from the Ashram because they were totally undesirable in the Ashram, and they went to Auroville; these people should either go, or else feel... as I said, feel that they have no place here. But the newcomers, those who are accepted on a trial basis and who turn out to be undesirable, can be sent away. I meant the old-timers, those who have been here for years and years. But the newcomers, all those who have been taken on trial and are not satisfactory, they can leave—they must leave. I give you (Mother points to Roger and myself) full authority to send them away.
You see, some people come to me—I don't know their names, I don't know what they do, I know nothing about them; the new requests for admission should come to me through one of you two (because you know the practical situation and the people). Unfortunately, many people write to me, and I don't know, you
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see, I never remember names; I only remember when I know who they are, what they do and so on. but if you know these people's worth and can tell me, 'This one is like this or that,' I trust what you say; and if you tell me, 'That person is undesirable,' well, he must go. But I have to be informed beforehand, because people usually go through one person, then another to get their request to me, and I don't keep track, I don't know. Do you see the picture? I give a general answer, and they take it as... because I think it's somebody else. I don't remember, I forget names—the next minute I have forgotten. My head is full of... something far vaster than all that, you know. There should be one person—one or two (two is very good)—to present the admissions to Auroville, and I fully agree to send back those you (Mother points to Roger and myself) find undesirable.
Do you understand?
Roger: Yes, Mother. But at present all the requests are presented by Shyam Sunder. No one else presents requests from newcomers. So things should be simple?
Mother: Are you sure about that?
Roger: For instance, the other day (I use this example, Mother, because for me it was a real problem), there was a girl who was on drugs and who had been expelled from Auroville; she asked Shyam Sunder to be allowed to come back. And we...
Mother A girl?
Roger: Yes, Mother. Shyam Sunder and I were against it, but you said, 'She must be given one more chance'.
Mother: Yes—yes, for one more month?
I: They have been there for a week now, on trial.
Mother: You must give them at least one month. At least one month. But if they show the slightest insincerity, you understand, if they say, T don't do this, I do that, I won't do this, etc...', just tell them, 'You can leave.' You don't even need to ask me, you can just send them away. Simply inform me: such and such person has been found unsatisfactory. I give you the authority to do it. I won't protest. But I must be informed because plenty of people come to me and... they're very cunning, you see: they find another person to channel their request.
Roger: The question in our minds, Mother, was to know whether you saw these people as being useful in providing Auroville with a certain type of difficulty.
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Mother. No! Certainly not! No, no, I don't favour deliberately adding difficulties! I know they come for... but they should be made as easy as possible. Only, we shouldn't be ruffled by difficulties, that's the point. I am not at all saying that difficulties should be accepted—don't invite them at all, at all, at all; life is difficult enough as it is! But when a difficulty comes, you must take heart and face it courageously.
We must strive for Order, Harmony, Beauty and... collective aspiration—all the things which for the moment are not there. We must... you see, being the organizers, our task is to set the example of what we want others to do. We must rise above personal reactions, be exclusively attuned to the divine Will— we must be impersonal, without any personal reaction. We must 'be' in all sincerity. What the Divine wants—let it be. That's all. If we can be that, then we are as we ought to be, and that is what we must become. For the rest... for all the rest, we do the best we can.
I know it's not easy, but we are not here to do easy things; the whole world is there for those who like an easy life. I would like people to feel that coming to Auroville does not mean coming to an easy life—it means coming to a gigantic effort for progress. And those who don't want to keep up with it should leave. That's how things stand. I wish it were so strong—the need for progress, for the divinisation of the being, so intense—that those who are unable (unable or unwilling) to adjust to it would leave by themselves: 'Oh, this is not what I expected.' As it is now, all those who want an easy life and to do what they please as they please, say, 'Let's go to Auroville!' It should be just the opposite. People should know that coming to auroville means an almost superhuman effort for progress.
It is the sincerity of our attitude and effort which makes a difference. People should feel that insincerity and falsehood have no place here—they just don't work, you can't fool people who have devoted their entire life to go beyond humanity.
There is only one way to be convincing—it is to be that.
Then we'll stand strong, we'll have all the divine force on our side.
We are here to prepare a superhumanity, not to fall back into desires and easy life—no.
People must feel it; it should be so strong that the sheer force
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of our sincerity would drive them out—that's what they have to feel. At that point, we will be what we should be. The power of the realisation—of the sincerity of the realisation—is such that it's unbearable to those who are insincere.
"That's all."
Roger. Yes, Mother.
Mother: If in all sincerity we are on the side of the Divine, we are all we should be.
That's what Sri Aurobindo always said. If men only knew this: if in all sincerity—in all sincerity—they give themselves to the Divine and side with the divine, they become all they should be.
It may take time, there may be turmoil and difficulty—you must be... inflexible: T am for the Divine and the divine manifestation, in spite of everything and anything.' Voila. Then it is omnipotence—even over death.
I am not saying tomorrow, I am not saying immediately,
but... it's a certainty.
5.4.72
Informed Mother about two operations to take place in the JIPMER Hospital this morning. She thought of giving blessings packets but remarked, "Now it will not reach them in time."
She gave blessings packet for Rakhal Pascal after inquiring about him.
Her reply for Robert and Anata, "If they go together to France, they need not come back. She may go and not return."
Mother's reply to a letter in French about the psychic,
"To find the psychic one must conquer the desires of the vital and silence the mind and then sincerely surrender to the Divine of whom the psychic is the instrument in man.
The inner meeting with the psychic is a concrete and undeniable fact which is impressed on all sincere consciousness."
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Informed Mother of the proposed arrival of Diane Hassinger and Lunaura.
6.4.72
In response to Michel Klostermnn's letter about his inner experience Mother gave her photo.
She did not give appointment to see Malik and Auroarindam.
She gave a blessings packet for the journey of R. S. Gupta to Bombay for the Handmade Paper Factory's work.
Gujadhar's proposal for horse-breeding in Auroville on profit sharing basis was not approved.
Sadhana was accepted on trial.
A complaint against me was being read. Mother stopped me in the middle and asked me about the point. She refused to intervene. One of her remarks was, "It is far from our ideals."
She does not like to be bothered with such things.
7.4.72
Two stones said to have been charged with power received from a medium were shown to Mother. After holding the same with concentration, she said, "Honestly, I feel nothing in it."
Ronald's proposal to take the translation of Ruud's book to
U.S.A. to find a publisher was approved.
Mother replied to a letter,
"Have faith in the Divine and go deep inside. I am with you."
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Mother's reply to Kamoo,
"The difficulty is you yourself brought this person and are now quarrelling!..."
If Auroville accepts a particular car, we have to pay Rs 60000 as duty. Mother remarked,
"We are too poor for it."
8.4.72
Huta's letter was read.
Mother said, "For me it is alright. It should be shown to Prithwisingh."
Anjani is willing to take up the development and organisation of industries in Auroville.
Mother said, "Yes, it is good, but if she stays here."
I also mentioned to Mother that we will tap new sources for finance for industries. Nava is bringing money for the general Fund.
Raghuvir Singh is not to come back to Auroville; so also Marianne.
People sent away from Auroville keep on asking Mother for coming back. It need not be referred to Mother again and again.
Mother gave blessings packet for 18 month old Aurokarl, born in Auroville, who is not keeping well.
Gordon has a girl friend in Cuddalore. She comes to Aspiration on holidays and stays with him. She wants Mother's permission.
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Mother remarked, "And then they will have a child!". As for her request, Mother said, "I have no objection."
9.4.72
Informed Mother that Prithwi Singh has agreed to return the books to Huta.
Requests of three persons to join Auroville were approved.
Thomas has difficulty in his mind with sadhana. He is reading Letters on Yoga. He used a pen-knife to open the book for a reply. It struck the following sentence of Sri Aurobindo,
"You must go inside yourself and enter into a complete dedication to the spiritual life."
Mother said, "This is the exact reply."
The second part of his letter said, "Divine Mother, one thing more. Would you change my name, as in the Christian culture Thomas, I believe, is 'the doubter' and truly I have had enough of him."
Mother had a laugh. She said Yes, gave the name Shraddhalu and made a name card.
In reply to a request for blessings "for the delight of an integral union with you and for faith to take possession of me", Mother gave her photo.
Dawn wishes to live in Aspiration. If she has to go there it can be arranged.
Mother replied that she should stay in Pondicherry.
Kamoo does not want Ananta to be with her in the clinic.
Mother said that as Kamoo does not want her there, she must not be there. She asked me what I could do.
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"She can come to Pondicherry and work in the accounts section."
"Yes, it is alright... Is Kamoo getting impossible?"
Mother had a laugh.
10.4.72
In the Planning Group meeting, upon being asked, I have given an interpretation of Mother's reply to Prof. Newcombe regarding his suggestion for a different design than that of the four zones being acted upon. Mother had said, "We are open, but it needs study. I have explained that the four zonal idea came as a vision of the Mother and it has been serving as a base for the work that started in 1968. If on proper scientific or technical study some fundamental difficulty can be pointed out, it will certainly be appreciated.
A question was then raised whether the four zones idea was practical. (Mother remarked, "It is practical.") I went on to state my reply that a thing seen by Mother in her vision implies its practicability.
In the next meeting the question might be asked again, so I want to know from Mother about what I had said.
Mother said, "It is correct."
For Chaudhary Ranbir Singh, leader of the Indian delegation on Agriculture, Mother said, "You can bring him tomorrow with you."
11.4.72
In reply to the letter of Vijay and Kiran about the exhibition in the embassies on the occasion of Sri Aurobindo's Centenary, Mother said that there should be photos and products, and for each country a person from that country should choose : Nata for Italy, Andre for France, like this. They should make a list.
Mother wrote the message in French,
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Un nouveau monde veut naitre, base sur la Verite, et refusant le vieil asservissement du mensonge. Dans tous les pays il y a des personnes qui le savent ou tout au moins le sentent. C'est a ces personnes que nous faisons appel: "Voulez-vous collaborer?" La Mere, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Pondicherry
Un nouveau monde veut naitre, base sur la Verite,
et refusant le vieil asservissement du mensonge.
Dans tous les pays il y a des personnes qui le savent ou
tout au moins le sentent.
C'est a ces personnes que nous faisons appel:
"Voulez-vous collaborer?"
La Mere,
Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Pondicherry
Mother signed the Auroville Study Circle monthly programme and her photo.
Mother approved of the coming of a young American woman for three months to work in Auroville.
For X who wished to rise in politics or to join the Ashram, Mother said,
"He should be in politics. My inner help is with him. The more he sticks to truth, the more will be the help."
She remarked that this person was a man of action.
About the country, poverty, taxes, etc, Mother said that she had many things to say, but the time has not come.
12.4.72
After giving me the flowers, Mother started the talk,
"Do you wish to please me?"
I kept silent. She repeated,
"Today at 4.30 there is a meeting in Pradyot's house. I want you to be there. You will go?"
"It will please me. I want you to be there."
"Yes, Mother, I will go, but..."
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"Tell me frankly."
"Mother, nothing happens in the meetings there."
"I know that nothing happens in meetings or committees. Nothing happens in your meetings too. But still I wish that you
She said further,
"Unity is above qualities and defects.
Unity is above human character.
Unity is above mind's practicality.
Unity comes before perfection.
Perfection comes in unity."
And she added,
"As for mind, it is dust for me."
"Now, what you wanted to say?"
So I took up the regular items.
I read out the message given by Mother yesterday in French and its English translation:
A new world, based on Truth and refusing the old slavery to falsehood wants to take birth.
In all countries there are people who know it, at least feel it.
To them we call:
"Will you collaborate?"
The Mother Sri Aurobindo Ashram Pondicherry
Sri Aurobindo Ashram
Pondicherry
She said, "It is alright."
Informed Mother of the talk Ramanathan, Varadarajan, village representatives and local M.L. As had with the Chief Minister and some other Ministers of Tamil Nadu. For the first time a group of Tamil people have spoken for Auroville to the Government.
Informed Mother of the decision of the man who had come
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yesterday with me to meditate daily at 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. and the disappearance of the pain in his body after seeing Mother.
Informed Mother of Kishorilal's arrival tomorrow and Prabha's trip to Madras for the factory work.
Regarding the proposed Fraternity Trust in Auroville, Mother wished that I should be there.
13.4.72
Rs 21000 have been brought by Nava. Half to go to the Bank, half for other dues.
Read out to Mother her yesterday's words on Unity. Approved for Auroville Gazette.
A request for joining Auroville approved.
Mother gave blessings for Mercier for recovery.
Another blessings packet for Shraddhalu. His poetry will go to Nolini.
Read Alain's letter.
Hashi will not work at Matrimandir. She can work elsewhere.
One pair wrote to Mother that their child was conceived not out of sexual desire but as a service to Auroville to give an Auroville child.
Mother said, "How people deceive themselves!"
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14.4.72
Mother did not see anyone this morning. 15.4.72
Informed Mother of 5 lakhs from the West Bengal Government for the West Bengal pavilion. We can use 1.20 at present. Balance in future for the pavilion.
Blessings for Dick for sale work of books printed by Auropress.
Tomorrow Mother will not see Francis and one other.
16.4.72
The letter dated 12.4.72 signed by Navoditte for people in Aspiration was read:
"About Mahalakshmi, Sri Aurobindo has said:
"If she finds in man's hearts surrounded with selfishness and hatred and jealousy and malignance and envy and strife, if treachery and greed and ingratitude are mixed in the sacred chalice, if grossness of passion and unrefined desire degrade devotion, in such hearts the gracious and beautiful Goddess will not linger. A divine disgust seizes upon her and she withdraws, for she is not one who insists or strives..."
In fear that you may do this, and with sorrow that we have caused you pain we, at Aspiration, ask your forgiveness. Many of us, many times, have promised to change; many of us, again, do so promise now. We pray for the grace.
Mother wrote the reply:
"My love and blessings are always with you for progress and transformation."
and said that it should be framed and kept in the meditation room.
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17.4.72
Letters of Michel Klostermann, Varadarajan and Shyamala were read. Mother gave blessings packets for the first two and her photo for the third one.
Requests of two persons to join Auroville were accepted.
In the industrial sector of Auroville we have got sufficient lands for four five industries. We wish to start Workshop, Soap, etc.
Mother liked the idea of starting.
Regarding the optical lens industry in particular and industries in general there, Mother answered that we could have local paid labour, but as for technicians from other places, they should be those who have understood and liked and accepted Auroville and its life. "Otherwise," she said, "you will not come out of the old thing."
Dawn's letter. She prefers Sister Peter to Dr. Kamoo for the delivery of her baby.
Mother said that she could do as she liked.
As for the question of her stay in Pondicherry after the birth of the baby, Mother said that she is not in the Ashram and one can not prevent her from staying in Pondicherry.
18.4.72
Placed before Mother the position of Bharat Niwas : financial shortage; cutting of airconditioning, acoustics and restaurant equipment; difficulty of maintenance when ready; attitude of Aurovilians who think these things to be against Auroville spirit, not caring for beautiful things; question of user.
(Mother concentrated.. .silence)
"What do you want from me?"
"Mother, I think that in the basement of the auditorium the
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offices of Auroville at present at Pondicherry can be located. In the Restaurant a simple Indian style food service can be started for the office and residents there. On the walls there can be murals of the paintings, architecture and sculpture referred to by Sri Aurobindo in The Foundations of Indian Culture. When the whole Bharat Niwas is completed and the place is needed by it, we can shift.
Mother liked the idea and said, "Yes, it is good. It is alright."
I mentioned Roger's wish to have the offices in Auromodel, but the difficulties of finance, drawings and time-lag are there.
Even if we have to go to Auromodel, it can be done later.
Mother said, "Yes, we can shift later."
Katak's proposal for a Tibetan guest house and restaurant with Tibetan and Chinese food at Pondicherry was approved.
I asked Mother, "Are the Tibetan and Chinese food good together?"
A young man in U.K. wants to come to Auroville. Request approved.
19.4.72
Huta's letter informing Mother about the Savitri slide show tonight at 8.30 was read.
Nava's message was conveyed regarding the meeting of the Centenary Committee at 12 today, praying for the retention of the 10 lakh grant for the Bharat Niwas.
Frederick's son Hero can shift to the Aspiration Boarding.
Robert and Anata are going in the first week of next month. Robert's wife and children are here.
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Mother said, "There is a mess."
"Mother, the situation is quite grave. We haven't money, we haven't the right people. Often there is no joy in the work."
(Silence. Long silence.)
Mother said, "II faut avoir la foi. (One must have faith)."
20.4.72
Mother showed me Nava's book on Sri Aurobindo and asked me, "Have you seen it?"
She was very displeased with the cover.
Informed Mother of the monies received and their disbursement.
The Films Division of the Government of India wanted to come to make a film on the Ashram and Auroville. In the morning a telegram was sent asking them not to come. Pranab does not want them to come for the Ashram, but for Auroville it is alright, so another telegram is to go.
Mother did not like the matter having gone to her in two parts.
Anjani slipped last night in the bath room and has a slight fracture in the left leg at the same spot where it happened four years ago.
When I was about to place the next matter, Mother said, "Go quick", and I left to send the telegram for the Films Division.
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21.4.72
Mother blessed sweets and a ring brought for her touch.
Gum bottles made by Murty's son were offered. Mother asked, "Have you use for them?"
"Yes, Mother. Some I will give to the Ashram office and some
I will take."
Requests of two candidates for Auroville were approved.
Mercier has asked for Mother's advice on nature cure and homeopathic treatment for his urinary trouble.
Mother said, "It is alright", and gave a blessings packet.
Rs 1300 were stolen from the Matrimandir Camp. The person concerned admits his negligence and promises to be careful. There have been other thefts also. For the first time, six persons have agreed to keep night-watch, turn by turn, in stead of a paid watchman.
Mother gave blessings packets for each.
Eduard's letter was read. He is not sure aboqt his stay here. Mother said, "He can go."
In response to Aneeta's letter to Mother asking her to decide her place, Mother said, "She has to decide for herself."
Mother agreed to see eight village girls with Pippi as a group.
22.4.72
Mary Helen wanted Mother to say about her stay in the Ashram or Auroville.
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Mother said, "She can go to Auroville."
Requests for Pranam were disposed of.
Mother said that she wants to see persons who come to her not as an object of curiosity but for Yoga and with sincerity. She has to have time for work. To those who are not sincerely for Yoga I can say, "Mother is busy".
23.4.72
Mother wrote to Hashi that she can work in Auroville except Matrimandir.
For Dikshit's financial guarantee Mother said, "Not possible".
In reply to Huta's prayer Mother gave flowers.
One person's request for joining Auroville was approved 'on trial'; another from Canada was asked to wait.
Two requests for Prosperity were approved. The third one to wait.
24.4.72
Darshan day. Offerings presented.
25.4.72
Offerings of Seyril, Jacqueline and Yen presented.
For Seyril's going to Israel, Mother said, "It is alright".
Shanta of France wishes to come to Auroville. Approved.
Pierre can go to the hills for health if he thinks that it will do
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him good. Mother's permission is there, but Auroville is not rich, we can not pay the expenses for it.
26.4.72
I was told that on Wednesdays and Saturdays Mother has other works and I should not talk business these days. So I went without any papers. Mother asked, "Nothing?"
27.4.72
Letter of Ved Prakash. Auroconstruction is to be organised by me. Ved Prakash has to make a success of the Workshop at Auroville.
Letter of Ramakant Patnaik. Mother signed on his photo.
Two candidates for Auroville were approved. Requests for birthdays approved.
Two Aurovilians wished to go to France to bring money and equipments for Auroville.
Mother remarked, "They go but do not bring anything. They go because of the pull of the old life. But in such cases I say one can go."
Michel Klostermann informs Mother about the completion of the shooting of the Swiss TV film on Auroville. He wants a name for the film and the TV production centre in Auroville.
Mother gave the name Filmaur.
Shanti's letter regarding her sadhana.
Mother gave a blessings packet and said that she could come on 8th May.
In response to Sadhana's letter on the difficulties in the kitchen work at Matrimandir asking for Mother's help, Mother gave a blessings packet.
A technician candidate for Auroville who wanted Auroville to bear his expenses from the beginning although he has money,
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was asked to wait until he understands and accepts Auroville's ideal and way of life.
29.4.72
After pranam, articles sent by some persons were offered.
30.4.72
From the flowers sent by a family one strung bunch was taken by Mother happily.
A letter relating a dream experience on the aspiration for Mother's victory was read.
Mother said 'Bon' and gave a blessings packet with her photo.
Mother signed a note saying that Auroville Designs will transfer at least half of its income to the funds of Auroville.
A ring sent by a visitor for Mother's touch was blessed by her.
2.5.72
Mother approved of a separate kitchen for two integrated families as an experiment.
The propsal of New Horizon Traders as a branch of New Horizons Trust for Auroville purchases was also approved.
In reply to a letter, Mother said, "Tell him to be sincere."
There was a letter from USA from a young girl of about 16 who wanted to come to Auroville for a while.
Mother asked, "Can she come without the consent of her parents? She is too young."
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A small piece of brooch sent by her was given to Mother. She touched it throughout with care and smilingly.
A request from an American woman to come to Auroville was approved 'on trial'.
An old man from Bengal wants to come to Auroville to spend the last days of his life. Mother said, "Auroville is not for the last days of life".
Piero has written to Mother requesting her for a message for tomorrow "so that all the work will be light and guided by You". Tomorrow at 4 p.m. the 20 hour concreting work at the Matrimandir at the central bottom is to start.
Mother wrote:
3.5.72
Let us all work with a growing sincerity for the manifestation of the Divine Truth.
With love and blessings.
Ann's request to work in the Tibetan restaurant and boutique was approved.
Auroville can contribute Rs 1000 to the Farmers' Conference in an Auroville village and arrange to take the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu around. No party or function at Auroville.
Requests for joining Auroville were disposed of.
In reply to a letter about the wish to depart from the world, Mother wrote,
"Your true self must remain and grow towards the light and Truth. Your ego has to go to the past."
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4.5.72
Pranam.
"Nothing?"
Yesterday the 20 hour concreting work of the Matrimandir foundation basement has started. The biggest number of Aurovilians so far came to work. In the midnight the Ashram students also joined.
Mother did not sign the book 'Savitri' for Prof. Newcombe. He does not understand the truth.
In reply to Shanti's letter, Mother gave a blessings packet with Sri Aurobindo's photo.
Ranganathan gets shivering at the time of concentration. Then he weeps also. Wants to know the reason. Mother said, "It will go".
He wishes to see Mother. He had come a month and a half ago. Mother said, "Bring him tomorrow with you."
Requests of candidates for Auroville were disposed of.
Yesterday there was a serious car accident in Madras. The details were reported. Also the working of Auroville Transport was reported.
"I have just learnt about the Madras accident.
I see that my protection is very effective for your body, but unfortunately not for the work. So I have to ask you not to occupy yourself any more with the transport at Auroville, because I do not wish a similar accident to happen another time.
Blessings."
I spoke to Mother about my disturbed feeling over the incident. She calmed me. I wanted to know why such things happen.
"Because of the imperfection of each one...
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The only security is in faith and in reliance on the Divine...
If my protection were not there it would be a catastrophe. Because of the protection, only what is absolutely inevitable happens...be sure of that.
On other occasions when the Grace saves us, we are either unconscious or manage to forget it.
Or one gives some silly explanation for it.
5.5.72
Birthday blessings.
Mother signed two resolutions for Bank accounts.
Letter of Vijay and Kiran regarding the exhibition in Indian Embassies for the Centenary was read. Mother said, "C'est bien."
In reply to the specific question about quotations from C. R. Reddy, Romain Rolland and Rabindranath Tagore, Mother remarked that it should be in such a way that they are not prominent.
6.5.72
I nodded my head.
7.5.72
Offering of Rs 10000 from Dr. Kamal to Mother.
Informed Mother that Claire is better after the accident, but the baby is lost. Stephan speaks of Mother's protection and Grace during the accident.
A candidate's request for Auroville was considered.
Mother remarked, "He is passive. Better, he stays where he is."
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8.5.72
Regarding the UNESCO Conference on Environment at Stockholm, Mother does not approve of Roger going there.
An American teacher at Aspiration has written to Mother about the difficult children, especially from the village.
Mother remarked that these people do not understand the children here. They can teach language, but even the American English is not good, not liked by Englishmen. Aren't there
Indian teachers?"
"There are some. Mother."
Mother wrote a reply to the question raised about the conquest of ego:
The best way to get rid of the rule of the ego is to find the
psychic being, instrument of the Divine in human beings.
Go deep in yourself (in the heart region) and aspire steadily.
The true meeting of the psychic is unmistakable.
For the bi-lingual periodical "The Aurovilian" being brought out by Amar Singh from Orissa in English and Oriya, there was the request for Mother to write "The Aurovilian' for making a block for the cover.
Mother wrote,
'The Oriya—Aurovilian'
In reply to my query she said that the matter should be different from the Gazette Aurovilienne.
Mother gave a blessings packet for a sick person and told me the occult reason for the sickness.
In a letter quoting "Effort was the helper, effort is the bar", the writer wished to give up effort.
"She can try. My experience of 94 years is that effort should not cease. If the effort ceases, the whole thing falls—b u r r r— What can I say? This is my experience."
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The second point was that she wanted to journey with Mother if she thought her to be deserving. Mother said with a smile,
"Yes, it is always there, the help is always there; there is no question of deserving...What is needed is receptivity and sincerity. The help is not less or more, it is always there; what one receives depends on one's receptivity. The Divine's joy is also not more or less. It is immutable."
9.5.72
The cash and goods totalling Rs 1300 stolen from the Matrimandir Camp a fortnight ago have been recovered. A Tamil boy confessed it.
Mother laughed and remarked, "He was candid!", and then asked, "I hope no violence was used?"
"No, Mother. We have now dismissed him."
"What can we do?"
Abhay Singh (Sri Aurobindo Ashram Atelier) can train Patnaik for Auroville Vehicles Maintenance and advise me about it.
Mother signed a note to this effect and wrote 'blessings'.
Also requests for birthday pranams.
Ruud came to offer his book on Auroville in Dutch. The title is
"All Things New: The City where all is Different".
10.5.72
Mother, holding a prayer flower, asked me, "You want prayer?" "Oui, Mere."
Offered handkerchiefs and flower decoration from Meenakshi.
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11.5.72
Jean Pierre, Louis and Jacques have returned after a month from Bombay where they had gone to bring money for the Polyester unit. They haven't brought any money. (Mother had a laugh). They have procured some orders for decorative things in polyester. (Samples were shown to Mother). They want to make it self-supporting by external orders and wish to know if it is in accordance with Mother's will.
Mother asked, "Where will it be produced?"
"At Aspiration."
"That is a place for experiences. It can be there."
She wanted to know more about polyester.
In the end she said that it will be good if it were done well.
She also added that Auroville is for new things.
Requests for birthday pranams were disposed of. Mother does not find time to see students of Auroville.
12.5.72
Mother endorsed a cheque and signed a note on Auroville Transport work with blessings.
In reply to two letters regarding inner problems, Mother gave blessings packets with Sri Aurobindo's photo.
Requests for birthday pranams were disposed of. One person got the reply that Mother will see him after he has
worked one year.
13.5.72
Pranam and silence.
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14.5.72
Flowers and articles sent by different persons were offered to
Mother.
Mother signed papers and gave replies to letters.
15.5.72
Mother did not see us today.
16.5.72
17.5.72
"II n'y a rien?"
I nodded.
18.5.72
Letters were answered.
Vincenzo wants to come for his birthday. Mother permitted and told me to ask him whether he has understood the lesson.
Mother gave a mantra for a seeker who asked for it.
19.5.72
Informed Mother of the receipt of Rs 50000 for Auroville and its allocation.
Something is received after a lull of six weeks.
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Dawn wants to know where she should arrange the delivery of her baby—at Pondicherry or Promesse? If at Pondicherry, will the child be an Aurovilian?
Mother said that the future will show whether the child is an Aurovilian or not. Dawn can decide as she likes.
For the proposed Centenary Exhibition, Sri Aurobindo's photos, captions and citations were shown to Mother. She made some changes.
For her own photo she said, "It is not necessary". When insisted upon, she chose one. It was suggested that we say that Mother carries on the work. She said,
"No, it is Sri Aurobindo's work. He has told me to do it. I do not remember the exact words. Nirod knows it."
The first exhibit will be an announcement:
BIRTH CENTENARY
OF
Sri Aurobindo
Below the name Sri Aurobindo, should there be Seer, Yogi, etc?
Mother said, "No, no, no. No titles."
20.5.72
I got from Nirod the copy of what Sri Aurobindo had said to Mother and she had told Dr. Sanyal. Nirod had asked her about it and she had said that it was correct. It has appeared in Dr. Sanyal's 'Call from Pondicherry'. I read out the last portion and asked Mother whether the following words can be given under her photo:
"... You will have to fulfil our Yoga of supramental descent and transformation." Mother said Yes.
21.5.72
There is a thousand year old temple in the village Irumbai, a
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little away from the borders of Auroville. It is a Shiva temple; the Ganesh idol is about five feet. Several hundred years ago one saint Sambandar had come there and made a couplet saying that a township would come nearby. There is a good area of land attached to the temple, but the management is dishonest and the temple is neglected. Some villagers wish to ask the Government to give the management to Auroville.
Mother said, ''it is alright''
Requests for seeing Mother, Prosperity and visit to Madras were disposed of.
About a young woman who wanted to go to see Matrimandir, not for her male friend but for Matrimandir, Mother remarked,
"She is not sincere", and did not permit.
I spoke to Vincenzo that Mother asks if he has understood the lesson. He was surprised; then he said, "I have done much thinking after the accident". A little later, he asked, "What about Claire? Is Mother working on me through Claire?"
Mother said, "He does not understand. Much worse would have happened."
Requests for seeing Mother and Prosperity were disposed of.
23.5.72
Blessings plackets were given by Mother.
Two persons in Auroville, on trial, are to leave.
(A note put up before Mother on 23.5.1972 and signed by her)
Some guidelines for setting up industries at Auroville
One of the objectives of Auroville is that economic activities of all kinds, industrial, handicrafts, agricultural etc, should be completely taken up by Aurovilians. Since the requirements of Aurovilians are completely looked after by Auroville, the question of salary does not arise.
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This objective which should not in any case be forgotten or delayed in its application is the ideal to be attained.
An intermediary stage for practical reasons seems necessary before attaining this.
During this period the industries which would come up in Auroville, can engage for a certain period, according to their needs some salaried specialists or technicians.
However, engagement of this paid personnel would be only for a limited period under a form of contract, to be renewed annually. Their role will be to help start of industries and then help form a team of Aurovilians, as soon as possible, who would replace them.
Moreover, any enterprise or project undertaken at Auroville should be in consonance with Auroville's ideals.
24.5.72
Silence.
25.5.72
A lady here heard a voice two days ago and this morning that her grandson in Canada is dead.
Mother gave a blessings packet to be sent there.
Mother gave a blessings packet for the steel safe for Auroville cash purchased recently.
In reply to a letter asking for guidance, Mother gave a blessings packet.
A family in Auroville wants pocket money. Mother said, "No, no. They can make arrangement for pocket expenses as they have done for other family obligations."
26.5.72
Requests for joining Auroville, blessings and seeing Mother were disposed of.
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Informed Mother of complaints of several persons against one person at Auroville in working.
She asked me to wait a few days. Those who have complained need not listen to him.
Ved Prakash's letter.
Mother said that it is a good chance for him to work in Auroville. His should be the first industry there. The Aspiration people are to be told not to meddle in his work; they have nothing to do with it. Aspiration is not Auroville; real Auroville has not started.
Mother does not agree to see him every week for the work.
27.5.72
The second issue of the Action journal in Tamil was offered to Mother.
28.5.72
For the Centenary Exhibition in the embassies, Mother prefers a photo of Sri Aurobindo of the samadhi day, and not of the samadhi.
She does not want the photo in the lying posture.
I am to show the photo tomorrow.
M's letter was placed. The facts stated there are not correct. Mother said, "I felt something like it when the letter came, so I sent it to you. Don't hear him."
The rinderpest at Aurodairy was reported to Mother. She put questions for more information. Five cows have already died. Eight more are infected.
The soap unit is to be set up at Aurogarage.
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29.5.72
Mother selected Sri Aurobindo's photo for the Centenary Exhibition. First she asked Champaklal, "Which do you prefer?" He replied, "Both are nice, Mother".
The caption and citation were also approved.
A quotation from Sri Aurobindo's talk which appeared in 'Mother India', May 72, was approved for the Sri Aurobindo's Action journal:
"Patriotism satisfies the vital needs of the being. Patriotism is true when it takes count of the spiritual possibilities of the country and develops them."
Letters and requests for birthday pranam were disposed of.
I wanted to know what reply is to be given to those who wish to come to Auroville after 7 to 10 years.
Mother said, "We will see at that time."
"Yes, Mother, but some of them wish to know now, so that they can start saving money for the purpose and depositing it here."
"It depends on who they are." "So, they will have to be examined individually." "You send them the conditions of Auroville and ask for their acceptance."
"But if they reply now, it may not be true after ten years for themselves or their children."
"Yes," Mother said with a smile," and they may feel what they are saying is not true."
30.5.72
Sri Aurobindo's Action accounts for 1971 are completed and audited. Out of the receipt of one lakh rupees during the year, forty-five thousand came from the Government.
Informed Mother.
Mother signed a paper for a vehicle guarantee.
A request for joining Auroville was disposed of.
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Varadharajan wishes to have a designation.
Mother wanted my suggestion. "Assistant to the Secretary" was approved.
31.5.72
1.6.72
Offering from Seyril handed over to Mother.
Mother gave blessings packet for the commencement of the concreting of the remaining two pillars basement work at the Matrimandir.
At Aurodairy one cow and one calf died yesterday. Total number of deaths is ten cows and ten calves.
Mother asked about the disinfection of the place. I replied that disinfection, vaccination and segregation have been done.
I spoke to Mother about Roger's letter to me and Mother's approval for the soap industry in the industrial zone of Auroville.
Mother confirmed it, also the fact that Roger is in charge of the architecture in Auroville. She laid stress on harmony.
"When I am not here, what will you do?" she asked.
"Mother, kindly don't say this."
"I don't like quarrels. Whether I should be here or not is in balance. Such things put a pressure on me to depart... I am not here for these things. I am busy with transformation...You have to find a solution among yourselves."
In the evening I informed Mother that I have asked the soap industry man not to construct at Aurogarage and that when Roger comes she can reassure him that he is the only person responsible for the Auroville architecture and its execution.
Page 184
2.6.72
The question was raised regarding Aurofood being shown as a part of Auroville when it is neither on the Auroville land nor run according to the Auroville way nor does any part of its income come to Auroville.
Mother said that the Aurofood man should be asked whether it is part of Auroville.
Requests for seeing Mother were disposed of One German wrote, "Good morning Mother see you."
Mother laughed and said, "He can wait."
3.6.72
A portrait of Mother made by a young architect was offered.
Mother asked, "What does Champaklal say about it? He is severe."
Champaklal said, "It is very difficult to make a portrait of Mother."
"What do you think of it?" Mother asked again.
"Not good", said Champaklal.
Then Mother asked me, "What do you say?"
"Not first class," I replied.
Then Champaklal asked Dr. Sanyal. He said, "Second class."
Mother was smiling.
4.6.72
Someone suffering from constipation has asked which part of the being is to be transformed.
Mother replied, "It is the egoism of the body, of the cells."
Diane wishes to have her baby delivered at Auroson's home. Frederick's wife Shyama has no objection.
Mother told me to ask Frederick.
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Also a request for a mantra.
5.6.72
Placed before Mother the 1971 accounts of Auroville in the form of a summarized statement of income and expenditure.
Mother asked for a clarification. It was given.
The Land Ceiling issue came up. Counouma and I will go to
Cuddalore on 7th to appear before the Select Committee.
Request for birthday pranam disposed of.
6.6.72
The Madras engineers came yesterday. They say that the quality of the Matrimandir construction work done so far is satisfactory.
Regarding people living in the Matrimandir Workers Camp I read out a note to Mother. Most of the people there agree, but some say that Mother should be asked what she says about it.
Mother said, "I can sign it." As it was a rough written note, I said I would bring it next morning.
Requests for birthday pranam were disposed of. Also a request for Prosperity.
Frederick says that the Auroville children should be taken care of. So although Auroson's home is crowded, if Mother wishes, Diane's child can be born there.
A girl wanted a new name.
She is to continue her old name 'for the moment'.
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7.6.72
8.6.72
Mother signed the Matrimandir Workers Camp note 'with blessings'.
The note reads:
"Matrimandir Workers Camp is meant for those who
i)work whole time at the Matrimandir or in the Matrimandir Garden Nursery, ii)do not take alcohol or drugs, iii) live cleanly.
i)work whole time at the Matrimandir or in the Matrimandir Garden Nursery,
ii)do not take alcohol or drugs,
iii) live cleanly.
There should be no smoking or sex-indulgence in the Matrimandir area."
There are complaints from a person residing at the Ashram to the Lt. Governor of Pondicherry against the Auroville management of finance. Madhav has told him that everything is in order and open to inspection. There is a demand for Governmental inquiry. Jatti, the Lt. Governor, says that if someone explains the position to him, he will try to finish it at this stage.
Mother asked, "Can you go and explain?"
"Better two go."
"Madhav is willing to go with me."
Requests for birthday pranam and going out were disposed of.
9.6.72
Prabhat and Ramnathan are going tomorrow to Salem for the Town Planning Seminar.
Page 187
Mother gave blessings packets for them.
10.6.72
A birthday pranam request was approved.
11.6.72
The basement of the Matrimandir pillars is finished. The construction of the actual pillars is to start. The work will be slow now due to lack of resources.
Mother apparently did not like the slowing down.
A resolution for Bank matters was signed.
Regarding trees plantation in Auroville, Prabhat has written asking Mother whether she suggests some specific trees. The names of trees were read to her.
She advised that the trees should be selected according to the soil and climate, and asked, "How many trees you wish to plant?"
"A thousand this year," I said.
Verne wishes to go to U S A to settle some personal affairs with her mother and prays for help and blessings. Mother gave a blessings packet with her photo.
Requests for pranam and birthday pranam disposed of.
Mother will see a one year old Auroville Tamil child with his parents.
12.6.72
There was a letter about experiences with closed eyes.
Page 188
Mother replied, "Continue".
A letter was not answered because of vagueness.
About a request for the reading of Savitri by an American at a meeting, Mother wanted to know about the correctness of the man's English, whether it was American English.
Requests for birthday pranam were granted.
13.6.72
Letters were disposed of.
One person coming from France to live in Auroville wanted to know from Mother about the desirability of his taking a second degree in air-piloting as it may be useful for Auroville.
Requests for joining Auroville were disposed of. Most of them were not approved.
14.6.72
15.6.72
Letters were disposed of. Also, requests for pranam. In reply to R's letter, Mother said,
"The experience is true, but the transcription is not exact."
I said, "Mother, after having the experience, when one thinks whether it is true or not..."
Mother completed it by saying, "it is the mind that comes and spoils. One should be silent."
(Reply dictated by Mother for a man who wanted Mother's advice about his relationship with a woman vis-a-vis their wish to do sadhana)
Page 189
Take care that the woman does not bring desire into your atmosphere. Such friendship can be useful only if the feminine element has high spiritual aspiration in her, otherwise it is a cumbersome hindrance.
16.6.72
Two letters were disposed of.
In response to Margaret Stuttle's request for a new name,
Mother gave the name 'Shraddhavan' (Faithful).
She had offered her ten year old ring. Mother sent it back with her words in writing "to wear it as coming from me".
17.6.72
The issue of the strike at the All India Press was placed. I expressed my feeling that we should remain firm on our just point and arrive at a settlement as soon as there is an opportunity by conceding their reasonable demands.
18.6.72
Pierre wished Mother to touch a card of extracts from Sri Aurobindo's Hymn to Durga by way of blessings.
Mother blessed it.
Ruudi, a Dutchman, wanted to know if he should be here or go-
Mother said, "It is for oneself to choose, how can I choose? One has to choose between the two lives. Both are equal possibilities. For the life here one has to choose to face the difficulties—and then come joy and harmony."
He can remain here as a visitor and try to get over his attachment to the girl friend in Auroville.
19.6.72
Someone wanted a different accommodation on certain
Page 190
grounds and had asked Mother about it the previous day. She had put it off to ask me. I explained that the reasons given were not correct.
Mother said, "When I was told, I felt these are not true."
There was a letter complaining against the attitude of one Jagdish in Germany regarding Mother and Auroville. This man says that it is Mother who can save Auroville, but she is not saving it; so he will have to do it.
20.6.72
A woman wanted to change over to allopathic treatment from homeopathic for quick relief.
Mother said, "For quick relief she can have allopathy."
21.6.72
22.6.72
Silence. (Mother was reported to be unwell)
23.6.72
Informed Mother of
(a)purchase of 50 cents land for the Matrimandir, (b)proposed opening of a milk centre in Kottakarai shortly, (c)end of the Auroconstruction workers strike after we remained quiet.
(a)purchase of 50 cents land for the Matrimandir,
(b)proposed opening of a milk centre in Kottakarai shortly,
(c)end of the Auroconstruction workers strike after we remained quiet.
Page 191
24.6.72
In All India Press the strike is not ending. The workers are now trying to incite the Ashram Departments' workers. A procession will be taken out today. They are also likely to involve the town students. The question arose of firmness on our part on the point of retrenchment where we are right.
Mother said, "If you are absolutely right, you can be firm, whatever be the consequences."
I told Mother that the Government Labour Officer also says that our point is right.
Mother repeated her words.
25.6.72
Letters, requests for blessings, birthday pranam, and admission to Auroville were disposed of.
Piero, the architect looking after the Matrimandir work, is going to hospital for ten days.
Mother asked about the continuation of the work. We have made alternative arrangements for it.
The woman concerned in Mother's reply of 15.6.72 has written about her relationship.
Mother said, "Better break the relationship."
26.6.72
Mother approved of the proposal of taking loan from the State Bank of India for the Annapurna Farm and signed the Society's resolution for it.
Letters were read.
A mantra was given to one who had asked for it.
Requests for pranam and Prosperity were disposed of.
About a couple who say that they are simply friends to X who plays a guru, Mother said something like, "Not a very pleasing friendship!".
Page 192
27.6.72
Informed Mother of the receipt of Rs 25000 for Auroville, after a long interval.
I said, "Mother, I am getting worried, anxious about it, but hope to learn to get over it."
Offering sent by Varadhrajan and Shyamala handed over.
Michael's letter about an accident at Aurogarage was read. It was a miraculous escape for all.
Udar's proposal to counteract the strike at All India Press by running it with the Ashram residents was approved by Mother.
28.6.72
29.6.72
Mother endorsed a ten dollar cheque.
Letters were read and disposed of.
Also a request for joining Auroville.
Marjorie has become pregnant by a man who was refused permission to be in Auroville. The man was driving a van near Hyderabad a few days ago when it collided with a truck and the man died, also the truck driver. She prays for the soul of the man, and about herself she is not sure if she should go back to America.
Mother said, "Let her go to America," and added, "It is disgusting. They are living like animals."
"Mother, there is an open feeling among the people there that they are doing service to Auroville by producing children, and they are proud of it."
"No, it is not a service. Such children are ill- conceived, ill-formed, under-developed. They are a burden on Auroville."
"Mother, the position of sex-indulgence in Auroville is serious."
Page 193
"It is so disgusting. Something has to be done about it. They are living like rabbits and animals. Haven't I written?"
"There was a conversation with Mother. It has come out in the Gazette."
"Put it in big letters in your office."
30.6.72
Offerings of money and flowers were handed over to Mother.
Sandy has written a nice story for children. She wishes to write more if Mother approves.
Mother said Yes happily and gave a blessings packet.
Madanlal's letter about the strike at All India Press was read. He says that due to the strike the work of the Centenary volumes is suffering and if Sri Aurobindo and the Mother want the work to be done, they themselves will find a solution.
Giving a blessings packet, Mother said, "Pray to Sri Aurobindo that he reigns. He is present, conscious."
1.7.72
Offerings were handed over. A cheque was signed by Mother.
2.7.72
An image of Krishna was offered.
Mother asked 'Ivory?'
'Yes, Mother.'
Mother told Champaklal where to keep it.
In response to requests for help Mother gave blessing packets.
Dennis wanted to know from Mother whether he could build his hut near a grove of banyan trees with which he wished to be
Page 194
in harmony. He feels a silence when he goes to the grove.
Mother said, "It shouldn't be very near, otherwise it will disturb the trees."
A person who is confused on some points—he came here thinking of some difference from Vivekananda's institutions, but finds here new things—wanted to see Mother.
Mother said, "He should read Sri Aurobindo; I will see him after that."
3.7.72
Informed Mother of the solution of a technical problem in the construction of Matrimandir.
Regarding the financial difficulty she remarked, 'C'est degoutant'. (It is disgusting)
Many in Auroville say that an organised working is not desirable in Auroville; they are for spontaneous working. Mother's reply :
Spontaneous work can be done only by a man of genius. Is there anyone claiming to be a genius?...
4.7.72
Ruud finds that now-a-days his mind is in such a state that he is not getting ideas for writing articles. Should he still try to write with a view to spread the divine message of Auroville in Holland?
Mother said, "It depends on him, absolutely on him. If good writing does not come, he need not."
Informed Mother of the All India Press strike situation.
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An integrated family came with their one year old child for the child's birthday.
Mother was touching the child and taking Her hands around his face with such love and tenderness!
5.7.72
6.Z.72
Claudette who is pregnant has written a letter to Mother. She is not sure if she should go back.
Mother said "Let her go."
She remarked, "They live like cats and dogs."
Requests for birthdays were granted.
The All India Press strike situation was conveyed.
7.7.72
The situation of the All India Press strike was discussed. The Chief Minister is in the picture now and there were discussions with him yesterday. There is a suggestion that he should be asked to arbitrate.
Mother said, "It is a good idea. Tell him that I want him to arbitrate."
AURELA completes two years. People working there have written a prayer to Mother.
Mother gave blessing packets with her photo and wrote 'blessing' on the prayer.
In reply to Barun's letter regarding 'Gazette Aurovilienne' on the subject of the number of issues of the periodical every year, whether it should continue to be six or reduced to four, Mother said, 'six'.
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8.7.72
The Chief Minister has settled the All India Press strike matter by upholding the dismissal of 5 out of 8 employees and restoration of 3. The strike will be called off day after tomorrow and work should start that day.
9.7.72
Kishori's letter says that the DMK labour union is formed in New Horizon Stainless Steels. It seems to be part of a plan to create trouble on the eve of the Centenary. He prays for Mother's blessings and protection.
Mother gave blessings.
10.7.72
Matrimandir's second pillar has come upto two metres. Now we take up the third one.
Sandy complains of the children not coming to the school. Some parents say that they are free not to come. The question is whether they can be told that they should come only if they accept the whole programme.
Mother said, "The reason is that it is still a school... it bores... it is not interesting for the children."
One German is not satisfied with the pay scale for workers in the Auropress.
Mother said that he should concern himself with his own work; this doesn't concern him.
He further wants to know whether he has to regard as absolute truth what Sri Aurobindo and Mother have said. He speaks of Karl Marx.
Mother said, "There is a wide world for him to go. He need not be here."
D has committed a grave wrong act. She first said that it was her personal matter. Now she has written to Mother saying that she was blind to the light and now she should not be asked to go; she will try.
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Mother wrote a message which, she says, should be used largely:
To follow all the impulses of the lower nature is surely not the supramental way and has no place here.
What we want is to hasten the advent of the supramental, not at all to fall in the ugly condition of a humanity full of desires and low impulses.
D is to be given a chance, not for a short period, otherwise she may make an effort and pretend. She is just to be told that she has been given a chance, if she does a mistake, she has to go.
Requests for Pranam and birthdays were disposed of.
11.7.72
For explaining our case for exemption from the Land Ceilings Act under the proposed Bill, Counouma and I are going to Madras to see the Minister. Mother saw us early and gave blessing packets with Sri Aurobindo's photo.
12.7.72
Mother asked, "It went alright?"
"Yes, Mother, the response was good. But it will need one or two more going to Madras."
13.7.72
Mother gave replies to letters.
To one she said, "Have faith and go on."
To one who feels that if he goes to his friend it will help the friend, but another part says that it may not be good for himself, the reply was,
"Both are true. You must go one step further and conquer all attachment."
For flute playing by Tublu at the Matrimandir Gardens nursery, Mother remarked, "What for?"
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Then came a message,
As long as we go on telling lies
we go on pushing the happy Future far from us.
15.7.72
Palit the Founder trustee of Fraternity died three days ago. The residents of Fraternity have asked Mother whether they could take his ashes to Fraternity and plant a tree. Mother said 'Bien'.
William Netter asks Mother whether he should complete his house near Auroson's Home and go to live there where life is rugged in comparison to the soft American life of his so far.
Mother said, "One should finish what one has started." She gave a blessing packet for living there.
Requests for birthday and Pranam were granted.
J and C were seen making love under a tree in the day- time. C is pregnant. The neighbouring Indonesian woman is worried about it, especially for her son what effect such a sight will have on him?
Mother said, "Nowadays children know many things. Let them know... When I was married at eighteen, my mother told me what will happen, but now... After a hundred years, two hundred years, these things will be looked upon as remnants of animality."
16.7.72
Due to lack of money the residents of Aspiration, students and teachers, wish to finish the construction of the meditation hut. Dorothee's letter about it was read.
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Mother liked it, wrote 'benedictions' on the letter and gave a blessing packet for Dorothee.
Anand Reddy has written a play composed of extracts from Sri Aurobindo's poetry as an offering to Sri Aurobindo on the Centenary birthday and wants Mother's approval for it to be played at Aspiration. I have seen it; it is good.
Mother wrote 'blessings'.
Requests for pranam, blessings and joining Auroville were granted.
There is a proposal to bring out a special card for the villagers on 15.8.72, with Sri Aurobindo's photo, a photo of the Matrimandir construction workers at the site, and a message from Mother.
Goodwill and peace for all.
and said, "It should be in Tamil for them."
"Yes, Mother, it will be both in English and Tamil."
17.7.72
"Mother, tomorrow and the day after, there will be the meeting of the Select Committee on the Land Ceilings Bill. After that we will know their decision."
"Where are they meeting ?"
"At Madras."
"You are going ?"
"No, it is their official meeting."
18.7.72
Requests for joining Auroville, birthday Pranam and letters were disposed of.
Mother underlined the words T am proud' in Hecti's letter and wrote,
"Proud of what ?
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Show what you can do.
19.7.72
A cheque was endorsed by Mother.
20.7.72
Offering for Mother was handed over.
The weekly selection of Sri Aurobindo's words for Auroville was read. Mother said, "Good".
Requests for birthday, pranam, and re-entry in Auroville were granted.
For replying to Tim's letter Mother wanted some details from me. One of the complaints, I told her, I felt to be incorrect. Mother said, "It is not true."
For his final request Mother said, "Bien".
When I said, "Mother, after some time he may say that he wishes to work in Auroville", Mother had a laugh and nodded.
A woman wrote from America that she is in love with an actor and wishes her children to be supermen.
Mother remarked, "I am not concerned with supermen." She saw the photos and smiled. The answer to go to her is that she should read more of Sri Aurobindo's books.
The burnt workshop had the name Toujours Mieux. The name card is lost in the fire. Today Vincenzo starts building a new one at another site and has written for a new card of the same name.
Mother made a card.
Danielle and Francoise, a French couple, returning to France, went today with me to Mother. The three and a half month old child Aurele born in Auroville was also there. When they left, Mother remarked,
"The child is sweet?"
"Yes, Mother. We hope they come back to Auroville."
Mother smiled and concentrated.
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22.7.72
Sadhana suggests a meditation all over Auroville at 8.30 p.m. on the 26th July which is the Guru Purnima day. Mother said yes.
She will invite all Aurovilians to come to our Matrimandir at that time. If they cannot come, she wants to let them know that Mother's Force will touch all over Auroville.
Mother said Bien, and gave a blessing packet for her.
Mother gave blessings packets for Prof. Subramanyam for the 29th July music at Madras for the benefit of Matrimandir.
23.7.72
Matrimandir's four pillars have been constructed upto two metres high. The concreting of the second level begins tomorrow.
Boris wishes to leave Aurorachana and work in the forest project.
If Gerard has no objection he can take up the new work.
Shanti's letter.
She should collaborate with Sebastian in the maintenance of the 'Last School'. Auroville is for work in collaboration, but the people there do not know what it means. If they can work in collaboration, they can complement each other. No one person can do all things.
"Sebastian is not staying there. He goes there for dance only."
"That is all the more the reason why she should collaborate with him. It is needed."
Constance has been engaged since ten years in research into the ancient Egyptian civilisation. He is able to find nether the nature of his connection with it nor the door to that civilisation. He asks for Mother's help.
Mother's reply,
Ancient Egypt belongs to the past,
we are here to prepare the future.
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Diane, a visitor from USA, wishes to cut short her stay, return and divorce her husband and remarry another man.
Mother said, "It does not concern me."
J, a Frenchman, had promised to be at his expense for a year. Now it is six months and his money has run out as he went on a trip to Bombay with his friends on their persuasion.
Mother said, "No. A man of no character and will."
24.7.72
The next weekly selection for Auroville from Sri Aurobindo's writings was read and approved.
Requests for birthday pranam and other pranam were granted.
25.7.72
Offering handed over.
Resolutions were signed.
Stephane complains of a thief who keeps on entering into their hut and stealing things. As a result they can't go out without locking everything.
Mother's reply, One must not leave things carelessly, jewels and money unlocked, even if there is no thief."
Stephane has no knowledge of the Auropolyester work but wishes to work there. Mother approves.
David, who works at the Matrimandir, wants to know about the playing of music and reading of Savitri at the Matrimandir construction site and gardens.
Mother's reply, "Not when there is work."
Mother's advice for a disturbed person,
"When I take a decision, he should know and have confidence
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that it is for making further progress. My force and help are with him in the work; when I decide something, it is for the progress of all."
26.7.72
As I was going to Madras, I went to Mother early.
Informed her of Madanlal's illness. She advised his seeing Dr. Sanyal.
27.7.72
Auroville has received Rs 50000. It will go for a part of the day to day expenses.
Informed Mother of the work done yesterday at Madras.
Huta has written asking Mother to give the name Narad to Richard Eggenberger.
Mother said, "Oh, Narad! One has to wait."
Marjorie's letter was read. Mother gives her a chance.
The names of two D's at Auroville came up.
Marjorie says that when D is excused, why not she also?
And D says that I am only a bureaucrat, I only tell people to go; Mother forgives, Mother is very good.
Mother had a good laugh, and she took my hands in hers.
I said, "Mother, formerly these things used to affect me, now they don't."
Mother laughed and said, They are like cats and dogs; like cats, and like cats they can be useful. Do you understand?"
I didn't, and she repeated, and added, "They have nothing to do with spirituality, it is animality."
"But, Mother, they announce without hesitation that by producing children they are doing great service to Auroville!"
"Auroville is going to have 50000 inhabitants, is it not? But let us see how many of these children will be there. Does this woman wish to produce more children?"
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"Not this one, Mother. She is not saying about it in her letter. It is D who will come today to Mother in the group." "These things", said Mother, "will teach you to smile".
28.7.72
It was too late today to put up any matter.
29.7.72
Informed Mother of Madanlal's health and of the receipt of five lac from the Government of India for Bharat Niwas.
Mother approved of sending Sri Aurobindo's Action literature to a RSS man in Jehanabad for distribution during the August celebrations.
30.7.72
Mother gave me a contribution from the Paris Association for Matrimandir received by her through a visitor. She signed Bank resolutions.
Mother gave a mantra for an American newcomer at Auroville on her request.
In reply to a letter about hostile attacks, she said, "If she invokes Sri Aurobindo, she will be protected."
A question was raised regarding the use of chemical fertilisers in our afforestation work. Mother said,
"Where there are no eatables, it can be used."
31.7.72
The letter of Jocelyne A and Jocelyne Elder reporting to
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Mother about the Aurocreation work and their wish to come to Mother once a month was read.
Mother said that they could come with me.
On Kumud's intervention that the list of people seeing Mother was getting long, it was decided to see them once in two months.
Mother said, "Those who are useless are coming to see me; those who are useful are being stopped. I will have to arrange."
Mother gave a blessing packet for a sick person.
A golden colour canopy for Sri Aurobindo's samadhi was offered.
Mother said that it should be put there in the month of August.
1.8.72
Offerings of flowers and Auroville brochure (2nd edn.) prepared by Alain Grandcolas.
Mother signed a cheque.
Village programme:-
a)opening today of a playground near the Community kitchen for village, b)taking of village children, 12-14 year of age, for tidying work in schools, huts etc. and improving their own living habits, c)education in the village itself.
a)opening today of a playground near the Community kitchen for village,
b)taking of village children, 12-14 year of age, for tidying work in schools, huts etc. and improving their own living habits,
c)education in the village itself.
Mother approved. She remarked that these workers should know Tamil.
2.8.72
Mother gave a blessing packet with her picture in reply to a letter of devotion.
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3.8.72
Dayanand's report about the disturbing reaction of the FFHC workers due to their not being allowed to the Ashram Prosperity on 1st August was conveyed to Mother.
She asked for some details and kept silent.
Veronika feels lonely and like a stranger.
"Your feeling comes from the fact that you are doing nothing useful for the community.
Take up some work that you can do regularly and it will be alright."
In reply to another letter Mother said, "Change your nature."
Paul wishes to go back, but he needs 700/= which, he says,
he will repay.
He can be given.
Diane, who is facing a problem here, asks about going back to USA with Lunaure.
Mother's reply, "Perhaps it is better to go."
A birthday Pranam request was granted.
4.8.72
A wooden paper weight made by Paul was offered.
Aurela Soap Industries have offered Rs 5000/= to Auroville. We expect more sums now. The sum of 5000/= will go to meet a part of our food and rent expenses for the members.
Kamoo has collected about 60,000/= for Matrimandir. Her proposal to go to England next month for Leela Menon's performances for the benefit of Matrimandir was approved.
John Kelly and a worker are reported to be drinking very much now-a-days.
Diane, to whom I conveyed yesterday Mother's reply about going to America, began to weep. I told her if she wishes to
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7.8.72
Some lines from Savitri were read as the weekly selection for Auroville and approved.
8.8.72
The Matrimandir pillars are to be completed in four stages. Two pillars have come upto the second stage. The second stage of the third one has started. We are going ahead with the work.
Aurocreation is to have a Bank account. Yesterday there was a meeting of different workers. The emphasis was on unity. Mother signed the resolution.
In Sri Aurobindo's Action there is a problem. The membership has dwindled. The question is whether effort should be made for membbership or membership should come of itself. It is said that it has dwindled due to stopping of our publications.
"It doesn't matter," remarked Mother. Then she asked, after a pause, "What has stopped?".
"Publication. But now we are going to start it as money is to come from the Government."
"So, Mother, we will have publications of booklets now. We will improve the journal and the membership can come of its own."
Mother nodded.
9.8.72
Offered Sri Aurobindo's Circle 1972.
Mother saw the pictures and her messages that appeared in it. She endorsed a cheque from USA.
Informed Mother of the meeting to be held today at Madras with the Government at 11 a.m. regarding the integration of the
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Auroville plan with Tamilnadu planning. Chamanlal and Prabhat have gone for it.
10.8.72
Rs 75000 have come. This enables us to pay for food and rent.
The Tamlnadu Government is willing to assist Auroville in planning.
In reply to a letter reporting progress in silencing the mind and asking for the next step, Mother wrote,
"The next step is finding your psychic being and uniting with it."
A question was raised about the language in which command is to be given to the village children in the evening playground started at Aspiration.
Mother asked, "They understand Tamil only?"
"Then, Tamil."
For the Aspiration School, French and English to continue in sports and games.
11.8.72
12.8.72
There was an offering of Rs 501 from 'Bhagini Samaj', a Women's Association at Nairobi, interested in the maintenance of Indian culture in Africa. They requested for blessings and a message as guidance.
Mother gave the 15.8.72 message after writing 'blessings' on it.
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13.8.72
Offerings and blessings.
Piero writes that the Matrimandir construction requires concentration and it is not possible to accelerate it so as to finish the pillars by 15th August.
Mother said, "No hurrying."
He wants to know what is to be done after the pillars. Mother said, "We will see."
14.8.72
Mother gave a golden symbol of Sri Aurobindo and said,
"It is from me to you... for Auroville... not to be given to anyone... I don't know."
"Mother, when the Matrimandir will be built, we will keep it there as a decoration. Upto then I guard it."
The next weekly selection from Sri Aurobindo was read and approved.
15.8.72
16.8.72
Mother gave money received for Matrimandir. Offerings and blessings.
17.8.72
Mother was very pleased to know that the Kuilapalayam village has contributed Rs 210 for Matrimandir. It is a village of
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300 houses and the village elders say that the amount is very small, but they give it as a token of their expression of brotherhood, goodwill and co-operation with Auroville. I have spoken to Dyuman and we think that the Centenary napkin could be given to each house there.
Mother said, "Yes, yes. I was thinking that something should be given."
Narad has written to Mother about the smallness of the size of the Matrimandir gardens fixed by Roger.
Mother said, "I have never told Narad that it should be very big...Roger is the best judge."
Mother signed a formal paper and disposed of requests for joining Auroville.
18.8.72
Offerings, blessings and signing of papers.
Mother answered questions on meditation sent by Seyril and Sadhana of the Matrimandir Workers Camp.
Q. Should we assemble for meditation as a community in the Matrimandir excavation?
A. I do not like so much going inside the excavation.
Q. Should the meditation be held as in the Ashram with tapes? Or in complete silence?
A. As they find convenient.
Q. How many times a week should there be such community meditations? A. According to me once a week. Q. At what hour should they be held? A. According to convenience.
Q. Our aspiration is to realise our group unity in You-Sri Aurobindo. In what ways may we do this best? Mother concentrated and kept silent.
19.8.72
Weekly selection from Sri Aurobindo was read.
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20.8.72
A letter narrating a dream experience of the descent of blue and Ganapati, asking for any special significance, was read.
Mother said, "It is what it is... Things are there... Why trouble oneself about the significance?"
Ajit Rao wishes to build a house in Auroville. Roger has told him that unless he works for a specific project, he should not have a house; but if Mother says that he can have it even without such a work, he will make the design. Ajit insists that only his wish to build a house in Auroville be placed before Mother, and he is prepared to work if she wants him to do so. He drinks and smokes.
Mother said, "To build a house in Auroville one should not drink or smoke."
She asked laughing, "Is he prepared to exchange smoking and drinking for a house in Auroville?"
21.8.72
For one who reported progress in sadhana and asked about going to Madras for some days, Mother said, "If the thing is to progress, he should not go."
22.8.72
Letter of Dicks about the apprehension in the mind of several Americans due to the proposed visit of Auro Arindam to America.
Mother said, "I am not sending him to America. I have not given him any mission there."
Patricia of the Matrimandir Workers Camp kitchen asks about fish and egg as part of the food of the future for Auroville.
Mother said, "This is certainly not the food of the future. But we are in a period of transition. The length of the transition depends upon the transformation of consciousness. "A
Mother answered the questions coming from Katak, John
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Walker and Constance, who wish to make a film to express the spirit of Auroville using the symbols of Tibetan Buddhism and the figure of Maitreya, a personification of Love.
Q. What is the reality behind the prophecy of Maitreya, the coming Buddha?
A. I do not know, I do not feel that Buddha will come in the future.
Q. Was Sri Aurobindo the prophesied Maitreya? A. No.
Q. What guidance can you give to Aurovilians who wish to use the medium of film in the service of the Divine?
A. One should read the books of Sri Aurobindo, what he wrote after coming here, and not confuse by imagination.
("But, Mother, Sri Aurobindo takes a life- time".
Mother said laughing, "Yes, yes.")
She added, "In his conversations with Nirod, Sri Aurobindo has spoken on Buddha and about himself, why he came, who he was. People should read these things and not confuse."
Q. Do we have your blessings to go to Dharamshala to discuss this matter with the Dalai Lama and to prepare material for the film?
(Mother did not reply)
Mother gave a blessing packet in response to a letter about group meditation and the emergence of the group psychic being.
23.8.72
24.8.72
Letters and requests for joining Auroville and blessings were disposed of.
Louis wanted Mother's authorisation to operate the Bank account of Auropolyester.
Mother said, "After the Bank loan is repaid."
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25.8.72
Letters and requests for financial guarantees were disposed of.
26.8.72
J's mother can come to Auroville, if it does not mean increase of expenses. (J has asked for it)
About people in Auroville, Mother remarked,
"They have no conscience, no consciousness, no aspiration.
They are for a comfortable life."
27.8.72
Sadhana gives her impressions after attending a meeting of the Planning Group—lack of mutual respect, disorder and disharmony, little accomplishment of positive things. She suggests that some individual should be nominated as a central figure to run the meetings.
Mother asked, "What name she gives?"
"None."
"Who are there? Are you there?" she asked with a smile. "Rarely."
I added, "The subjects are of all sorts. People are there to speak on subjects about which they do not know. This creates further confusion."
Mother said, "Oh!"
Janet will correspond with CIDA.
Mother answered questions from Dol6ac:
To do the Yoga one has to quieten the mind, silence it and go beyond it.
It is the ego one has to convert and transform.
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28.8.72
Sadhana's letter: "... In April you sent a message that I should fix the Matrimandir Workers Camp Kirchen. The kitchen now works well...I feel that centuries ago I worked at decorating pyramids and that I was close to you and served you. I would like to know if you remember this.
I am ready to again decorate your temple, if you feel it is best. Wherever you want me to work, I will work."
Mother replied,
"It is now time to work.
We are here not to copy the past, but to exceed.
Your work is quite satisfactory.
I send you my love and blessings."
Roger complained about someone who was asked to work with him, but who works elsewhere.
Mother said, "He may have reasons for it. You can call him and ask him."
29.8.72
Mother disposed of letters and requests.
30.8.72
Shanti's letter about Auroville education was read.
Mother gave some indications about persons.
31.8.72
Mother spoke of a letter received from Niranjan. They are quitting Hermitage and, it is not clear, but they do not want reimbursement for the constructions done there. I should ask Andre' about the contents of the letter and her reply.
For Auroville education Roger wishes to have a council of Yvonne, Norman and Tanmaya.
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Mother called Roger and the matter was decided. Yvonne and Shanti will look after the education together. For Norman she wrote,
"From now, for education at Auroville, Norman will be in charge of external relations, reception of visitors, correspondence, books etc. This responsibility, by its importance, needs all his activity."
One was about snakes. The following note was made:
For Auroville Mother is not interested in zoos. We have already too much tendency of attachment to animality rather than super-mentality.
Kamoo wanted a letter of authority to collect funds for Matrimandir.
Mother said yes after getting the information that she has brought about Rs 50000 and that I feel that it can be given.
Today Mother forgot to give me transformation flowers. When asked, she gave eight flowers in stead of the usual four, saying with a smile, "Today, double dose."
1.9.72
Jocelyn's proposal for the Aurorachana newsletter 'Auroville Now' was put up.
Mother remarked, "I was thinking whether it would be good."
It was decided that it should not be brought out now.
2.9.72
I offered a Grace flower to Mother.
Mother asked, "From you? I give it to you?"
I stretched my hand, but she had already taken the flower near her nose. She smelt it, folded her hands around it, closed her eyes, and then kept it on the side table.
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There was a question from Navoditte,
"Two years ago you told Aspiration to meditate each evening at 7.45. Now you suggest "once a week" for the Centre. Could you comment?"
Mother said, "It is a compliment. Are they taking it as a punishment?"
There were some questions from Seyril about the time, place etc of meditation, although in a way Mother has already answered them before.
Mother said, "These are things of which rules are not to be made. It should come spontaneously and according to the need of the moment."
There was also the question, "If at. the time fixed for meditation there is work, should they do the work?"
Mother said, "Naturally."
In the end she said, "I do not- answer."
3.9.72
Letters and requests were disposed of and a formal paper was signed.
For a person asking for advice for inner progress and for education work, Mother replied, "Be steady and confident."
Narad wrote about thefts by Tamil workers. For the mango theft, Mother remarked, "Oh, it is just food!" On hearing of other petty thefts, she had a laugh. "They are to be excused this time," she said.
I told Mother that when possible I wish to start education of the children. She said Yes.
Yvonne's yesterday meeting at Aspiration went off well. Roger wants the change at once; Yvonne says we should have a gradual change in order to avoid chaos. Mother nodded.
A visitor child has been insisting for some days to see Mother. He has already seen her once. He was allowed to be brought.
When the child came in he did not stay near Mother but went
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away without her touch. I asked Mother about it. She said, "Probably he sees me in another form and when he comes here he finds me different."
A pregnant woman in Auroville wishes to know by which doctor and at what place the delivery is to take place.
Such questions can be settled among ourselves, without referring to Mother, unless there is something complicated.
5.9.72
The weekly selection from Sri Aurobindo was approved.
Letters disposed of. .
Anand Reddy wanted to know about his work in view of the changes in Auroville education.
Mother's reply, "Continue the work you are doing."
The child who came yesterday came today also. Today he was in front of Mother for a moment, then hurried away.
Mother gave him sweets. She said, "It is funny... I know what he wants."
As an offshoot from an Aurovillian's letter, Mother made remarks about lying:
"We could say, 'The first condition for living in Auroville is not to lie'...You wish to ask something?"
"Mother, if it is made a condition for people wishing to see Mother, she will have a very little crowd to see.."
Mother laughed and said, "If we make it a condition for Auroville no one will be there."
She added,
"It is not the time; people are not ready.
When one purposely says what one knows to be not true, it is lying..
When one says something in ignorance, it is a different matter.
The supramental is a world of Truth, it is a non-lying world, but here there is so much lying, that is what prevents its coming."
"Often we put before Mother our wishes, get her approval or
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blessings, and when we go out we say, 'Mother has asked me to do this or that'."
Mother smiled and said, "Yes, it is lying."
In the end she said,
"If you do not wish to say something which is true, instead of lying just keep silent. There is a great strength in the power to keep silent."
6.9.72
A moment of silence.
7.9.72
Rs 25000 are brought by Navajata. It goes for Auroville's electricity, phone, maintenance expenses.
Letters and requests for joining Auroville were disposed of.
The little child came today also.
Mother said, "He is nice. He is a big boy."
8.9.72
Shanti has offered one Ambassador car to Auroville.
A sick person wishes to see Mother.
She said, "I do not wish to see sick people. Sickness means there is something wrong inside."
The Matrimandir Camp Group meditation in the meditation room of the Camp on Thursdays at 8.15 p.m., subject to change in place and time in special circumstances, has Mother's blessings.
Huta was called in. Her letter was read.
Mother said "It is alright" and signed with blessings.
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9.9.72
The subject of the soap industry in Auroville came up again. Mother's remarks,
"I do not change my decision. When I say a thing, for me it is done, and then I forget it. I had thought it was done. Why quarrel? It is out of my consciousness."
I prayed to Mother for her help in this knotty problem.
And she helped.
10.9.72
The weekly selection from Sri Aurobindo was read.
She said, "Good."
Last evening Navajata, Nandini Satpaty, Anjani and myself had a meeting for how to get support and funds for Auroville. Nandini of her own made the suggestion that a deputation should see Indira Gandhi with a request to have Auroville recognized as a Government of India project and included in the Fifth Year Plan. Nava asked Nandini to be in the deputation and to lead it. Nandini has agreed.
Mother said, "It is good."
Mother's message to two politicians in disagreement with each other was read and corrected.
11.9.72
For a person working satisfactorily since a year, who now asks for maintenance by the Auroville Prosperity, Mother said neither yes nor no, but asked after a while, "How to know that they have no money?"
"It is very difficult to know. In some cases where they demanded Prosperity and were asked to wait, they managed to continue some more months with their money."
"Yes, how to know? What to do? What can I say?"
"To this man I can say clearly that Prosperity is for those who
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have no money left with them, and if he says that he has nothing, we give him the Prosperity and leave him to his conscience."
"Yes, yes, it is a very good idea. Speak to him.'
12.9.72
Yesterday we have received five lakhs. It is earmarked for a Guest House, it will be spent for renovation, airconditioning etc of Promesse; only three new cottages will be built; it does not help us at present.
Mother was not interested apparently.
For a person wavering about staying in Auroville, Mother said,
"He should take a decision and keep it."
13.9.72
Niranjan has left Hermitage. We have to take care of it.
14.9.72
Last midnight we have completed one pillar of Matrimandir. The other three pillars we expect to complete in six weeks. Lack of money is a big difficulty.
Niranjan came to ask about Mother's reply. I have told him that Mother has wished me to take care of it. The person willing to be there has gone there and it is arranged.
For one person, about living in Auroville, the reply was,
"The first condition is to stop telling lies."
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15.9.72
The Madras engineers, who came to inspect the construction of the Matrimandir, have found it to be very satisfactory. Roger is going on 20th. That day he will give them further instructions at Madras.
Mother asked, "What date is today?"
16.9.72
Piero's letter about the next phases of the Matrimandir construction. He wants to know whether it should be continued by ourselves or by a contractor.
Mother asked, "What does Roger say?"
"He agrees that it be continued by Piero, preferably with the help of the Ashram engineers, if available."
Mother approves of our continuing the work.
17.9.72
Andre Pithon speaks of his difficulties and the help received from Mother, and wishes to see Mother. Approved to come in group.
There is a long letter from Shraddhalu—doubts, ignorance, hierarchy in Auroville, clash of egos etc. Mother's reply,
"The Divine is everywhere and in everything, and we are created to discover the Divine and to unite with the Divine for his manifestation
18.9.72
Mother disposed of letters.
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One person has failed to give up smoking. He wants Mother's special help for it.
Shanti has asked whether the new way of working in education is alright.
Mother said Yes.
19.9.72
The lady who looks after the Ganesha temple at Auroorchard inquires whether the pictures of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother can be kept there.
Mother said, "It does not fit. ( Ca ne va pas)"
20.9.72
Chamanlal writes about disharmony between the Madras Institute and Auroville Architectural office. Today there is a meeting. Blessings prayed for.
21.9.72
X wanted to know the significance of a dream. Mother did not answer. I asked, "Should I say that Mother did not say anything?"
She said, "No. The symbols differ with persons. If I had known ten twelve dreams of this person it could be known. If I had this dream it could be known."
A nutritious biscuit has been prepared by Chernet at Aspiration. Some pieces were sent to Mother.
She wished these to be given to Kumud for Pranab, Champaklal, Dr. Sanyal, and Kumud herself.
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22.9.72
The question of Tibetan children was referred to Mother by Shanti and Katak. Should they be dispersed among the families of Aspiration? The idea is that they should be integrated.
Mother said, "No. Why? What do they want? Unity? Unity does not mean this sort of thing. Unity is in the Divine. This is not equality. Equality is in the Divine unity where friends and enemies, known and unknown, all are in unity. Do they know about Tibetan culture? Each country has its culture and way of being. Tibetans have lost their country, they wish to preserve their culture naturally. Let them continue."
"Another suggestion is that, when it is possible, they should be shifted from here to a separate boarding house in Aspiration."
X has written that he will fulfill the necessary conditions. Mother said Bon.
"People make promises but do not keep them after writing to Mother. Should I tell him that he has to fulfil his promise?" "Yes. I can write, 'Keep your word'."
In reply to a letter about the writer being criticised by others, Mother said, "What can I do? I cannot take decisions. They should work in collaboration and harmony in Auroville."
She gave a blessings packet for the writer and said,
"You work for the best,
above human narrowness,
and it will be alright."
23.9.72
Mother endorsed a cheque
Anjani is giving charge today to Chandramauli Reddy, the new Chief Secretary of Pondicherry. He wishes to start his work after doing Pranam to Mother tomorrow.
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He can come tomorrow.
One young person is having mental trouble.
He is to be shown to Dr. Surya.
24.9.72
One lakh has been received yesterday from Birlas. They had promised it about a year ago. The amount will go for maintenance expenses, food, rent etc.
Weekly selections from Sri Aurobindo were read and approved.
25.9.72
Howard asks Mother whether Parthasarathi should take treatment for tuberculosis of bone and tubercular meningitis.
Mother did not reply. When I asked what should be said to this man, she said,
"This I am telling you. I have seen cases of cure where there is faith in the treatment."
"But in this letter faith is not there, a doubt is there".
"Mother, is it faith that cures, or is it the treatment?"
"Both. For the treatment, for the force of cure to pass from the vital into the physical, faith in the physical is needed.
The mind wishes for clear cut things, this or that, it is not like that. Both act. You can tell him. You have understood?"
Then Champaklal spoke to Mother about the cure of cataract of his sister by faith in Mother's force.
26.9.72
The Government of India promised us a grant of ten lakhs three years ago. Five lakhs already received have gone to the
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Aspiration Schools construction. Two lakhs have arrived this morning. From this amount we will now start construction of a boarding-house for teachers and students.
Mother was pleased to know about the new construction.
Anjani has contributed Rs 7000/= for Matrimandir.
Auroville Designs is getting a new contract with State Bank of India at Bombay. Other works also are likely to come. For working convenience an account is to be opened in Bombay. William Netter prefers single operation by himself.
Mother does not approve.
For joint operation she said, "For operation of the Bank account in Bombay there should be someone in Bombay." William suggests Behram Palkhiwala.
Mother asked, "Does he agree?"
"I think so, but he will be asked."
The biscuit made by Chernet and offered a few days ago has not been appreciated so much by those to whom Mother gave it. The comments vary from 'good' to 'not so good', 'not good'. Mother said, "He should improve it."
A sick person is much better today. But there is fever and pain in chest. The doctors do not know the cause of the fever. Mother smiled and said, "So, the doctors are ignorant!"
N.K. Dasgupta wants refund of his contribution of 10,000/= for residence in Auroville. He came to stay here but could not like the life here.
Mother remarked, "It will be impossible if we start refunding."
I read the last para of his letter in which he said he will take the money as a blessing for this unfortunate son of Mother that he is.
Mother remarked, "When he comes to visit Auroville he need not pay."
27.9.72
Three Indians have written to Mother for blessings and guidance
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for Durga puja during Navaratra at Matrimandir. Mother said 'Alright'.
I informed her that the idea is that near the Matrimandir Workshop the place should be cleaned, Durga's picture be installed and Sri Aurobindo's 'Hymn to Durga' be recited.
Mother nodded approval. When asked for further guidance or if she has to say more about it, she said, "Nothing."
"Mother, I have nothing to say," with these words I offered a Grace flower. She smiled.
28.9.72
A woman in France wanted delivery of her child at the Ashram. Mother had said, "Not at the Ashram, you can have it in Auroville". I told Mother that people came from outside, the children were born, and then they went away without contributing to the Maternity expenses it. is Auroville that has to bear the expenses.
Mother said, "You should be occupied with the Aurovilians. Others, it is horrible."
Daniel's letter about Prosperity for village people who wish to join Auroville.
The first question is if the 'pocket money' be provided for each as part of his Prosperity.
Mother said, "It can continue."
The second question related to the cases where the person from the village continues to live in his village hut with his family, takes meals with them, and thus shares his Prosperity with them.
Mother was not replying. I said that it then becomes like salary. She said, "It doesn't matter."
"What to do?"
She remarked, "Human nature is like that, profiteering."
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Lisa requests for Auroville Kitchen food. Mother said, "It is alright."
H and D are not satisfactory, not improving. They have been on trial. Mother had given a chance to D.
I suggested that they should leave Auroville. Mother confirmed it.
Sandy requests for a new name.
Mother did not give.
She doesn't seem to be interested now in these things. She said, "Oh, new name! Name!"
For Bharatniwas five lakhs have been received from the Uttar Pradesh Govt for the U.P. pavilion. We can use this money next year when we start the State pavilions or earlier for the common zone if the U.P. Government agrees.
30.9.72
One person was admitted to Auroville on trial.
1.10.72
A teacher writes about the bright situation a fortnight after the start of the new educational programme, the difficulties being faced and the resolve she and her colleague have taken to work hard and get over fatigue.
Mother gave blessing packets.
I had spoken about H and D two days ago. Their trial period is not satisfactory and it was suggested that they should quit.
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(Mother nodded) But they are not believing me. They refer to what Mother said last year that her instructions will be in writing.
Mother said, "I will write", and she wrote,
"H
D
Certainly Auroville is not the right place for you.
Then I spoke about the problem created by their friends who say that Mother is autocratic, Shyam Sunder is autocratic, etc. They are not respecting Mother's decisions.
Mother said, "I wish to write something for you."
She wrote,
Auroville wants to shelter people happy to be in Auroville. Those who are dissatisfied ought to return to the world where they can do what they want and where there is place for everything.
She said, "You can show it to them, but make a copy first."
Then I put up a note before her for signature, if she approves. She said, "You are too...that is what I don't like."
"But, why people in Auroville do not respect Mother? Why are they here?"
"But how can I sign it? You can sign it."
(I didn't see my way to sign it, so I kept silent.)
Then she said that it should be spontaneous, the obedience should be spontaneous, not imposed. "I cannot claim it from them", she said. "For you it is different. You can say, 'The first and most important condition is obedience to Mother'. Why not choose something from Sri Aurobindo? He has written in abundance to Nirod. Read again."
This time I read the proposed note omitting the words not approved by her, and said that I will choose something from Sri Aurobindo, put it in the beginning and show it to her tomorrow.
Mother was quite pleased and said, "That is it, that is it."
She remarked,'In Auroville I do not want many men. I want some people, but true people. If you want many people, I can give you a hundred thousand in a moment from S. Africa."
The second pillar of Matrimandir was completed last night. In
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the first pillar a foundation stone touched by Mother was placed, in the second a blessing packet in a wooden box was placed. Now two blessing packets are asked for the next two pillars.
Mother took out two blessing packets and asked me to choose one. For the fourth, she said, the blessing packet will be given when the work is being done, she said.
In continuation of yesterday's note matter, I read out selections from Sri Aurobindo. She said, "Very good, very good."
The subsequent portion was also read again and she signed with blessings.
The text:
Always behave as if the Mother was looking at you because she is, indeed, always present.
Do nothing, try to think and feel nothing that would be unworthy of the Divine Presence.
Aspire especially for the elimination of all obscurity and unconsciousness in the nature.
—Sri Aurobindo
Those who do not stop telling lies, do not stop drinking or do not work regularly for the community are a burden on Blessings
Those who
do not stop telling lies,
do not stop drinking or
do not work regularly for the community
are a burden on
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4.10.72
Mother gave a blessing packet in reply to a problem put by Talwar, Chairman, State Bank of India, about how to approach a certain situation in his official work.
"It is sufficient for me," he said.
5.10.72
Aurodairy's construction should be complete in a month. But one part will be ready on Sunday, 8th inst, for the cows to move in. Krishna is asking for date and time and blessings.
Mother said, "Monday, 9th inst." and wrote the name card Aurodairy with blessings.
Letters and admission requests were disposed of.
One person writes that he has two beings in him. One that is sympathetic and works best, the other, vitalistic and egoistic, that comments on and criticises others. When he notices the second one, he thinks more of Mother, but after a time it returns.
Mother dictated the reply:
You have to ignore it, if you can. If you find it difficult, you should continue your effort until it is transformed or eliminated.
6.10.72
A woman feels such nearness to Mother that she does not feel the necessity of seeing her on her birthday, but wants Mother to decide what is best for her.
Mother asked, "She can come?"
I said, "Yes, Mother."
So she will come.
Four persons (two French and two non-French) working at 7 Banyans for the afforestation project pray for a name for the place.
Mother wrote the name Fertile and pronounced it the French way.
They can come one day after me in a week's time.
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A request for joining Auroville was answered.
7.10.72
Shanti and Shraddhavan find the Far Beach good for the older children's educational activity. They go on cycle. They can continue. Cycling is good for health.
8.10.72
A woman writes of something gone wrong in her and wishes to see Mother. I spoke about her not following Mother's specific directions.
Mother said, "Oh, if one does not obey, I can't be responsible!"
"I can see her after she obeys," she added.
9.10.72
There was an unsigned typed letter of complaint against Narad.
Mother said, "In cases of anonymous letters we should ignore them."
There was a letter from Dennis of the afforestation project.
Mother replied, "Snakes are to be sent to the Madras Institute for making vaccine; scorpions are to be killed unless you find some Institute for their use."
in reply to another query about dollars to be cashed through non-banking channels for getting better rate, Mother said, "These should be cashed through Banks."
10.10.72
Khoday Distilleries Ltd has now withdrawn its application for recognition of the name 'Auroville' for is products. Bachubhai acted as our Solicitor.
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Mother was glad to know of it.
For the Auroville Designs Bank account at Bombay, Behram Palkhivala says that he may not be available always, so his wife Dhan Palkhivala can sign with William Netter.
Mother approved and signed the resolution.
Krishna's letter about Hermitage.
Mother asked, "What do you say?"
"Not a bad idea."
"Alright."
"He can grow fruit trees and plant there.
" Mother nodded approval.
In Kamoo's absence Dr. Kamal can look after delivery at Promesse Maternity.
11.10.72
Offerings of Tibetan style things.
12.10.72
Rs 10000 have come. The amount goes for electricity and phone.
13.10.72
Offerings handed over to Mother.
Five lakhs have come from the Mysore Government for the Mysore Pavilion in Bharat Nivas. We can use this money in future when we start constructing the State pavilions.
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Letter of A and N for their marriage.
No clear reply from Mother. They can come with me on 16th.
14.10.72
An offering was handed over.
A letter was read.
No reply apart from concentration.
(The person concerned, I came to know later, felt something at that moment.)
15.10.72
Flowers and offerings handed over.
Mother drew my attention towards the picture of Durga put before her. Today is Durga Puja, ashtami, and gave special blessings packets.
For 'Fertile', Mother blessed a plant 'The New World' by touching it. She was smiling happily with a tender touch.
16.10.72
Offerings.
Letters and admissions disposed of.
Regarding the marriage of A and N, Mother said, "Wait, no hurry."
Weekly selection from Sri Aurobindo was read and approved.
A student wishes to see Mother before going to America to see his parents during the school vacation. Mother said, "I do not see those who go out.'
One German is staying at Far Beach since ten days, feels that he is learning and wishes to stay longer. He has not decided to be in Auroville.
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Mother asked, "What is your idea?" "He can be there a month or two." "You ask him what he is capable of doing." "Should he involve himself in some work?" Mother nodded.
Mother asked, "What is your idea?"
"He can be there a month or two."
"You ask him what he is capable of doing."
"Should he involve himself in some work?"
17.10.72
Mother gave Victory blessings. Today it is Vijayadashami day.
There is a big crowd waiting, so no business.
18.10.72
Today Mother wishes to finish early. So no business.
19.10.72
Auroarindam wants to start a newsletter in America. Mother was asked for a name.
She said, "The only name that comes is 'Attempt'." While waiting for the card to write the name, she said, "You write to him that it is a part of the name. When he sends us proof of success, it will be 'Successful Attempt'."
Shraddhalu's questions were answered. Q. Is the Mother in Her "everyday" consciousness aware of the community Findhorn in Scotland? A. No.
Q. Is the Mother the guiding Force behind Findhorn? (As She is in Auroville and the Ashram.)
A. Not the same. It is absurd to think so.
Q. Is the picking of flowers detrimental to communication with Nature and the beings involved?
A. If it were so we would not have been allowed to do it.
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Q. Can the Mother tell us of any relationship between the plant kingdom and the lunar phases?
A. The moon has its effects. It is known.
Regarding his attraction for non-interference with wild growth and objection of other residents of Aspiration who want cleanliness near habitation places, she said, "It may be good for him, but he should not impose it on others."
On a further question she said, "A separate place may be given to him to do as he likes regarding the plants."
One of the applicants was teaching.
Mother remarked that for teaching one has to be very careful. "One cannot take people like this and that. It is dangerous."
Incidentally the question of marriages came up.
Mother said that it is an old system. The basis of faithfulness in marriage is the preference of a man for one woman and the preference of a woman for one man. For some time it goes on, but later one loses the preference and the trouble starts. If the marriage is for association for a work it is different, but it is so for only one in a million. Then it lasts.
"Mother, at the time of marriage one has not even fixed the ideal or aim of life."
"At that time", said Mother, "it is impulse...sexual impulse. At that time if you tell them something, they will not understand. Marriages arranged by parents have other conveniences, but... Marriages on impulse fade with the impulse. It is an old thing...I have to say many things. The union should be for association for an ideal, a work, otherwise it is a stupidity
20.10.72
At Matrimandir the third pillar is finished. Mother was happy to know.
Day before yesterday when I went to Matrimandir there came
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the idea of starting the work of construction of the twelve meditation rooms and the Matrimandir Gardens. (Mother was happy.)
On the other hand we have no money. There is no money to pay for the land already bought, several construction works have stopped, even for the Matrimandir work already done we have borrowed a lac of rupees. In spite of this difficulty the idea persists.
"I want to know what Mother sees about it."
"There is no money at all?"
"I see a pressure in the atmosphere... but what to do?"
"I have spoken to the people at Matrimandir, Piero, Alain. There is the difficulty of money. They have asked me to ask Mother if she says 'yes'. At present, even if one begins, one can begin only slowly."
"Are materials necessary?"
"In the beginning, no. It does not cost much. But towards the end, it will cost a good deal."
Mother gave her approval for commencing.
"Do I say to the people at Matrimandir that Mother has said Yes?"
21.10.72
22.10.72
Mother did not accept the statement of a couple as correct. She told me to keep a book of those who have been accepted on a lie for Auroville.
Many names will be there, she remarked. Then she wrote a message :
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For those who have been taken on a wrong statement of theirs, there is only one solution: it is to cure in themselves all falsehood, that is to say all what contradicts in their consciousness the Presence of the Divine.
23.10.72
For those going out and wishing to see her, Mother said, "I tell you once for all, I do not wish to see people going out except those who are sent by you or me. But don't tell it."
24.10.72
A few days ago I had spoken about the extension of the areas of work of the Matrimandir construction and Mother had approved of it.
She confirmed, "Yes."
"But Piero does not agree to do it."
"Why?"
I read out from the letter written by Piero to me.
Mother wrote a message,
The true spirit of collaboration in Auroville is collaboraion and must be more and more so.
True collaboration paves the way to divinity?
28.10.72
I spoke yesterday to Piero. He says that it is not a question of collaboration or goodwill or faith in Mother. He speaks of financial difficulty, his overwork and increase in work due to change in plans.
Mother went into details. She said, "Truly, I can't say what to do. I am not an architect, not an expert. Each one is sticking to one's own point of view." (She shook her hands) "What is the solution?"
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"Piero is the most capable person for the construction. He is necessary for the work. I can try to persuade him, Mother."
"And if he is not persuaded?"
"Then I don't know."
"Try to find out a meeting point, a common base for the work to be done."
"Yes, Mother, I can try."
She gave a blessing packet.
26.10
Rs 50000 have come. It goes for general expenses.
Yesterday I went to Matrimandir, took Piero with me and there was a meeting with the people working there. The talking was done without passion and it is agreed that we should first finish the necessary studies in detail and then start the new areas of work in a few weeks.
Mother was pleased to know of it.
27.10
Mother signed the resolution for loan from the State Bank for the Handmade Paper Unit. We hope to start production in February.
Howard is to go to Fertile. Mother thinks the work at fertile to be important.
28.10
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29.10.72
Louise wishes to be in Pondicherry.
"I can't accept her for the Ashram", said Mother.
She can work for Auroville. She can work with Anjani.
"You can arrange," said Mother.
Mother approved of Prabhat, M. J. Patel, Howard, Frederick and Tim to form a group to coordinate the Japanese pavilion and cultural participation in Auroville.
She wanted to know what is happening about the Japanese pavilion.
Informed her about it.
30.10.72
Weekly selection from Sri Aurobindo.
31.10.72
On a request, Mother gave a message for the Matrimandir
workers.
"Harmony
Goodwill
Discipline
Truth
I can work with you only if you do not say a lie and are at the service of Truth!
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1.11.72
Pranam and offerings.
Today and Tomorrow', Society's publication : Mother went through each page. It is looked after by Pawan. It has eight pages only. She asked, "Is that all?"
2.11.72
Offerings and letters.
3.11.72
The fourth pillar of the Matrimandir is going to be completed, if it does not rain. Piero and Gerard have asked for a blessings packet to be put in this pillar. It is the Western one, Maha-saraswati.
Mother gave a white packet.
Blessings for a sick person.
A request to join Auroville is rejected.
Dawn's letter. She should continue to remain here at Pondicherry.
4.11.72
Shraddhalu wants to know how Mother will wish the anniversary of 'Beauty' ( Nursery at Aspiration), falling tomorrow, to be observed.
She said, "Good work."
Mother said that Huta will be the guardian of Matrimandir. For her a residence is to be built in one of the twelve gardens there. She has given money also for it.
I said that when Roger comes back I will speak to him about it and get it settled.
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There was a talk about the costly architecture and changes in architectural plans. The old roof-curves at Promesse are proposed by Roger to be broken. It will cost about Rs 15000.
Mother said, "Don't do it."
5.11.72
Last evening the four pillars of Matrimandir have been completed.
Mother gave a box of toffees for the Matrimandir Camp.
Today Mother gave a new blessings packet with her photo and the date 5.11.72. It is Deepawali day.
6.11.72
In accordance with our afforestation plans, we have planted eight hundred trees at Fertile.
"Eight hundred!" Mother said with a smile.
"The work continues, Mother."
7.11.72
Also requests for Prosperity and joining Auroville.
8.11.72
Yesterday we have received Rs 25000.
June Maher asks Mother about the incorporation of Auroville Association of Santa Cruz under the law of California, and also if it should be the same name.
Mother approves of the registration and the same name.
About three weeks ago two thieves were caught at Aspiration. They are boys from the villages. I was there and said that we will not give them to the police, and offered them construction job.
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They didn't come and are again caught in thefts at Aspiration. One has run away; one has been given by Vincenzo to the police. The police will let him off unless a formal complaint is filed by us by midday today.
"Oh! Then they will do it again."
"They are from a village outside of Auroville and we have already given them a chance."
"Then let them be given over to the police."
9.11.72
I have received from Huta what Mother wrote to her about Matrimandir and her house. I will speak to Roger about it when he comes.
About a person wishing to come back to Auroville, Mother said,
"Auroville is not the refuge for unsuccessful people."
About a Swiss who is very ill and not happy, Mother said,
"He is not ready for Auroville. He should go back."
10.11.72
Shanti's letter was answered.
In the course of reply to a question about Arumugham, a Tamil boy in Aspiration, Mother said that he is not meant to be educated intellectually .But people act by their mind, yet if one does not get out of the mind one is nowhere. Goodwill, mental, vital and physical goodwill is more important than intelligence and ability to speak clearly and big words.
12.11.72
In reply to a letter:-
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About a spiritual experience Mother said that if one has it one should try to remain there.
About premonitions, she said that she does not understand how it is dangerous. These come to warn beforehand. If one is quiet one can understand the things to come and try to prevent them.
13.11.72
About children born in Auroville, Mother said that one can not ask them to leave Auroville. They are to live freely in Auroville.
14.11.72
The University of Boston has sent a $50/- cheque to Ashram after hearing Udar's speech with thanks for 'sending such a fine individual'. Cheque offered to Mother.
Letters from Auroville disposed of.
Mother gave a blessing packet with Sri Aurobindo's photo for a woman who wishes Sri Aurobindo to tell her what to do.
15.11.72
Mother signed the resolution authorising loans from SBI to Auropolyester.
16.11.72
The man in Auroville who was told last month to wait for his marriage says that he was already committed to the marriage and prays for forgiveness from Mother for having asked her to admit the woman also in Auroville.
Mother said, "Now that he has done it, let him make the best of it."
Page 245
She remarked further, "He has not learnt the lesson, now he will have the consequences. What can be done? Let him make the best of it."
17.11.72
One person who has gone abroad, wishes his 100/= food prosperity to go to his wife here to meet her needs. Mother does not like these things.
When asked I said, "Her special needs may be considered sympathetically."
She remarked that these are too small things.
18.11.72
No work today.
19.11.72
Rs 50,000/= are received for Auroville. This will take us through this month for daily maintenance expenses.
In reply to a question from Anne what to do, Mother said,
"These are mental questions. One should try every morning to get the right aspiration from the Divine and then do the things in the day."
Regarding X wishing to join Auroville, Mother said, "Useless."
It was suggested by someone that he be taken in. Then she said, "On trial. But one works well during trial and then..."
20.11.72
Mother gave a box of collections for Auroville.
Then Kumud gave her the emptied box and Mother put a coin in it.
Page 246
Huta's letter was read and answered.
Other letters were read and received blessing packets.
21.11.72
Signatures and blessings.
23.11.72
Letters and requests for admission to Auroville were disposed of.
Anand's letter about education was disposed of.
24.11.72
Darshan day.
25.11.72
Message from Devendra regarding Nandini's election given.
26.11.72
There was a long letter from an Ashramite about the wide falsehood among the majority of people in the Ashram. It was read in full. Mother asked some things and then went into trance.
Letter of Stephan and Pierre regarding the cafetaria.
Mother said to close the cafeteria. About the use of the place she asked me. I said that if the community wants the Pondy office to go there it can go, or some other activity may be chosen.
Page 247
Mother gave a reply in one word and then went into trance.
After a while Mother wanted to write a message. She wrote it and wanted a copy immediately.
Before dying falsehood rises in full swing.
Still people understand only the lesson of catastrophe. Will it have to come before they open their eyes to truth? I ask an effort from all so that it has not to be.
It is only the Truth that can save us; truth in words, truth in action, truth in will, truth in feelings. It is a choice between serving the Truth or being destroyed.
27.11.72
Mother asked,''form where it is ?
"From where it is?" "From 'Conversations with Nirod'."
Mother disposed of letters, requests for joining Auroville, Prosperity and blessings.
A 34 year old woman has raised Several questions.
1.Her sleep is light. She feels disturbed by the noise made by the neighbours and the early croaking of the cocks of one of them. What to do?
Mother said, "Not to listen to these is under her control".
2.Should she have a baby?
Mother said, "No, no. There are enough babies."
"But she is 34 years old and childless. Should she have a baby?"
"No. no."
3.She is plagued by vital desires and sex-desires. Should she have sex-relations?"
"No. no. She should read what Sri Aurobindo has said. The sex-energy should be elevated, to the chest."
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4.Where she should live and what she should do?
(She is doing nothing)
"Can you give her some work?"
"Yes, Mother." "Then give her work."
5.She wants a new name.
"When she will be a new person," said Mother.
A sick woman gone out for treatment asks for Mother's help. Mother said, "What can we do? She has no faith."
28.11.72
Mother signed a paper and disposed of a letter and requests for joining Auroville.
SABDA's history and Income Tax trouble were placed before Mother.
About the alternatives, Mother said, "Let there be a separate Society."
29.11.72
A person is invited by the World Unity Conference at Delhi. He wishes to know what is Mother's will.
Mother asked, "Is he not useful here?"
He is to take his own decision.
For Matrimandir 1.25 lakh has come. We need 5 lakhs more to properly resume the work.
Changes in the architectural plans causing more costliness were mentioned.
Mother said, "Naturally the cost increases."
30.11.72
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1.12.72
We have received Rs 50000. This goes towards food, Prosperity etc for this new month.
Request for joining Auroville disposed of.
2.12.72—6.12.72
7.12.72
As a result of the cyclone that came in the night of 5th, the community kitchen in Aspiration has fallen down.
"The kitchen or the dining place?" asked Mother.
"The dining place. The kitchen and store room have asbestos roof and they have remained. At the farm, banana plants are destroyed. At Aspiration some other structures also have been destroyed."
"The fruits in the banana trees can be used even if they are unripe."
A letter was answered.
8.12.72
The English translation of Mother's message of 1st December was read.
Mother made a correction.
The text of the 1st Dec. message as corrected:
Auroville has been created for a progressive superhumanity, not for an infra-humanity governed by its instincts and dominated by its desires. Those who belong to the infra-humanity, the animal humanity, have no place here.
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Auroville is for those who aspire for the supramental and make an effort to reach there.
Requests for joining Auroville and letters were disposed of.
Mother's reply to one of the letters,
''The mind does not know truly,
aspire sincerely to the supermind.''
9 & 10.12.72
Pranam only.
11.12.72
My eldest uncle aged 92 has expired at Bhagalpur. His son prays for peace to the departed soul.
Mother inquired and gave a blessing packet for his son.
12.12.72
Mother disposed of a family's request to join Auroville.
I placed before Mother the original message of 1st Dec. in French for correction at one place by her own hand.
"The correction will make it untidy, I can write the whole," she said.
But as it was a long thing and there was space for neat correction, she did it on my request.
There was a question regarding the postponement of the opening date of the school which is 15th December, the reason being the damage done by the cyclone.
We should try our best to open it on 15th. If it is not possible for some sections, the students also can help in the rearrangement and then we start as soon as we are ready.
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13.12.72
Offerings handed over.
14.12.72
One person in Auroville gets grips of violence to the extent of self-destruction.
Mother said, "It is horrible."
In response to the request for help, she gave a blessings packet with her photo.
Shanti's letter about the school.
For some outside children Mother said that they could go there and participate in what they choose.
About the proposal to have a different physical education programme of integrated activities for suitable children, Mother said, "If you can do it, it is good."
Mother said, "What more can I say? I am not active now."
"Mother says that she is not active, but when I put a problem before her to get its solution, even if..."
Mother laughed and said, "It depends on your openness."
15.12.72
The proposal to hold a Youth Conference on February 26, 27 and 28, 1973, in Auroville, on Towards a New Social Order', inviting two boys and two girls from each University in India, has come from Ramesh Vardya, Bangalore Branch of Sri Aurobindo Society. Sri Aurobindo's Action has published recently Towards a New Social Order.
Mother repeatedly said Yes.
Sri Aurobindo's Action has published several booklets on
Page 252
India. I propose to make a compilation in one book of Sri Aurobindo's writings on this subject.
Mother approved. On request she gave the title 'Sri Aurobindo on India' and wrote it on a card.
She said that I should compile from what Sri Aurobindo wrote in Pondicherry. She asked about the Press for printing the book.
It was left for decision after the compilation gets ready.
16.12.72
No work as it was late.
17.12.72
Mother's replies:
Everybody has to progress and to become more sincere.
Auroville has been created not for the satisfaction of the egos and their greeds, but for the creation of a new world, the supramental, expressing the Divine perfection.
Everybody is imperfect and has to progress.
Keep firm and confident.
George wishes to work on tree plantation and prays for self-progress.
Mother wrote blessings.
The Aspiration Community should devote two days now to the cleaning work and then every Sunday.
Mother wrote 'Benedictions' on this proposal of Vincenzo.
Varadharajan proposes that the provisions for the Workers Kitchen may be supplied to him and he will look after the day-to- day work, without money consciousness.
Raoul Mercier's letter. He speaks of the attitudes he is facing
Page 253
in the work, like "At Auroville one is free", "One has eternity before oneself", etc.
Mother said, "Haven't I already said that the Aurovilians have to work according to the supramental discipline?"
"Yes, Mother, but they say that regular work is not the supramental way."
"Do they know the supramental?"
"One doesn't know even the illumined mind, but pretends about the supramental."
The person looking after Promesse Maternity has gone away to Bombay with the key of the clinic without informing us. Now there is a case of delivery.
"Open it with another key," said Mother.
"We have already done so."
Mother wrote a message (in French).
Auroville has been created for a superhumanity, for those who want to surmount their ego and renounce all desire to prepare themselves for receiving the supermind. They alone are true Aurovilians.
Those who want to obey their ego and satisfy all their desires belong to a sub-humanity and have no place here. They should return to the world which is their true place.
19.12.72
Mother disposed of a request to join Auroville.
She wrote a message:
To all those who are telling lies By the simple fact that you are telling lies you prove that you are not true Aurovilians.
If you wish to remain in Auroville you must stop lying.
She approved the English translation of yesterday's message.
Page 254
20.12.72
Mother gave blessings for Stephan Joss for tree-plantation on new plots.
Letters disposed of.
For one who is not satisfied with Auroville, Mother replied,
"If he is not satisfied with Auroville, it is better for him to go back to the world; it is wide enough."
21.12.72
Reply to one who wanted work from Mother :
"I can give work only to those who have a feeling of responsibility."
Piero has written about the violent threats of K.
I have to communicate Mother's advice to the person concerned, "You must conquer your bad temper."
'Incidentally Mother remarked, "Auroville is not a shelter for murderers."
22.12.72
In reply to Mary Helen's query about the Japanese garden, Mother said, "It is to be naturally in the Japanese way."
23.12.72
No time for work.
24.12.72
An Ashramite lady's letter was read pointing out shortcomings in Ashramites.
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Mother remarked, "What she says is true."
25.12.72
Informed Mother that
(a)the basketball court at Aspiration is ready;
(b)the new bridge at Utility' is ready;
(c)the new garage between Auroson's Home and Fore-comers will be ready from 1st Jan 73.
Frederick and Peter ask for a name for the garage. Mother wrote Abri.
A letter was disposed of.
Also a request to join Auroville.
26.12.72
Roger Toll has sent a photo of the four pillars of Matrimandir. Mother took it and asked, "Alors?" So to other items of work.
Letters and requests for joining Auroville were disposed of. Mother wrote to one,
"Silence your mind, and aspire with your heart; if you are sincere you will know."
27.12.72
28.12.72
There is one Kelemen Tiber in Hungary who was thrown in the pile of the dead at a concentration camp but has been alive. He has been invited by Georgette Coty to come here. A letter of invitation from Auroville will help him. Should it be given?
Page 256
Mother said, "I don't know. But is it not a letter of invitation only?" She added, "It is an interesting case. What do you think?"
"As Mother says, it will be done."
"I can say it will be interesting if he comes and you talk to him."
So the letter will go.
The conduct of two Aurovilians was reported.
One of them is asked to leave.
For the other, Mother wrote in French. The English translation is:
To be a true Aurovilian, one must never lie.
I told Mother that recently she has given strong and clear messages for Aurovilians, but each one thinks that it is for the others.
"Auroville has been created for those who want to progress, their own progress.
This is written for each one; each one is concerned with himself first."
Mother remarked, "They take their ego for the psychic." She made a further remark which she didn't wish to be reproduced.
29.12.72
Piero's letter to Mother. He mentions two points about the Matrimandir construction:-
i) not getting drawings from Madras engineers and Roger,
ii) his ill-health.
Mother gave a blessing packet with Sri Aurobindo's picture. (Regarding drawings I said I am no more hurt as before by these delays although the work suffers.)
Bernard and Claude have written a letter to Mother which
Page 257
was read yesterday evening to her by Kireet. She told Kireet that she wished to give him a chance to go to Auroville if he promises to accept what she said in the morning to me and I should speak to her about it this morning. So I spoke to her about it and also narrated the facts known to me.
Mother said, "You all are acting by the mind, one comes and says one thing, another one comes and says another thing, instead of sitting together and agreeing. I do not wish to say anything now, do as..."
"Some time back Mother took a decision that these people are to go back and when Aurokali is of age and wishes to come to Auroville she is free to come."
"Yes, I know."
"Once Mother has taken a decision I cannot change it, I may not understand it. Last evening Kireet spoke to Mother and I was asked to speak about it, so I am speaking, I am putting only the facts, what Mother says will be followed."
"We have been severe to this man, don't you find a change in him?"
"He has not seen me since he was asked to go away, that was a month and a half ago. Mother has seen him yesterday morning."
"Yes, and I feel that there is an aspiration in him, and he can..."
"So he can work either at SAICE here or go to Auroville if Mother gives him a chance."
Kumud intervened and said that Mother has already said 'No' about his work at SAICE.
"He will be at his expense? Auroville is not rich!"
"Perhaps he will. But it will be only for a year, then the expense will come upon Auroville, plus the house building, whereas we have no money for the existing persons."
"Then don't take now persons. But for old ones..."
"Yes, Mother. And if he goes to Auroville, naturally his wife also goes there and of course the child Aurokali."
"His wife also?"
"Naturally, Mother."
"Why? Not that if the wife goes...
" Mother laughed.
"You see, we have been severe with this man and there are so many people in Auroville who deserve to have been sent away,
Page 258
but we are not asking them, they are clever so they are there, so I was feeling hesitant about this man. What about his wife?"
"To me she appears to be lower in the scale. The man is more dynamic and likely to change."
"Yes I too feel so."
"Mother, this is what troubles me. Newcomers are watched by me and those who are not satisfactory are reported to Mother and they go away or are asked to go away. But what about the old ones? They set examples."
"They are bad examples."
"I was asked to be strict about newcomers, but what about the old ones? These who are here since two three years can not be asked to go and they do not change and the trouble is there."
"So you are conscious of it. What I am doing is that I am putting a pressure on them to change."
"Yes, Mother, that is the radical solution; by the pressure of the Mother's force they should change. But it takes time, and in the meantime it affects the progress of Auroville even in the physical. Even where these are one or two good persons the thing works and there is a good atmosphere; where it is not so, in spite of facilities the thing does not work. If these people are there, we have to have a very slow progress."
"So unlimited patience is needed."
"What I can do, and I am doing it, is that I am putting a tremendous pressure for change. (Mother shows her fist) Those who can not bear it will go away. Yes, I am doing it, but it will not have a quick result, not even some months, but this is what I am doing, and not any exterior means."
30.12.72
31.12.72
Mother's message to 'Toujours Mieux'( Always Better) for its foundation tomorrow.
Page 259
In all sincerity
our aspiration needs to be
"Always Better".
Near Auroson's Home we have started constructing three pucca residential houses. Yusuf's will be ready tomorrow for occupation.
Mother touched the key as blessings and gave a blessing packet.
Mother turned each page of Savitra's brochure on Auroville.
Page 260
III
1973
1.1.73
2.1.73
In reply to a letter asking for a word of guidance in relation to the outside world, Mother wrote,
"At the service of the Divine
in full receptivity and sincerity."
Auroville children can be vaccinated.
Narad can write an article on the Matrimandir Nursery for the
Lalbagh journal, but he should not quote Mother unless it is in writing.
3.1.73
An offering handed over.
Rs 50000 have been received. It enables us to start paying wages and for food.
Page 261
Roger proposes a collective meditation for the French T V. It can be done on 6.1.73 at sunset with the first concreting at the Matrimandir area ampitheatre.
Approved.
It is also proposed to put the fresh plate of Mother's writing 28.2.68 in place of the destroyed one in the urn.
Mother says that it could be done on 28.2.73.
4.1.73
Requests for joining Auroville disposed of.
A one-line letter was read,
"...Yet how much patience is needed..."
Mother smiled. She uttered just one word, "Patience".
5.1.73
In reply to a question about the way to open the psychic and bring it to the front, Mother wrote,
"Aspiration addressed to the Supreme.
Let all in me be always at your service."
(In fact, the request was made for a short way for which Mother commented, "Oh, a short way, that is not possible".)
6.1.73
Page 262
7.1.73
Requests for admission to Auroville and Prosperity were disposed of.
Anthony Nightingale is leaving Auroville as he says that he is unable to adapt himself to the life here.
Mother remarked, "It is better that he goes."
8.1.73
A child born in Auroville is going to the Aspiration school. Two persons say that Mother does not like it.
Mother says, "I haven't said so. What I didn't like was his not wanting to see me when I was told that he did not want to come to see me."
Nowadays many requests are coming for joining Auroville. But most of them are not acceptable to us. Is each case to be referred to Mother?
Mother said, "No."
"We will refer cases where we have doubt or where we accept."
"And before accepting, I am now giving them a chance of two to three weeks to see Auroville and choose their work and settle their financial position, otherwise they say something but forget it when Mother's approval comes."
"Have I not said that the first condition to live in Auroville is not to tell a lie?"
"Yes, and Mother has on several occasions recently written on truth and explained about it."
"Show it to them."
"Yes, Mother, but they call me a policeman when I do so." "You can tell them", Mother said laughing, "that you are Mother's policeman." After a pause Mother said,
"There is no need to build another ordinary city in Auroville; already there are so many. If people are like that, it will become
Page 263
an ordinary city and our money and efforts will be wasted. You have to be strict. If they say, well, they will say so easily, that they wish to change, they can be there if they are sincere."
9.1.72
Ananda Reddy's questions were answered.
Q. Should we send to you all the applications for admission to the school for your decision? A. No.
Q. How should we consider applications from the neighbouring villages?
A. Shyam Sunder to decide doing his best.
Q. Should we consider the admission of outside children who do not belong to Aurovilian families?
A. No.
Q. On what conditions of work we take in teachers to our school?
A. Sincerity, full- time work, capability.
Q. Should they also not be approved by you?
A. Better.
10.1.73
Signature and blessings.
11.1.73
Rs 12000 have come for Auroville.
Mother remarked that what she speaks should not be printed, only what she writes can be printed.
Gave an outline of the compilation Sri Aurobindo on India.
Mother approved of the printing in All India Press.
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12.1.73
Signature.
Kamoo has taken away Promesse Maternity things.
She should be asked to return the Maternity's things and not allowed to take further things.
Mother spoke in a tone of disgust about the lies going around, and said, "What can I do? Some people come and say one thing, others come and say another thing, and get contradictory answers. I do not remember things now and people take advantage of it and say lies, what they like."
"If Mother chooses not to remember things, is it not more of our duty to be correct in putting facts before her?"
"I do not remember; I am made not to remember; I am in such a position for a reason, so that people take more care, be more conscientious. I do not remember, but there is an acute...(gesture of sensatiri) by which I know..."
13.1.73
Signature on a cheque.
Mother has written to Kamoo to return the Maternity things.
Udar's remarks were placed before Mother.
14.1.73
Offering.
Kamoo has not returned the things. A long story of lies. Physical violence was used by G and M to push Indra out of his house and Kamoo assisted them in it.
Mother said, "What to do?"
After a pause, she said, "Something has to be done." I told Mother that Kamoo will be now coming to her for her birthday.
"I do not wish to see people who tell lies", she remarked, and it was decided that she will not see Kamoo until the Maternity things are returned by her.
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15.1.73
Some persons in Auroville propose making of films from Auroville life.
Mother said, "I do not permit unless I know that it is good."
"I can do one of two things. I can ask them to give an outline and I can place it before Mother. Or I can ask them to produce one film and then it can be reported to Mother after seeing it."
"Or to wait," said Mother.
The list of teachers in the Aspiration Kindergarden section was put up. One person was disapproved. One new request was not objected to.
16.1.73
Gloria's letter. Report of misconduct of two children.
Mother said, "It is incredible!"
17.1.73
The Dalai Lama arrives tomorrow. His programme in the Ashram and Auroville was read out. His seating arrangement, when he comes to Mother, was finalised.
Mother signed a note about some persons in Auroville.
18.1.73
Mother held the Sincerity flower for a time in concentration and kept it.
19.1.73
Informed Mother of the Dalai Lama's visit to Auroville. When he was told that there is no Tibetan in Matrimandir Workers' Camp, he has remarked, "We will join."
Page 266
Some work is to be given to Malik.
20.1.73
Malik suggests a work which was given to him by Mother as her choice. She said, "Now it is too late."
The following works were approved for him:
i.Import, export and customs ii.Water supply iii.Brochure with advertisements on 28.2.73—Fund for Auroville.
i.Import, export and customs
ii.Water supply
iii.Brochure with advertisements on 28.2.73—Fund for Auroville.
Some persons in Aspiration wish to start a new kitchen.
It can be tried in the Youth Camp.
21.1.73
Request for admission disposed of.
Letter of Auroville Association, Paris. Gilbert Gauche wishes to stay there. They have to consult Andre.
Another letter disposed of.
A teacher in Aspiration School asks, "Any other role or work?" Shanti also.
Mother said, "If they do thoroughly well what they are doing, there is enough to do."
22.1.73
The Madras engineers working upon the architectural design of Matrimandir say, "What is the assurance that there will be no further change?"
Page 267
Mother said that Roger had not informed her of the changes.
She approves that I tell them through Chamanlal that there will be no further change without mutual consent.
To one of the letters she replied,
"My help is silent." To another,
"We have nothing to hide."
For a request for a new name, the reply was,
"I don't give names."
She gave answers about producing children and abortion, but did not wish them to be printed.
23.1.73
Mother signed a cheque and gave a blessing packet.
The names of school teachers were put up.
Two are asked to improve.
Industries in Auroville should pay for Aurovilians if they are prospering. If any industry is in difficulty, I have not to ask for it.
Kamoo gets back the crockery for which she pays Rs 300.
24.1.73
Pranam
25.1.73
Mother signed a postal order and some papers.
Laura has not kept her word about work.
She has to leave.
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26.1.73
Mother gave TVS cheque for Rs 25000 for Matrimandir.
Chamanlal's letter about his visit to Madras for Matrimandir work. We have said that no major change will be done in the design without mutual consultation.
It is better for Jacques to leave Auroville as he is not happy there. His request to join Auroville is not accepted.
27.1.73
28.1.73
Mother wrote for Carlo Schueller,
"Do for the best. My love and blessings are always with you," and asked me to write to him to not to take them as mere words but in the deepest sense.
Mother gave a blessing packet for a sick child.
29.1.73
Narad's letter about working with the plants through music, prayer, meditation and other new ways. Mother's remark,
"I don't understand...how can meditation work with the plants?"
Aurofood is not on Auroville land. Nor is it contributing anything to Auroville in money or by produce. Is it correct to include Aurofood in Auroville brochures? (Mother nodded negatively.) Even Roger asked the television team to go to Aurofood.
Mother remarked,
"When they are having Auroville's name, they should com tribute at least something to Auroville."
Page 269
"Manibhai has offered personally big amounts to Mother."
"That cannot be doubted."
30.1.73
Dennis writes, "In Auroville at this time there is very little love, trust, collaboration, aspiration. There is much doubt, distrust, waste divisiveness. I see this in myself and it seems to be a general condition in Auroville now. I wish there was some concrete way for all of us in Auroville to place ourselves as a collectivity before You, exactly as we are, and in all sincerity call upon You to help and guide us to become whatever it is we must become...
" The answer Mother gave was one of her messages,
"Mother is with all those who are sincere in their aspiration towards a divine life."
Laura gets a final chance to stay in Auroville.
Santosh Chakrabarty, retired Judge of Calcutta High Court, wants Auroville work.
Law matters and important correspondence approved.
31.1.73
1.2.73
Renate's letter was read.
Mother wants to have more details about the difference in the behaviour of the Tibetan and non-Tibetan children. In a way everyone is different.
Mother did not give names for a personal business and a village teashop.
A request for seeing Mother for 'spiritual progress' was not answered.
Page 270
2-4.2.73
5.2.73
Shraddhalu writes, "I feel inclined to do a new work, but I should like you to give me one so that I can really do it as Karma Yoga." He is drawn towards Auropolyester work where his knowledge of chemistry can be used.
"It is not the work that you do but the spirit in which you are doing it that makes Karmayoga."
6.2.73
Requests to join Auroville disposed of.
In response to Renate's letter suggesting change in guidance and residence from Pondicherry to Aspiration, Mother said that it is better to do so.
Chamanlal's letter.
If the Commonwealth Human Ecology Council accepts the rules of Auroville and asks for it, there can be its counterpart unit in Auroville.
7.2.73
Letters of Mireille, Diane and Huta were disposed of.
I put some questions to Mother which she answered.
Q. "One must never lie", does this requirement apply only to Aurovilians or also to the Ashramites who wish to work for Auroville?"
Page 271
A. This condition applies to all, to all those who have goodwill and want to progress.
Q. Has Mother given to Udar a general authority to intervene in the Auroville affairs?
A. No. But one must enlarge oneself to serve the Divine, get rid of the ego, not cling to the sense of authority, and one should work with him.
10.2.73
An architect writes again about the problem of economic level differences in Auroville construction. She now finds that it is due to lack of faith and says, "From the moment you have accepted a project, the correct attitude in my drawing work must be to be silent so that in silence we may receive Thy force and understand Thy will, with the total confidence that the new consciousness itself will find the exact place for each thing and for each person."
Mother said, "It is alright" and gave a blessings packet with her photo.
Claude Milami has to go.
11.2.73
Shanti's letter is answered.
i.Shraddhavan can take up the administrative work of the school.
ii.Yvonne can talk to outside people in Auroville.
iii.Roger is the architect. If anyone is not willing to use what he makes, there will be others to use it.
iv.Yvonne's exercises in consciousness— people should use discrimination.
Whenever there is disharmony, be sure that it does not come from the Divine Will; it comes from the ego.
Page 272
12.2.73
Letter of Narad regarding tree plantation around Matrimandir.
"Roger wants me to begin this work soon...I am empty of all ideas. .I humbly wish to serve Thee in the new way...but I cannot proceed in the old manner..."
Mother said that the execution of the Matrimandir Gardens has been already told in detail to Roger. That is what is to be done.
I have to remind Roger about the living place for Huta.
Mother's remark about certain instances in Auroville,
"They have in the name of liberty taken abominable licentiousness."
13.2.73
Mother approves of my draft reply to Narad.
Letters answered.
Blessings for one, a mantra for another.
Requests for joining Auroville are disposed of.
Rs 75000 arrived yesterday to save the situation.
14.2.73
Chernet has sent fresh biscuits made again at Aspiration. Asks for a name.
"If they are good", said Mother, "Aspiration Biscuit".
The biscuits are given to Champaklal, Kumud, Purna and Udar. Udar says, "It is good."
About a two year old child bitten by a stray dog, Mother said that autopsy should have been done.
15.2.73
Mother wrote the name Aspiration Biscuit.
Page 273
In answer to a query Mother wrote,
Auroville is not a place for politics;
no politics must be done in Auroville
and in the offices of Auroville.
"People are becoming very disobedient."
Hedi, who manages the Hope kitchen, left suddenly for a few days saying that she will not be here for some days.
When she comes, she is to be told, "Sorry, there is no work for you."
Mireille's letter.
Mother said, "If she is not happy, let her go back."
16.2.73
Letter from Shyama and Howard. They propose to start a Rose Nursery at Auroson's Home and plant on Mother's birthday 95 Surrender rose bushes as offering. If approved, they want a name and time.
Mother wrote the name 'Roses'.
Time 6.30 a.m.
Sheldon's letter about finance for television was placed.
17.2.73
Mother gave blessings for offerings received and signed a cheque.
For a person asking for training from Mother for a certain matter, Mother said that she cannot give it mentally, it is to be received inwardly.
18.2.73
Vegetables from Hermitage offered.
Page 274
To the Bhatt couple, confused due to difficulties in the soap industry, suggesting sale of the unit at Pondicherry and change to Auromodel, Mother replied, "If you run away from difficulties, you will have to run away from life."
Mother does not like the change. She remarked, "Life, everywhere, is full of difficulties."
Gordon and Jeanne feel fatigued and propose to shift to the sea beach.
Not approved. Mother's remark, "Why fatigued?" A letter was read.
"I do not reply to vague letters", said Mother. "Is there anything precise in it?"
19.2.73
Handkerchiefs from Bhavani offered.
Aspiration Bakery has started regular production. A loaf offered to Mother.
Rs 50000 are brought by Navajata for Auroville. Rs 10000 are given to Auroville by Aurocreation.
Mother will not be the President of the Auroville Association, Santa Cruz. There are legal obligations.
June Maher and others will be in the Board of Directors.
20.2.73
Applications for admission to Auroville disposed of.
21.2.73
'Sri Aurobindo on India' is out as an Action publication. Mother signs a copy and gives it to me.
Page 275
22.2.73
Vishwanath's consultancy for Bharatniwas is approved.
Reorganisation of Udavi and its charge is given again to Nata.
"He has spoken to me", said Mother.
23.2.73
No answer for Auroarindam who has come for a fortnight and wants to know if Mother will see him.
24.2.73
No time left for work.
25.2.73
Alain Grandcolas has proposed a programme for 28.2.73 : 5.30 to 6 a.m. Huta's paintings on Savitri, Book One, Canto One;
Placing of the plate '28.2.1968' on the urn;
Concreting.
Mother approved it.
No reply about his suggestion that Shyam Sunder or Ruud Lohman should place the plate on the urn, unless Mother thinks of someone else, except the remark, "One should collaborate".
Matrimandir folders. The suggestion for drawing the lucky number for the Sri Aurobindo Centenary set prize, although we have not sold a lac as yet, was not approved. The financial position of the folders was put before Mother.
Mother explained to me the difference, in course of reply to a question, between her approving something and wanting something to be done.
Page 276
"lt is of tremendous importance when I want something to be done."
26.2.73
There is a proposal that the Commonwealth Human Ecology Council Conference should be held in Auroville. Mother says,
"Why in Auroville? I don't see why it should be in Auroville. Auroville does not belong to the past knowledge."
27.2.73
Mother nodded approval of the idea of a corner of display of children's products at Aspiration on 'pay according to what you wish' basis.
28.2.73
Offering of the first tomato from the vegetable garden at the Centre, from Tom and Maggie.
In response to Kiran's letter Mother agrees to see Auroville school children on their birthdays in group.
Mother gave blessings for the second year of the Meteorological station.
Mother approves of Guru Pershad for Auroconstruction with the drawings of Roger.
1.3.73
Auroarindam to go to America for work there ( he is not to be in Auroville).
Page 277
Dawn is not to go to live in Auroville.
Requests for admission to Auroville disposed of.
2.3.73
Mother wrote Blessings on the name- card of Sri Aurobindo Society Nederland.
MichealKlostermann writes about a new information magazine on Auroville to be started by the Friends of Auroville in Germany. Matter to be prepared by him in collaboration with Carlo Schuller. To be printed at Aufopress.
If Friends of Auroville pay for it, it is approved.
3.3.73
Sri Aurobindo's Action's Hindi booklet Manavata Ka Bhavishya was handed over to Mother.
4.3.73
There are people in Auroville who say that it is against the spirit of Auroville when I ask people there to work or when I allot work to them.
Auroville is still in the state of elaboration, and those who want to remain there have to collaborate to its erection according to the plans made and to be made, approved by me and signed by Shyam Sunder.
An incident of an Aurovilian lying was reported.
"Auroville is not a place for liars", Mother remarked.
5.3.73
Page 278
Letters dealt with.
Aster writes about Prem Kirpal's visit.
We can report to Mother when something concrete emerges from his visit.
Mother laid stress on the need of union with the Divine Will, working according to it, unity among us, the aspiration for progress, not to see things from the mind.
"Even I am progressing but it is different," remarked Mother.
"When the Divine wants me to speak something, I speak. I speak what the Divine tells me to speak." Another remark.
6.3.73
No reply for Dawn's letter.
Vikas proposes that twelve white doves be kept in the Matrimandir area and trained to make this their home.
Mother remarked, "I was thinking whether they will be taken care of."
"Perhaps it is not the time for it," I suggested.
7.3.73
8.3.73
As a result of the release of the television film on Auroville in France, we have received a number of inquiries. A personal contact seems to be necessary. Andre' is in Paris. If Mother approves, he could sort these out.
Mother says yes.
A letter disposed of.
The difficult financial position of Auroville was placed before Mother. Also my feeling that in spite of it, Auroville has not to stagnate but to go on developing.
Page 279
Mother nodded yes.
I also acquainted her with how I am trying to arrange things. She said, 'it is alright", and concentrated.
9.3.73
In reply to Shanti's letter, Mother said 12th March for opening the workshop at Aspiration for children. No name was given.
Some persons at Aspiration are getting bad dreams indicating destruction at that place. Mother gave a blessings packet.
She wanted to give as many packets as there were dreamers, but I did not know the number.
10—12.3.73
13.3.73
The difficulties created by the Lands Ceiling Act were placed before Mother.
At one stage she asked, "Can we have a garden with each house?"
Letters and a request for joining Auroville disposed of.
When informed of two pregnancies, Mother remarked, "Do people in Auroville believe that I desire children?"
14.3.73 Pranam.
Page 280
15.3.73
Mother disposed of requests for joining Auroville, Prosperity and letters.
Norman is approved to manage and look after the Auroville vehicles at Pondicherry.
16—17.3.93
18.3.73
A request for Prosperity was answered in the negative.
Mother remarked, "The first condition is not to tell a lie and this person started with a big lie."
First Mother wanted to write, "No liars in Auroville" or "No lies in Auroville," but then she wrote,
Auroville will become what it must be, only if and when the people living there will stop lying.
A request for joining Auroville was not approved.
One person in Aspiration gave up a work, for which he had taken a name from Mother, without asking anyone and closed it.
I asked him, "When you got a work from Mother, was it proper for you to give it up without referring it to her?"
"Yes," he replied.
"Was it correct according to the spiritual discipline of Mother?" "Yes."
And now he has written me a four page letter in criticism of mental morality, of people in Pondicherry, of Auroville architecture, stating that he has acted from inner guidance.
Mother made a remark and asked me to tell it to him, "The guidance can come also from the ego-devil".
Page 281
She concentrated, made some remarks, and then wrote,
"When you say I want to serve the Divine, do you believe the
All-Knowing does not know that it is a lie?"
and asked me to show it to him.
"There is no way", was one of her remarks.
19.3.73
Mother approved of the setting up of 'Auro-Tibetan Handicrafts' by Katak.
Mahesh Vepari and Uma can have the delivery of their second child at Auroville. They will pay for the expenses.
20.3.73
The Auroville Balance Sheet figures for 1972 were put up.
Mother was inquiring about the lands.
21.3.73
22.3.73
Yesterday a dispensary has been opened by Nata and Satyabrata at Udavi for the benefit of the villagers.
Nata has two more programmes for execution: incense making and weaving.
Due to financial difficulties I have asked Narad to confine himself to an expense of Rs 500 per month for the gardens. Last year it was more than double of it. Even this 500/- is not sure to be continued. Narad is thinking of going to America to bring money.
Mother asked, "Is there someone else to carry on the work here?"
Page 282
"He can go."
Louise Forjette is not working.
"Perhaps she does not know how to work."
"She may be left as she is and I forget about it, or she may be told that if she does not work she is a burden on Auroville as she is at Auroville's expense and she may go."
"Tell her and let us see."
"Those parents who are not satisfied may take away their children," remarked Mother.
Shanti was asked to organise the education at Aspiration.
"That is how the things are to be", remarked Mother.
A request for joining Auroville was not granted.
23.3.73
A request for joining Auroville disposed of.
A person in Auroville wishes to make babies for Auroville.
"Do they believe that I want babies in Auroville?... You tell them that it is not so. A way is found for taking birth differently. We do not want babies by the ordinary way."
24.3.73
Mother endorsed a cheque and signed a resolution for a Bank account.
25.3.73
26.3.73
Yesterday I had been to Tanjore to see the lawyer specialising in the Land Ceiling laws. Spoke to Mother about his helpful
Page 283
opinion in relation to Auroville. Each house with its own garden was also one of his suggestions.
Informed Mother of the FAO grant application position. Guido in Italy is being asked to follow it up.
A request to join Auroville was approved.
27.3.73
A request for Prosperity approved.
Mother disposed of a letter and wrote a message:
Auroville is created to realise the ideal of Sri Aurobindo who taught us the Karma Yoga. Auroville is for those who want to do the Yoga of work.
To live in Auroville means to do the Yoga of work. So all Aurovilians must take up a work and do it as Yoga.
She also mentioned a letter from Sri Aurobindo read yesterday about the importance of work.
28.3.73
Mother signed papers.
29.3.73
Offered seven copies of the brochure ' Auroville, Model of Human Unity', prepared by Vijay.
Mother turned it page by page and asked, "Good?"
30.3.73
Rs 50000 are received from a friend of Palkhivala. The amount goes for food expenses.
One lac rupees are sanctioned by the Tamilnadu Government for the State pavilion in Bharatniwas.
Page 284
Mother signed Blessings on the First Annual Sports programme of the Kuilapalayam village children in Aspiration.
A question is raised about the village children. Will they go to Aspiration School after the pre-school or should there be an independent school for them?
"Why division?", remarked Mother. "There should be unification."
Mother spoke of the need of collaboration in the Ashram. To speak ill elsewhere of a person in the Ashram amounts to treachery to Mother. One should keep the mouth shut in such cases.
31.3.73
1.4.73
2—3.4.73
Mother did not see us.
4—18.4.73
19.4.73
20.4.73
No pranam.
Page 285
21.4.73
22.4.73
"That is all?"
23.4.73
Informed Mother of the opening of the Handmade Paper Unit fixed for tomorrow at 7 a.m. Trial production starts; regular production in two weeks.
Tomorrow we also commence the village children sports programme at Kottakarai.
24—25.4.73
26.4.73
Informed Mother of the willingness of the Tamilnadu Government to consider Auroville's request for exemption under the Land Ceilings Act for further purchases of land.
27.4.73
Mother did not approve of the conversion of Sri Aurobindo's Action into a fortnightly.
28.4.73
Page 286
29.4.73
"You have nothing to say?"
"Today there is nothing, Mother."
30.4.73 Pranam.
1.5.73
Auroville has two horses and Frederick, who is a good horse-rider, wishes to know whether he can start a programme of horse-riding.
"May be interesting."
"Is it difficult?"
"From where did the horses come?"
"Some Aurovilians bought them."
"If he likes."
"Are the horses good? It depends on that."
"It is said that the horses are good."
"One will see."
2-3.5.73
4.5.73
Madanlal Himatsingka's letter regarding funds for Matrimandir. He feels that he should work for it.
Mother says,
"Very good. I am happy over the proposal. All my force is with you."
5.5.73
Page 287
6.5.73
Offering handed over to Mother.
She gave blessings for Dinesh and Guido for the Matrimandir fund work.
7.5.73
Three Tamil villagers wish to join Auroville. They are good. Approved.
8—10.5.73
11.5.73
"It goes on?"
"Yes, Mother, it goes on."
12—13.5.73
14.5.73
Informed Mother of the two wells at Fertile and 2-Banyans now supplying water and the programme of starting two more.
15—18.5.73
19.5.73
Informed Mother about the commencement of the construction of Matrimandir above the four pillars.
Page 288
20.5.73
A letter. The writer is not happy at Auroville. He requests Mother for her help to be happy and to progress.
"Why is he not happy?"
"He does not know."
"I give this [taking out a blessings packet with Sri Aurobindo's photo] with Sri Aurobindo."
P.S.
1996
My diary notes end with my last visit to Mother. Twenty-three years have gone by since.
I remember that era of my visits to Mahasaraswati. Her love, her training, her urge for progress, her helping hand, her solicitude and toil for me, for Auroville, for all.
I remember her holding my hands in hers before I would leave. My hands would carry the smell of the perfume from hers, and something more would go within...
Page 289
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