{"id":4219,"date":"2013-07-13T01:54:15","date_gmt":"2013-07-13T01:54:15","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost\/?p=4219"},"modified":"2013-07-13T01:54:15","modified_gmt":"2013-07-13T01:54:15","slug":"63-answer-to-a-monitor-vol-12-on-education-volume-12","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/02-works-of-the-mother\/01-cwmce\/12-on-education-volume-12\/63-answer-to-a-monitor-vol-12-on-education-volume-12","title":{"rendered":"-63_Answer-to-a-Monitor.htm"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n
\n
\n


\n
\nVI<\/span><\/font><\/b><\/p>\n


\n
\n <\/span><\/font><\/b><\/p>\n


\nANSWERS
\nTO A MONITOR<\/span><\/font><\/b><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n
\n

<\/span><\/b><\/div>\n

 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Here our activities are so varied that it
\nis difficult to stick to one thing and perfect it. Perhaps that is the reason
\nwhy we are not able to go beyond a mediocre average. Or is it because of our
\nlack of solid concentration? <\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/span><\/p>\n

The cause of mediocre work is neither the variety nor the number
\nof activities, but lack of the power of concentration. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span>One must learn to
\nconcentrate and do everything with full concentration. <\/span><\/p>\n

4 July 1961<\/span><\/i>
\n<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/span><\/p>\n

It really is a problem to know how to create interest in the
\nstudents, whether in games, athletics or gymnastics. Even our enthusiasm
\ndwindles when we see their lack of interest in everything. <\/span><\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/span><\/p>\n

The interest of the students is proportionate to the true capacity <\/span>of the teacher. <\/span><\/p>\n

12 July 1961<\/span><\/i>
\n<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

(Regarding a
\nmessage to the Physical Education Captains} We are very far from what you ask
\nof us, at least I am. It is an arduous task and will take time, a very long
\ntime, but what can be done at present? To change our consciousness and become
\nan \u00e9lite will take a great deal of time. At present, we are on the same level
\nas our students, so the immediate problem is not solved. How can we awaken
\ninterest in them for each thing and each day?\u00a0
\n<\/span><\/span><\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/span><\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

It is even more impossible than to change and become an \u00e9lite.
\nTherefore, the best thing is to start to work immediately. The rest is simply
\nan excuse that our laziness gives to itself. <\/span> <\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

15 July 1961<\/span><\/i> <\/span><\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 389<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n
\n

<\/span><\/b><\/div>\n

  \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span>We
\nspeak very often of the psychic and the soul, but I understand nothing about
\nthem. What are these two things and how can one experience them? <\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/span><\/p>\n

Sri Aurobindo has written a lot on this subject (in his letters)
\nand I too have explained everything in the book on Education<\/span>. One must read, study and above all practise<\/span> <\/span> <\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

4 October 1961<\/span><\/i> <\/span><\/i> <\/span><\/p>\n

 I want you to look attentively into yourself and try to
\nexplain to me what exactly it is that you enjoy in detective stories. <\/span> <\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

16 October 1961<\/span><\/i>
\n<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/span><\/p>\n

I read them as a relaxation. In detective stories (<\/span><\/i>especially Perry Mason), there is
\nalways a courtroom scene in which the lawyer Perry Mason seems certain to lose
\nhis case, his client is accused of murder, all the proofs are against him, but
\nthe master stroke of the lawyer Perry Mason changes the situation. Right
\nthrough the story there are mysteries and the trial is like the mental
\ngymnastics of a master gymnast. But each time, when I have finished the book, I
\nfeel that I have gained nothing, learnt nothing new, that it was a waste of
\ntime.<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/span><\/p>\n

It is not absolutely<\/span>
\nuseless. You have doubtless a great deal of\u00a0
\n<\/span>tamas<\/span> in your mind and
\nthe mental acrobatics of the author shake up this\u00a0 <\/span>tamas<\/i> a little and awaken the mind.
\nBut this cannot last long and soon you must turn to higher things.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n


\n\u00a0<\/span><\/i>16
\n October 1961<\/span><\/i><\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span>Sweet
\nMother,<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

I have noticed something which applies to all of us: it is that we
\ntake part in as many items as possible<\/span><\/i> <\/span><\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 390<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n
\n

<\/span><\/b><\/div>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span>in the 2nd
\nDecember programme.<\/span>\u00b9 <\/span>Is it not better to choose one or two items and give a very\u00a0 <\/span>good demonstration
\nin these rather than do several in a mediocre way? <\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/span><\/p>\n

Each one does according to his or her nature and if he (or she)
\nfollows courageously and sincerely the law of the nature, he or she acts
\naccording to truth. Thus it is impossible to judge and decide for others. One
\ncan know only for oneself, and even then one has to be very \u00a0<\/span>sincere<\/span><\/i> in order not to deceive
\noneself <\/sup><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

4 November 1961<\/span><\/i><\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/span><\/sup>Sweet Mother, <\/span><\/i><\/span><\/sup><\/p>\n

You have often told us that our activities must be an offering to
\nthe Divine. What does it mean exactly, and how to do it? For instance, when one
\nplays tennis or basketball, how does one do that as an offering? Mental
\nformations are not enough, naturally! <\/span><\/i><\/span><\/sup><\/p>\n

 <\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

It means that what you do should not be done with a personal,
\negoistic aim, for success, for glory, for gain, for material profit or out of
\nvanity, but as a service and an offering, in order to become more conscious of
\nthe divine will and to give oneself more entirely to it, until one has made
\nenough progress to know and feel<\/span>
\nthat it is the Divine who acts in you, His force that animates you and His will
\nthat supports you \u2013 not only a mental knowledge, but the sincerity of a state
\nof consciousness and the power of a living experience. <\/span><\/p>\n

For that to be possible, all egoistic motives and all egoistic
\nreactions must disappear. <\/span> <\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

20 November 1961<\/span><\/i> <\/span><\/p>\n

 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span>Sweet
\nMother, \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span><\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

We have had a discussion with friends
\nconcerning<\/span><\/i> <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/span><\/p>\n

\u00b9<\/font><\/span>The annual
\ndemonstration of physical culture<\/font><\/span>.<\/span><\/font> <\/span><\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 391<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n
\n

<\/span><\/b><\/div>\n

the problem and possible methods of physical education. The
\nfundamental problem is this: how to establish a programme which will please
\neveryone and which will be as effective as possible for all members in general?
\nAre tournaments necessary? Should we have no compulsion whatsoever? And if
\ncomplete freedom is given, will that be practical? etc.\u2026 It is a subject to
\nwhich it is not easy to find a solution which sufficiently satisfies everyone,
\nexcept when Mother Herself intervenes. <\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/span><\/p>\n

It is impossible. Each has his own taste and his own temperament.
\nOne can do nothing without discipline<\/span>
\n\u2013 the whole of life is a discipline. <\/span> <\/span><\/i><\/p>\n


\n\u00a0<\/span><\/i>20 September 1962<\/span><\/i><\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

In a discussion with a friend about our physical education
\nprogramme and the other innumerable activities we have here, he asked me: \u201cCan
\nyou give me a valid example of at least one person who takes part in so many \u00a0 <\/span>activities and maintains a fairly high
\nstandard \u2013 one single person in the whole world?\u201d<\/span><\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Do not forget \u2013 all of you who are here \u2013 that we want to realise
\nsomething which does not yet exist on the earth; so it is absurd to seek
\nelsewhere an example of what we want to do.  <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/span><\/p>\n

He told me this also: \u201cMother says that there is all freedom and
\nall facilities for those who are gifted for a particular subject and want to
\npursue it to the full. But where is this freedom to become, for instance, a
\ngreat musician, etc.?\u201d Sweet Mother, can you please say a few words on the subject
\nof this freedom? <\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/span><\/p>\n

The freedom of which I speak is the freedom to follow the soul’s<\/span> <\/span>\u00a0<\/span>will and not that of mental
\nand vital whims and fancies. <\/span><\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 392<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n
\n

<\/span><\/b><\/div>\n

The freedom of which I speak is an austere truth which tends to
\nsurmount all the weaknesses and desires of the lower, ignorant being. <\/span><\/p>\n

The freedom of which I speak is the freedom to consecrate oneself
\nentirely and without reserve to one’s highest, noblest and most divine
\naspiration. <\/span><\/p>\n

Who amongst you follows sincerely that path? It is easy to judge,
\nbut it is more difficult to understand and still much more difficult to
\nrealise. <\/span> <\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

November
\n1962 <\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Girls are always at a disadvantage: they cannot do what they want,
\nlike boys. <\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Why not? <\/span><\/p>\n

One has hundreds of proofs to the contrary. <\/span> <\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

31
\nMay 1963 <\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/span><\/p>\n

I have too much \u201cgrey matter\u201d in my head which prevents me from
\nthinking clearly and grasping new ideas quickly. How can I free myself from
\nthis? <\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/span><\/p>\n

By studying much, by reflecting much, by doing intellectual
\nexercises. For instance, enunciate a general idea clearly and then enunciate
\nthe opposite idea, and seek the synthesis of both these ideas, that is to say,
\nfind a third idea which harmonises the other two.\u00a0 <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n


\n\u00a0<\/span><\/i>25 June 1963<\/span><\/i> <\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

 Why do you read novels? It is a stupid occupation and a
\nwaste of time. It is certainly one of the reasons why your brain lacks clarity
\nand is still in a muddle. <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

27 June 1963<\/span><\/i> <\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 393<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n
\n

<\/span><\/b><\/div>\n

Sweet Mother, <\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

A few days ago I noticed something very
\ncurious in the children of group A2: the boys do not want to work with the
\ngirls; they do not even want to remain at their side or together with them. How
\ndid this idea of a difference come to these little children who are barely
\neleven years old! It is strange. <\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

It is atavistic and comes from the subconscient. <\/span><\/p>\n

This instinct is based both on masculine pride, the foolish idea
\nof superiority, and the still more foolish fear caused by the idea that a woman
\nis a dangerous being who entices you into sin. In children, all this is still
\nsubconscious, but it influences their actions. <\/span>
\n <\/font><\/span><\/i><\/p>\n


\n
\n\u00a0<\/font><\/span><\/i>3 July 1963<\/font><\/span><\/i> <\/span><\/font><\/i>
\n <\/span><\/font><\/p>\n

 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span>Sweet
\nMother, <\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

You have explained that this separation of
\ngirls and boys is atavistic, but it is still necessary to ask You what we, the
\ncaptains, should do. Personally, I think it is better to close one’s eyes to
\nit, but there are others who prefer to give advice or even to scold. I think
\nthat by closing one’s eyes to it, one minimises the importance of the problem
\nand so this idea of difference between girls and boys will be less striking.
\nWhat do you think? <\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/span><\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

One cannot make a general rule, everything depends on the case and
\nthe circumstances. Both methods contain good and bad elements, advantages and
\ndisadvantages. For the captains, the main thing is to have tact and sufficient
\ninner perception to intervene when necessary or to close one’s eyes when it is
\npreferable not to see. <\/span><\/p>\n


\n\u00a0<\/span><\/i>15 July 1963<\/span><\/i> <\/span><\/i>
\n <\/span><\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 394<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n
\n

<\/span><\/b><\/div>\n

Would it not be better to have a basic discipline here instead of
\nso much liberty from which we are not capable of profiting? <\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/span><\/p>\n

You say this, but you are one of those who revolt (at least in
\nthought) against the minimum discipline demanded when it is absolutely
\nindispensable, as in the physical education, for example. <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>21 July 1963<\/span><\/i>
\n<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/span><\/p>\n

Our teacher X gave us a talk in a serious and significant tone:
\n\u201cBe prepared to go through hard tests, we are on the eve of something very
\ndifficult and dangerous.<\/span><\/i>\u201d But he did not explain<\/i>. <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/span><\/p>\n

It is a pity he did not explain his thought, because I do not know
\nwhat he is referring to \u2013 probably he wanted to caution you against your
\nfrivolity, your thoughtlessness, your negligence and your carelessness. <\/span><\/p>\n

All you young people here have had a very easy life, and instead
\nof taking advantage of it to concentrate your efforts on spiritual progress,
\nyou have amused yourselves as much as you could, without creating too much
\nscandal, and So your vigilance has been lulled. <\/span><\/p>\n

Doubtless X spoke like that in order to re-awaken it. <\/span> <\/span><\/i><\/p>\n


\n\u00a0<\/span><\/i>27 August 1963<\/span><\/i> <\/span><\/i> <\/span><\/p>\n

I am not properly prepared for the performance of the 1st
\nDecember, and, moreover, I do not feel at all enthusiastic<\/span><\/i>. <\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/span><\/p>\n

When one has decided and accepted to do something, it must be done
\nas well as one can. <\/span><\/p>\n

Everything can be an occasion to progress in consciousness<\/span>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n

\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span>Page
\n\u2013 395<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n
\n

<\/span><\/b><\/div>\n

\u00a0<\/span>and
\nself-mastery. And this striving to progress immediately renders the thing, no
\nmatter what it is, interesting. <\/span> <\/span><\/i><\/p>\n


\n\u00a0<\/span><\/i>26 September 1963<\/span><\/i> <\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/span><\/p>\n

Sri Aurobindo writes in one of his Aphorisms: \u201cThose who are
\ndeficient in the free, full and intelligent observation of a self-imposed law,
\nmust be placed in subjection to the will of others.\u201d1 <\/sup>I Mother, I am
\none of those. Will You take me and discipline me? <\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/span><\/p>\n

My child, it is exactly what I have been trying to do for quite a
\nlong time, especially since I have been receiving your notebook and correcting
\nit. <\/span><\/p>\n

It is with that disciplinary aim that I asked you to write one
\nsingle sentence each day \u2013 it need not have been long, but it ought to have
\nbeen without mistakes \u2013 <\/span>alas! <\/span><\/p>\n

Up to now, I have never succeeded your sentences are often long
\nand ambiguous, others are short \u2013 but all contain mistakes and often, very often,
\nthe same mistakes<\/span> of gender,
\nagreement and conjugation that I have corrected numerous times.\u00a0 <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

One would think that even if you re-read your notebook when I send
\nit back to you, you do not study it and do not try to profit by it to make
\nprogress. <\/span><\/p>\n

To discipline one’s life is not easy, even for those who are
\nstrong, severe with themselves, courageous and enduring. <\/span><\/p>\n

But before trying to discipline one’s
\nwhole life, one must at least try to discipline one<\/span> activity, and persist until one succeeds. <\/span> <\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

13 October 1963<\/span><\/i> <\/span><\/p>\n

It seems that a list of books (English classics) was sent to you
\nfor Your approval, but that You wish only the <\/span><\/i> <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/span><\/p>\n


\n\u00b9<\/font><\/span>
\nCent. Vol. 17, p. 99.<\/font><\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 396<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n
\n

<\/span><\/b><\/div>\n

works of the Mother and Sri Aurobindo to be read. You have even
\nremarked that to read these old classics is <\/span>to
\nlower the level of one’s consciousness. <\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>Mother,
\nis it only for those who are practising yoga that You advise this or is it for
\neverybody? <\/span><\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/span><\/i>First of all, what has been reported is not correct. Secondly, the
\nadvice is adapted to each case and cannot be generalised.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>12 November 1963<\/span><\/i> <\/span><\/i> <\/span><\/p>\n

  \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span>I am
\nvery irregular in my studies, I do not know what to do. <\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/span><\/p>\n

Shake off your \u201ctamas<\/i>\u201d a
\nlittle; otherwise you will become a blockhead!  <\/span><\/p>\n


\n\u00a0<\/span><\/i>27 December 1963<\/span><\/i> <\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/span><\/p>\n

One is often afraid of doing what is new; the body refuses to act
\nin a new way, like trying a new gymnastic figure or another way of diving. From
\nwhere does this fear come? How can one free oneself of it? And again, how can
\none encourage others to do the same? <\/span><\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/span><\/p>\n

The body is afraid of anything new because its very base is
\ninertia,\u00a0 <\/span>tamas<\/span>; it is the vital which brings the dominance of rajas<\/span> (activity).<\/i> That is why, generally, the intrusion of the vital in
\nthe form of ambition, emulation and egotism, obliges the body to shake off
\ntamas and make the necessary effort to progress. <\/span><\/p>\n

Naturally, those in whom the mind predominates can lecture their
\nbody and provide it with all the necessary reasons to enable it to overcome its
\nfear. <\/span><\/p>\n

The best way for everybody is self-giving to the Divine and
\nconfidence in His infinite Grace. <\/span> <\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>13 May 1964<\/span><\/i> <\/span><\/p>\n

\nPage – 397<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n
\n

<\/span><\/b><\/div>\n

While waiting to become ready for a
\nspiritual discipline, what should I do, apart from aspiring that the Mother may
\npull me out of the slumber and awaken my psychic consciousness? <\/span><\/i><\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

 <\/span><\/p>\n

To develop your intelligence read regularly and very attentively
\nthe teachings of Sri Aurobindo. To develop and master your vital, observe
\nattentively your movements and reactions with the will to overcome desires, and
\naspire to find your psychic being and unite yourself with it. Physically,
\ncontinue to do as you are doing, develop and control your body methodically,
\nmake yourself useful by working in the Playground and in the place you work,
\nand try to do it in as selfless a way as possible. <\/span><\/p>\n

If you are sincere and scrupulously honest, my help is certainly
\nwith you and one day you will become conscious of it. <\/span> <\/span><\/i><\/p>\n


\n\u00a0<\/span><\/i>22 July 1964<\/span><\/i> <\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/span><\/p>\n

There are times when I feel like abandoning all my activities \u2013
\nthe Playground, the band, studies, etc., and<\/span><\/i> devote
\nall my time to the work. But my logic does not accept this. From where does
\nthis idea come and why?<\/span><\/span><\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/span><\/p>\n

In this case your logic is right. In the outer nature there is
\noften a tamasic tendency to simplify the conditions of life in order to avoid
\nthe effort of organising more complicated circumstances. But when one desires
\nto progress in the integrality of the being, this simplification is not at all
\nadvisable. <\/span> <\/span><\/i><\/p>\n


\n\u00a0<\/span><\/i>19 August 1964<\/span><\/i> <\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/span><\/p>\n

Often, when I read Sri Aurobindo’s works or listen to His words, I
\nam wonderstruck: how can this eternal truth, this beauty of expression escape
\npeople? It is<\/span><\/i>
\n<\/span>
\n <\/span><\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 398<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n
\n

<\/span><\/b><\/div>\n

really strange that He is not yet
\nrecognised, at least as a supreme creator, a pure artist, a poet\u00a0 <\/span>par excellence! So I tell myself that my
\njudgments, my appreciations are influenced by my devotion for the Master – and
\neveryone is not devoted. I do not think this is true. But then why are hearts
\nnot yet enchanted by His words? <\/span><\/i><\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

 <\/span><\/p>\n

Who can understand Sri Aurobindo? He is as vast as the universe
\nand his teaching is infinite\u2026 <\/span><\/p>\n

The only way to come a little close to him is to love him
\nsincerely and give oneself unreservedly to his work. Thus, each one does his
\nbest and contributes as much as he can to that transformation of the world
\nwhich Sri Aurobindo has predicted.<\/span> <\/span><\/i><\/p>\n


\n\u00a0<\/span><\/i>2 December 1964<\/span><\/i> <\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Sri Aurobindo has said somewhere that if one surrenders to the
\nDivine Grace, it will do everything for us. Therefore, what value has tapasya? <\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/span><\/p>\n

If you want to know what Sri Aurobindo has said on a given
\nsubject, you must at least read all that he has written on that subject. You
\nwill then see that he has apparently said the most contradictory things. But
\nwhen one has read everything, and understood a little, one perceives that all
\nthe contradictions complement each other and are organised and unified into an
\nintegral synthesis. <\/span><\/p>\n

Here is another quotation from Sri Aurobindo which will show you
\nthat your question is based on ignorance. There are many others which you can
\nread with interest and which will make your intelligence more supple: <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf there is not a complete surrender, then it is not possible to
\nadopt the baby cat attitude; it becomes mere tamasic passivity calling itself
\nsurrender. If a complete surrender is not possible<\/span> <\/span>in
\nthe beginning, it follows that personal effort is necessary.\u201d <\/span> <\/span><\/i><\/p>\n


\n\u00a0<\/span><\/i>16 December 1964<\/span><\/i> <\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 399<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n
\n

<\/span><\/b><\/div>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/span>How to increase concentration (single-mindedness)
\nand will-force they are so necessary for doing anything. <\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/span><\/p>\n

Through regular, persevering, obstinate, unflagging exercise I
\nmean exercise of concentration and will. <\/span><\/p>\n

\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span>
\n
\n                                      <\/span>
\n\u00a0<\/span><\/font><\/i>7 April
\n 1965<\/font><\/span><\/i> <\/span>
\n<\/font> <\/i><\/p>\n

Are mental indifference and lack of curiosity a sort of mental
\ninertia? <\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/span><\/p>\n

Usually they are due to mental inertia, unless one has obtained
\ncalm and indifference through a very intense sadhana resulting in a perfect
\nequality for which the good and bad, the pleasant and unpleasant no longer
\nexist. But in that case, mental activity is replaced by an intuitive activity
\nof a much higher kind. <\/span> <\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>25 May 1966 <\/span><\/span><\/i> <\/span><\/p>\n

  \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span>How
\ncan one get out of this mental laziness and inertia? <\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/span><\/p>\n

By wanting to, with persistence and obstinacy. By doing daily a
\nmental exercise of reading, organisation and development. <\/span><\/p>\n

This must alternate in the course of the day with exercises of
\nmental silence in concentration. <\/span> <\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

1 June 1966<\/span><\/i> <\/span><\/i> <\/span><\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 400<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

VI   ANSWERS TO A MONITOR  \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Here our activities are so varied that it is difficult to stick to one thing and perfect it….<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[118],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4219","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-12-on-education-volume-12","wpcat-118-id"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4219","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4219"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4219\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4219"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4219"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4219"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}