Nirodbaran

Correspondence with Sri Aurobindo

Second Series

2. Art and Literature

Poetic Inspiration and Yoga

My hard labour and effort deprive me of  the joy of creation and discourage with a dread of the work. You say that this is because I am an “efforter” and “hower”. Well, show me then the Grand Trunk Road of non-effort.

There are two ways of arriving at the Grand Trunk Road. One is to climb and struggle and effortise (like the pilgrim who traverses India prostrating and measuring the way with his body: that is the way of effort). One day you suddenly find yourself on the G.T.R. when you least expect it. The other is to quiet the mind to such a point that a greater Mind of mind can speak through it. (I am not here talking of the Supramental. ) You will do neither. Your mind refuses to be quiet – your vital kicks at the necessity of effort. One too active, the other too lazy. How can I show you the G.T.R. when you refuse either way of reaching it?

I have resorted to prayer. Well, if a prayer means a call to the Above, why doesn't the Above have the kindness to respond, especially when it is just on the other side of my street? The Above being so close and concrete, I can't understand the lack of response.

But just answer! If it responded to everybody in all circumstances, there would by this time be 100 million poets writing away for all they were worth, let us say 1000 pages of poetry a day each and publishing them. Wouldn't it be a disaster? Wouldn't such kindness be a cruelty to all the rest of the creation?

29.03.1936