Nirodbaran

Correspondence with Sri Aurobindo

Second Series

2. Art and Literature

Modes and Varieties of Poetic Creation

When J was asked to compose songs the other day, we found a sudden transformation. How was this brought about? And what did she do?

Opened the lyrical gift in her probably – began knocking for the spontaneous song in place of the mind-made article.

But, my dear sir, it often happens like that. I believe you were not here when X's poetry blossomed; but it was quite as sudden. Remember Tagore's description of him as the cripple who suddenly threw away his crutches and began to run and his astonishment at the miracle. N came out in much the same way, a sudden Brahmaputra of inspiration. The only peculiarity in J's case is the source she struck – the pure mystic source.

I refuse to believe she did it herself.

Of course she didn't, nor X nor N either. It is a way of speaking.

I would like to know how you have done it.

Well, if you think I knew how it's done! I hammer about till I hit the right spot. It hits quick sometimes, that's all. Note however that there was always in J something that wanted or claimed to belong  to another world. Perhaps by the pressure she got into contact with it.

23.08.1936