Nirodbaran

Talks with Sri Aurobindo

Volume 1

10 December 1938 – 14 January 1941

29 August 1940

Purani spoke to Sri Aurobindo about a professor of psychology at Delhi College, who had promised Abhay to give his services to some national cause. Abhay now wants him at Gurukul, according to his promise. But the professor hesitates on many grounds. The main reason is that there is no freedom of expression there. So he is in difficulty over the decision.

Sri Aurobindo: Abhay is very keen on service.

Purani: Yes, and also on keeping to one’s promise. He couldn’t forgive Govindbhai’s coming here, only because Govindbhai had given his promise that he would serve under Gandhi.

Sri Aurobindo: Suppose I promise to go to Calcutta in six months. If it turns out disadvantageous, must I still go because of my promise? He should take some training under Meher Baba. (Laughter) What would he say to Meher Baba’s bringing people all the way to India from England to take them to China and then changing the plan and turning them back? But such things are nearer to spirituality than these fixed ideas, because one is not bound to anything.

Purani: This professor, knowing some psychology, tries to give psychological treatment by suggestions. But he is not sure if he is doing right or doing harm.

Sri Aurobindo: All depends on the suggestions.

Purani: Those usual things about suppression.

Sri Aurobindo: But it is not always true that what is suppressed rushes up some time later. One has to consider the contrary thing also, that indulging them may become a habit. Just as suppressed actions may rise up later, so too by indulgence one doesn’t become free of them.