Sri Aurobindo
Letters on Himself and the Ashram
The Complete Works of Sri Aurobindo. Volume 35
Human Relations and the Ashram
Helping Other Sadhaks [4]
It is indeed not possible for one human being to do
another’s sadhana for him, that each must do himself. The help that can be given
is to lead or impel him by influence, example, speech, encouragement towards the
point where he can directly open to the Divine, also to impart to him strength,
comfort, right suggestion in his moments of difficulty and weakness. You had
very serious difficulties at the time and therefore we entrusted X with
this work and he did all he could to carry it out and in fact his help was
effective. For he stood successfully against the forces that tried to carry you
away from here and brought you through to the point at which you could feel the
direct inner 
contact. This was what we meant by
bringing you to the Mother. If in doing it human weakness brought in a personal
attachment between you which had its vital element, it was without his or your
intending it. Now you are free from this element and wish to be entirely turned
within to the Mother alone, and that is quite right. For X who behind an
exterior of curt speech and strong dominating will has a heart of strong
feelings and warm emotions, it may take a little more time to be entirely free
of this element. We shall try to liberate him from what is left of it as soon as
possible. Meanwhile what you have to do is to be his comrade in work, but
reserve yourself within entirely for the Mother. If you keep to this attitude,
as you have resolved, then it is bound to have its effect and he must before
long come himself entirely to the same attitude.
What you say of sadhana is true. Sadhana is necessary
and the Divine Force cannot do things in the void but must lead each one
according to his nature to the point at which he can feel the Mother working
within and doing all for him. Till then the sadhak’s aspiration,
self-consecration, assent and support to the Mother’s workings, his rejection of
all that comes in the way is very necessary — indispensable.
25 September 1936