Chapter 2May 5, 1971

while her left hand remains turned upward,

in midair, then her arm slowly

comes down to rest.)

I have some news from S. about the Russian translation [of “Supermanhood”]. The person who’s doing it has already translated the introduction and sent her text. S. says this, “In Russian it is very beautiful – enthralling. The very sound of the language conveys something that goes straight to your heart. And personally, in the little I’ve read, I have felt the particular flow of your style....”45 Oh, that’s good, that’s good.

I have great hope for the Russians.... I don’t know why.... They’ve had an experience and have realized the emptiness of it all.

(Mother goes within for a long time)

Nothing in particular?

There’s the problem of the English translation of the book.

A. didn’t tell me what he thought of it.

A. said that it doesn’t come through – what’s behind doesn’t come through. You’re forever asking yourself what it means.

Oh!

But then he says that all things considered, because they don’t understand what it means, people will be induced to come back to what they’ve read (!) and try to understand... the second time around they’ll understand and perhaps they’ll come in contact....

(Mother shakes her head)

It’s a very faithful translation literally, but what’s behind doesn’t come through.

(silence)

Do you want to have it read by an Indian?

And ask him if he understands?

(Sujata suggests a young

teacher in the School.

silence)

Yes, it has to be someone young.

Some people believed that what we put in the Bulletin last time was meant for the people of the Ashram. So I think we should put a note to say that’s not the case.

???

The passage where I say, “Humans are crusted over.”46

Yes.

Many people in the Ashram took it to mean themselves.

Well, maybe that’s not so wrong! I find I am myself rather crusted over.

(Mother laughs) But I don’t want to say unpleasant things!

It’s rather healthy sometimes, you know.

You think we should leave it, then?

Well, I think.... I don’t know.... It seems so obvious to me, you know. Is there anything perfectly malleable and transparent in us?

(Mother points to her body, laughing) This isn’t!

Well then, so let’s leave it.

I’ve finally understood that people don’t read things as they are. They read only what they have in their heads and in their desires.

Yes.

So those who want to understand wrong will understand wrong in any case.

I’ve just reached the same conclusion. So I said: I won’t say anything anymore.