Chapter 6February 21, 1967

Yet she wouldn't pass an examination.

(Message for Mother's eighty-ninth birthday)

When darkness deepens strangling the earth's breast And man's corporeal mind is the only lamp, As a thief's in the night shall be the covert tread Of one who steps unseen into his house. A voice ill-heard shall speak, the soul obey, A power into mind's inner chamber steal, A charm and sweetness open life's closed doors And beauty conquer the resisting world, The truth-light capture Nature by surprise, A stealth of God compel the heart to bliss And earth grow unexpectedly divine.

Sri Aurobindo

(Mother gives Satprem the text of an answer:)

"Why is the choice imperative?"