Chapter 4August 22, 1968

(Satprem has not seen Mother since August 10. According to the doctor, her heart is weak, she does not eat anymore and can no longer remain standing. Yet she appeared for five minutes at the balcony for the darshan of August 15, but P., Mother’s bodyguard, and V., her attendant, were behind and beside her, ready to support her. She looked so pale in her silver cloak. This morning, August 22, she has sent Satprem a note and soup packets, remembering even his material needs. Her handwriting is

quite changed.)

Here are some soups, you must not have any left. This time, it is TRULY interesting – but a bit total and radical. How far, far away we are from the goal.... I will try to remember.

With you always.

Signed: Mother (Mother receives Satprem and Sujata in her new, low armchair made of rosewood, which will remain

till the end. She no longer gets up to fetch flowers for them.)

Come here, I am more deaf than ever! How are you?

It’s been a long time without seeing you!

It was interesting, mon petit. I’ve kept all these notes, we’ll see them. It’s not over. It’s not over and I don’t know when it will be. But anyway, I’ll be able to see you again in the morning. First, you must be famished!

No, not at all!

(Mother gives Satprem soup packets)

Do you have news?