Blessed are those

August Darshan of 1937 (Udar Pinto)

Extracts from the book 'Udar - One of Mother's Children'

Edited by Gauri Pinto

From 1934 to 1937, though I had been in Pondicherry (now called Puducherry), most of the time and had many friends in the Ashram, I had never entered the Ashram main building or felt like going for a 'Darshan'. I was just busy making money and having a good time. My friends in the Ashram were first Amal (K.D. Sethna), Purani, Ambu, Dr. Ramchandra and some others.

Mona and I were married in February 1937 and then we had several more friends in the Ashram. They suggested that we should go for Darshan and it was arranged for us to go on August 15^th, 1937. In those days those who went for Darshan had their names

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listed and the time for each person to be present was indicated on it. Our time was just before noon.

We dressed in our best clothes and went upstairs and were led into the Darshan room and then I received a shock, which I had not at all expected.

It was my first sight of Sri Aurobindo and the words that came into my head were, "I have seen majesty at last!" - This word, 'majesty', had attracted me, both for its sound and meaning, and I had often regretted not ever having seen it. I had seen majestic robes and crowns, but no majestic person. Here I saw - no wonderful robes or any crown - just a simple dhoti and chaddar, but such a wonderful figure of Majesty. I was also a bit awed. Then I looked at the Mother and saw there so much sweetness and love that I just went up to Her and put my head into Her lap. Mona did the same.

I may mention here that our entry was specially noted by Sri Aurobindo. I saw that when we entered He looked at the list and asked the Mother about us. She confirmed all this later. We were a fine-looking pair. The Mother even remarked to Datta that She did not know English girls could be so beautiful. She was referring to Mona, of course.

Then, after the Mother had blessed me and caressed my head in Her lap, I took up courage to put my head in His lap and felt His love and sweetness that went with His majesty. Then I put my head between Them and both blessed me together. Such a marvelous experience! I feel I must share the thrill of it with others so I write about it in so much detail.

Courtesy: Sri Aurobindo Udyog Trust, Puducherry

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... Now a life's weary quest shall be fulfilled, for on my brow his promise He has sealed. (lines from the poem 'Promise' by Nirodbaran.)

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