Flame of Love

Preface

I present this compilation of sweet memories of Motiba (Champaklal's aunt) and Bansidhar (Champaklal's younger brother) who came to Sri Aurobindo Ashram in its early days when the Ashram had few inmates — sixty to seventy. Those were days of intense sadhana, as Sri Aurobindo and the Mother were bringing down the Supreme Truth, Light, Harmony, Peace and love into the earth-consciousness. Given the privilege of living in close proximity with them, the Divine in human form, the sadhaks and sadhikas were single-mindedly concentrated on their sadhana. They were silent servitors and one in their aim to surrender to the Lord Sri Aurobindo and the Mother with full faith. With a burning flame of love in their heart they came — to serve, to love, to realise the Divine.

For me, for my family, for my friends and many others, Champaklal, Kamalaben, Motiba and Bansidhar were like loving guardians. They were unique in their own way. This is my humble effort to express my heart-felt gratitude to them. This compilation is not biographical. It is a brief account of a few events in their lives which exemplify their simplicity, sincerity, surrender and unswerving fidelity to the Divine. Those who came into contact with them learned many things from their way of living.

I admire Motiba for her simplicity, receptivity and love for all, qualities which were inborn in her. The Mother has said: "Simplicity is of all things the best to express harmony."

Praful, an inmate staying in the Ashram building, recounted to me a significant incident about Motiba which occurred a few days before her passing away: It involved Kamalini, who looked after both Motiba and Bansidhar for the last ten years of their lives. "One day at midnight," Praful said, "Kamalini came running to tell me about something unusual happening to Motiba. I went there and what did I see? She was engrossed in loudly singing Sri Krishna's bhajans, and it went on until two o'clock! I was taken aback and wondered what force could make her sing like this at the age of one hundred and eleven. No doubt, it was the Mother's Shakti working in her. Because she was receptive to the Mother's Force, she could receive so much."

I had the interview with Motiba in 1995, when she was completing a hundred years. It is re-edited and included in this booklet.

I came in contact with Bansidhar when I was working with Champaklal. My first impression of him was that of a spontaneous, straightforward, fearless and loving man. He could not tolerate injustice so he stood up and fought against it. I found him beside Champaklal like a Lakshman beside Rama, always ready to help. I quote here from Champaklal Speaks: "Speaking of the French Revolution, the Mother said: Pujalal was there. But I did not know that Bansidhar also was there, helping me. Strange!"*

Sunandaben told me of an incident which took place in her presence: "Once a young lady came to Bansidhar. He was at his table writing out passes for darshan in Sri Aurobindo's room. This lady approached him and almost in tears said, 'I can't take it, I can't bear it any more. I don't want to live. I just want to die.' Bansidhar simply looked at her and after a few moments of silence said, 'Do you really want to die? Give up this life?'

'Yes,' she almost wailed.

* Champaklal Speaks, Third edition, p. 216.

'Then go out, down the steps, leave the building, turn to your left and start walking. You will come to the wall, a small one. You can climb over it. Just jump into the sea.' "

Bansidhar did not like to speak or write about himself. After a lot of insistence he wrote one article, "My Early Golden Days", which was published in The Advent in February 1994. I have included it in this book.

I am happy that Asha, Nayana and Sunandaben cooperated with me willingly by sharing their reminiscences.

I express my sincere appreciation of the dedicated team of Ashram doctors, our Yogi Dr. Datta, Dr. Salila, Dr. Gayatri Vishvabandhu and their staff, who were ever ready to serve Motiba and Bansidhar whenever needed; to Albertbhai, a Trustee of Sri Aurobindo Ashram, and Ashokbhai, who were associated with them from the early days and were always helpful to them; and to Janardan, Vidyutlata, Shyama, Mukundbhai, Chandidas and others, who served them silently. Kamalini was chosen by the Divine to serve Motiba and Bansidhar; she considered herself fortunate, for she said, "It was by serving them that I became conscious of the Mother's way of working. I cannot forget their touch and the love they showered on me."

My sincere thanks to Apurva, Bob, Ganpatibhai and Sunjoy for their valuable help in this book. I also thank the Sri Aurobindo Ashram Trust, the Ashram Archives and the Ashram Press for their cooperation.

Six sadhikas of the Ashram, 1928

Vasudha, Dayaben, Laxmiben, Kamala, Motiba. Prasanna