Krishnalal Bhatt

Now that the big mural has been installed at Golconde, several persons come to me and praise it. But what most of them appreciate is the size of the picture and the many portraits in it. These points are so very superficial that, in a sense, it pains me. Hence I feel it proper to say something on how best to see the picture.

This painting depicts The Mother's vision which She had wanted to have done and placed at Golconde. It has not at all been done to show the portrait of this person or that person. The picture must be seen as a whole, from top to bottom and from side to side. The main thing, of course, is The Mother's figure. Look how large it is! Vast as Her Consciousness. Her head is touching the sky which is aglow with the New Light which Sri Aurobindo brought down on earth. She is seated in front of the sea which symbolises vastness. Her face is half veiled just as Her real and true personality was hidden from the ordinary sight and understanding. Some parts of Her body which are visible radiate an aura which is so subtle! Her hands are raised to bless all which is a fact so well known to all of us.

It is the presence of such a Supreme personality and Her Blessings that attract and draw humans from all parts of the world to Her. These people (some of whom seem to be known to us) represent some of those who were in Her personal service and were happy to offer to Her whatever they had.

Was it only the human beings who were attracted to Her? Look at the whole world of Nature, the birds, animals, plants, flowers. They are all turned towards Her; see their trust and faith in Her. Does one not feel a happy eagerness in them too? What is that vast sea doing? Have you marked the seat of The Mother? The roses and the tuberoses, what do they signify? There are the two plants and the two creepers at either end of the picture. Their significances are also known to us. They are in full bloom. Why?

If one understands all these things with one's heart one will not go on asking questions. But, on the other hand, one will be absorbed in the atmosphere of the New Light and of calm happiness. One will meditate rather than ask questions, unnecessary questions.

I have done this picture—it is my joy. But not because I have done a "Big painting", but because I have been able to fulfil a wish of The Mother, at least, to some extent because I feel that it is not done so well and is not as perfect as it should be and for this I am a bit sorry. The colours used are the acrylic paints which are very good for a painting like this but they were quite new to me so I had to adjust myself to them and to develop a new technique. The colours dry very fast, even more so in our studio which is very hot. At the beginning there was no big easel for this large painting and so I had to spread the separate boards on the floor and paint on them. Quite a new experience for me to work flat on the floor. But it was done somehow and now the picture is up at Golconde and The Mother's vision has been expressed and it is there for all to see.