Outer Life
A Declaration
I want to mark this day by the expression of a long cherished wish; that of becoming an Indian citizen. From the first time I came to India—in 1914—I felt that India is my true country, the country of my soul and spirit. I had decided to realise this wish as soon as India would be free. But I had to wait still longer because of my heavy responsibilities for the Ashram here in Pondicherry. Now the time has come when I can declare myself.
But, in accordance with Sri Aurobindo’s ideal, my purpose is to show that truth lies in union rather than in division. To reject one nationality in order to obtain another is not an ideal solution. So I hope I shall be allowed to adopt a double nationality, that is to say, to remain French while I become an Indian.
I am French by birth and early education, I am Indian by choice and predilection. In my consciousness there is no antagonism between the two, on the contrary, they combine very well and complete one another. I know also that I can be of service to both equally, for my only aim in life is to give a concrete form to Sri Aurobindo’s great teaching and in his teaching he reveals that all the nations are essentially one and meant to express the Divine Unity upon earth through an organised and harmonious diversity.
15 August 1954
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Divine Mother,
The officer who is preparing the electoral rolls wants the name of the Mother included in the lists. If the Mother permits, I shall give the name.
Yes.
If they ask nationality, you put Indian.
12 April 1955
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Do not fill up the form for my book or books—I do not claim any rights of authorship—and I refuse to answer the question they ask.
It is true that this body was born in Paris and that its soul has declared that it is Indian, but I belong to no nation in particular. And as administrations cannot understand that, I refuse to deal with them.
14 February 1968
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The reminiscences will be short.
I came to India to meet Sri Aurobindo. I remained in India to live with Sri Aurobindo. When he left his body, I continued to live here in order to do his work which is, by serving the Truth and enlightening mankind, to hasten the rule of the Divine’s Love upon earth.
21 February 1968
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Do not ask questions about the details of the material existence of this body; they are in themselves of no interest and must not attract attention.
Throughout all this life, knowingly or unknowingly, I have been what the Lord wanted me to be, I have done what the Lord wanted me to do. That alone matters.
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46While looking at the Samadhi:
I do not want to be worshipped. I have come to work, not to be worshipped; let them worship Thee to their heart’s content and leave me, silent and hidden, to do my work undisturbed—and of all veils the body is the best.
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Let it be the last time something is publicly mentioned about my past life!—this body does not want to be spoken of—it wants to be quiet and, as far as possible, ignored.