Act X, Scene 8
(1918. A.B. Purani’s first visit to Aurobindo. No. 41, Rue François Martin, the Arya Office.)AUROBINDO: How are you getting on with your Sadhana?
PURANI: It is difficult to concentrate on it so long as India is not free.12
AUROBINDO: Perhaps it may not be necessary to resort to revolutionary activity to free India.
PURANI (all surprise): But without that how is the British Government to go from India?
AUROBINDO: That is another question; but if India can be free without revolutionary activity, why should you execute the plan? It is better to concentrate on yoga — the spiritual practice… Suppose an assurance is given to you that India will be free?
PURANI (knowing full well that Aurobindo alone can assure him): Who can give such an assurance?
AUROBINDO: Suppose I give you the assurance?
PURANI: If you give the assurance, then I can accept it.
AUROBINDO: Then I give you the assurance that India will be free.
PURANI (apologetically): Are you quite sure that India will be free?
AUROBINDO: You can take it from me, it is as certain as the rising of the sun to-morrow. The decree has already gone forth…”
(Being fully convinced of India’s freedom Purani bows down to Aurobindo and takes leave of him.)
DB 87,3-12. Lines until the end of Act X, Scene 8 are taken from A. B. Purani’s Evening Talks.↩
