01-Pre-contents-vol-05-the-spiritual-significance-of-flowers

Sincerity means more than mere honesty. It means that you mean what you say, feel  what you profess, are earnest in your will. As the sadhak aspires to be an instrument of the Divine and one with the Divine, sincerity in him means that he is really in earnest in his aspiration and refuses all other will or impulse except the Divine’s.

SRI AUROBINDO

True sincerity consists in following the way because you cannot do otherwise, in  consecrating yourself to the divine life because you cannot do otherwise, in striving to transform your being and emerge into the Light because you cannot do otherwise, because it is the very reason for which you live.

THE MOTHER

291 Emotional sincerity

292 Sincerity in the vital

A sincere heart is worth all the extraordinary powers in the world.

SRI AUROBINDO

Sincerity is the key to the divine doors.

 THE MOTHER

290 Simple sincerity

The beginning of all progress.

Aster amellus. White

291 Emotional sincerity

Does not try to falsify the emotions.

Aster amellus. Lavender pink

292 Sincerity in the vital

The sure way to realisation. Aster amellus. Lavender blue

294 Psychic transparency

293 Transparency

Can only come as a result of perfect sincerity. Callistephus chinensis. Many colours

294 Psychic transparency

Manifests fully only when the psychic is perfectly developed.

Callistephus chinensis. Pink, semidouble

295 Supramentalised psychic activity

Luminous, manifold, balanced, it meets all needs. Callistephus chinensis. Pink, double

296 Transparency of the emotional vital

At once the condition and the result of the abolition of the ego.

Callistephus chinensis. Very light lavender, semidouble

297 Vital transparency

Indispensable for conversion. Callistephus chinensis. Deep mauve to violet, semidouble

298 Supramentalised vital transparency

One of the results of conversion. Callistephus chinensis. Violet, double

299 Transparency in the physical

The physical is preparing itself to be transformed. Callistephus chinensis. Red, semidouble

300 Integral transparency

It is the result of goodwill and perfect sincerity. Callistephus chinensis. White, double

301 Illumined transparency

An effect of the Divine Grace. Callistephus chinensis. White, semidouble

295 Supramentalised psychic activity

302 Purity

This is purity, to accept no other influence but only the influence of the Divine. THE MOTHER

One is truly perfectly pure only when the whole being, in all its elements and all its movements, adheres fully and exclusively to the Divine Will. That is total purity. It does not depend on any moral or social law, any mental convention of any kind. It depends exclusively on this: when all theelements and all the movements of the being adhere exclusively and totally to the Divine Will.

THE MOTHER

What I call purity, the true purity, is not all those things that morality teaches: it is non-ego. There must be nothing but Him. Him not only because we have given Him everything and consecrated ourselves totally to Him (that is not enough),  but Him because He has taken total possession of the human instrument.

THE MOTHER

303 Psychic purity

302 Purity

True purity has a lovely fragrance. Jasminum. White

303 Psychic purity

The condition natural to the psychic. Jasminum. White, semidouble

304 Integral purity

The whole being is purified of the ego. Jasminum sambac ‘Grand Duke ofTuscany’. White, double

305 Divine purity

305 Divine purity

It is happy just to be, in all simplicity. Hippobroma longiflora. White

306 Purity arising from perfect consecration

If one lives only for the Divine and by the Divine,

the result is perfect purity. Lilium candidum. Pearl white

307 Power of purity

Purity is the best of powers. Convallaria majalis. White

306 Purity arising from perfect consecration

307 Power of purity

313 Integral simplicity

 314 Beauty in collective simplicity

313 Integral simplicity

The simplicity that comes from perfect sincerity.

Vittadinia cuneata. White

314 Beauty in collective simplicity

Each element plays its part in the whole.

Ornithogalum umbellatum. White

As soon as all effort disappears from a manifestation, it becomes very simple, with the simplicity of a flower opening, manifesting its beauty and spreading its fragrance without clamour or vehement gesture. And in this simplicity lies the greatest power, the power which is least mixed and least gives rise to harmful reactions. Simplicity, simplicity! How sweet is the purity of Thy Presence!

THE MOTHER

Sri Aurobindo’s answer is always the same:  Be simple, be simple, very simple. And I know what he means: to deny entry to regulating, organising, prescriptive, judgmental thought — he wants none of all that. What he calls being simple is a joyful spontaneity; in action, in expression, in movement, in life, be simple, be simple, be simple. A joyful spontaneity.

 THE MOTHER

315 Humility

315 Humility

Adorable in its simplicity.

Agrostis nebulosa. Pale greenish white

316 Modesty

316 Modesty

Is satisfied with its charm and does not attract

attention.

Viola odorata. Deep violet

317 Correct self-estimation

Simple and modest, does not try to put itself forward.

Jasminum humile. Yellow  

HUMILITY

[Humility is] the recognition that one does not know,* that one knows nothing, and that there may be something beyond what presently appears to us as being truest, noblest, most disinterested. True humility consists in referring oneself constantly to the Lord, in placing everything before Him.  

the mother

317 Correct self-estimation

It is very simple: when you tell people, "Be humble", they immediately think of being humble before other men, and that humility is bad. True humility is humility before the Divine – that is, the precise, exact, living sense that one is nothing, can do nothing, under­stands nothing without the Divine, that even if one is an exceptionally intelligent and capable person, one is nothing in comparison with the Divine Consciousness. And one has to keep that always, because always one has the true attitude of receptivity, a humble receptivity which does not put personal pretension in the way of  the Divine.  

the mother

EQUANIMITY

The more a person is quiet in front of all occurrences, equal in all circumstances, and keeps a perfect mastery of himself and remains peaceful in the presence of whatever happens, the more he has progressed towards the goal.

THE MOTHER

Equanimity and peace in all conditions, in all parts of the being is the first foundation of the yogic status. Either Light (bringing with it knowledge) or Force (bringing strength and dynamism of many kinds) or Ananda (bringing love and joy of existence) can come next according to the trend of the nature. But peace is the first condition without which nothing else can be stable.

SRI AUROBINDO

318 Equanimity

Immutable peace and calm. Iberis. Several colours

318 Equanimity

PEACE

Peace was the very first thing that the yogis and seekers of old asked for and it was a quiet and silent mind – and that always brings peace -that they declared to be the best condition for realising the Divine.

SRI AUROBINDO

Peace is a deep quietude where no disturbance can come- a quietude with a sense of established security and release.

SRI AUROBINDO

Peace is a calm deepened into something that is very positive amounting almost to a tranquil waveless Ananda.

SRI AUROBINDO

319 Peace

To want what You want always and in  every circumstance is the only way to enjoy  an unshakable peace.

Curcuma zedoaria. Yellow

319 Peace

320 Joy of integral peace

Calm and tranquil, an unfailing smile.

Crinum. White with light pink

320 Joy of integral peace

SILENCE

Silence is the condition of the being when it listens to the Divine.

THE MOTHER

In silence lies the greatest receptivity. And in an immobile silence the vastest action is done. Let us learn to be silent so that the Lord may make use of us.

THE MOTHER

With words one can at times understand, but only in silence one knows.

THE MOTHER

321 Silence

The ideal condition for progress. Rich,  profound, multiple.

Passiflora incarnata Xcincinnata ‘Incense’.

Royal purple

321 Silence

This power of silence is a capacity and not an incapacity, a power and not a weakness. It is a profound and pregnant stillness. Only when the mind is thus entirely still, like clear, motionless and level water, in a perfect purity and peace of the whole being and the soul transcends thought, can the Self which exceeds and originates all activities and becomings, the Silence from which all words are born, the Absolute of which all relativities are partial reflections manifest itself in the pure essence of our being. In a complete silence only is the Silence heard; in a pure peace only is its Being revealed. Therefore to us the name of That is the Silence and the Peace.

SRI AUROBINDO

322 Integral silence

The source of true force.

Passiflora foetida. White

322 Integral silence

323 Expressive silence

Certain silences are revealing and more expressive than words.

Linaria maroccana. Several colours

323 Expressive silence

324 Gratitude

324 Gratitude

It is you who open all the closed doors and allow  the saving Grace to enter.

Ipomoea camea. White to pale pink

There is nothing that gives you a joy equal to that of gratitude. You hear a bird sing, you see a lovely flower, you look at a little child, observe an act of generosity, read a beautiful sentence, look at the setting sun, anything whatever: suddenly this comes upon you, this kind of emotion, so deep, so intense, that the world manifests the Divine that there is something behind the world which is the Divine.

THE MOTHER

And yet, of all movements, the one that perhaps gives the most joy—an unalloyed joy, untainted by egoism – is spontaneous gratitude. It is something very special. It isn’t love, it isn’t self-giving. It is a very full joy. Very full. It is a very special vibration unlike anything other than itself. It is something that widens you, that fills you, that is so fervent!  Of all the movements within the reach of human consciousness, it is certainly the one that draws you most out of your ego. . . .When you can enter this vibration in its purity, you realise immediately that it has the same quality as the vibration of Love: it is directionless. .. . Ultimately, gratitude is only a very slightly coloured shade of the essential vibration of Love.

THE MOTHER

325 Detailed gratitude

326 Mental gratitude

327 Integral gratitude

325 Detailed gratitude

The gratitude that awakens in us all the details of the Divine Grace. Merremia quinquefolia. White

326 Mental gratitude

The gratitude of the mind for what makes it progress.

Merremia. tuberosa. Golden yellow

327 Integral gratitude

The whole being offers itself to the Lord with absolute trust.

Operculina turpethum. White

328 Happy heart

328 Happy heart

Smiling, peaceful, radiant, without a shadow. Ravenia spectabilis. Bright rose pink

330 Mental cheerfulness

It knows how to enjoy everything.

Gaillardia pulchella. Yellow

HAPPY HEART

For your heart to remain happy keep it always filled with gratefulness. Gratefulness is the surest way to the Divine.

THE MOTHER

329 Cheerfulness

329 Cheerfulness

A joyful smile of Nature.

Gaillardia pulchella. Orange red

CHEERFULNESS

There is nothing spiritually wrong with being glad and cheerful, on the contrary it is the right thing.

SRI AUROBINDO

Cheerfulness is the salt of the sadhana. It is a thousand times better than gloominess.

SRI AUROBINDO

331 Optimism

331 Optimism

More helpful than its opposite.

Erysimum cheiri. Yellow to orange

332 Joy’s call

332 Joy’s call

It is modest and rarely makes itself heard.

Campanula medium. Blue

A hidden Bliss is at the root of things. A mute Delight regards Time’s countless works:  To house God’s joy in things Space gave wide room, To house God’s joy in self our souls were born. This universe an old enchantment guards;   Its objects are carved cups of World-Delight  Whose charmed wine is some deep soul’s rapture-drink: The All-Wonderful has packed heaven with his dreams, He has made blank ancient Space his marvel-house; He spilled his spirit into Matter’s signs:  His fires of grandeur burn in the great sun,  He glides through heaven shimmering in the moon;  He is beauty carolling in the fields of sound;  He chants the stanzas of the odes of Wind; He is silence watching in the stars at night; He wakes at dawn and calls from every bough, Lies stunned in the stone and dreams in flower and tree.

SRI AUROBINDO

333 Without grief

333 Without grief

The contemplation that leads you beyond suffering.

Saraca indica. Orange

334 Gentleness

334 Gentleness

Always gracious and loves to please.

Lathyrus odoratus. Several colours

335 Vital gentleness

(No comment)

Lathyrus odoratus. Mauve

336 Sweetness

Adds its smiling touch to life without making a fuss.

Momordica charantia. Light yellow

337 Goodwill

Modest in appearance, does not make a show but is

always ready to be useful.

Lobularia maritima. White

338 Courageous goodwill

Fears neither inclemency nor cold, is solid and resistant.

Ilex. White

339 Benevolence

Makes life fragrant without attracting attention.

Reseda odorata. Yellowish white or greenish yellow

340 Good temper

(No comment) L

inum grandiflorum. Bright crimson

336 Sweetness

337 Goodwill

339 Benevolence

338 Courageous goodwill

341 Balance

341 Balance

Each seeks his own balance in order to stabilise himself.

Begonia. Several colours

342 Perfect balance

One of the most important conditions of a growing peace.

Begonia. Several colours, medium

343 Psychic balance

Under the psychic influence all activity becomes balanced.

Begonia. Pink, small

344 Perfect psychic balance

On the way to transformation.

Begonia. Pink, medium

345 Mental balance

Mind governed by reason.

Begonia. Yellow, small

346 Perfect mental balance

Indispensable for facing the difficulties of life.

Begonia. Yellow, medium

347 Integral balance

It multiplies itself so as not to be static.

Begonia. White, small

348 Perfect integral balance

One is ready for transformation. ,

Begonia. White, medium

349 Balanced use of integral power

In truth, power can only become integral when it is used in a balanced way.

Sinningia speciosa. White  

343 Psychic balance

HARMONY

For all problems of existence are essentially problems of harmony. They arise from the perception of an unsolved discord and the instinct of an undiscovered agreement or unity. To rest content with an unsolved discord is possible for the practical and more animal part of man, but impossible for his fully awakened mind, and usually even his practical parts only escape from the general necessity either by shutting out the problem or by accepting a rough, utilitarian and unillumined compromise. For essentially, all Nature seeks a harmony, life and matter in their own sphere as much as mind in the arrangement of its perceptions.

SRI AUROBINDO

This manifestation of beauty and harmony is part of the Divine realisation upon earth, perhaps even its greatest part.

THE MOTHER

350 Harmony

Let us work for the day when this will become both the means and the end.

Antigonon. Several colours

351 Harmony in the vital

To harmonise the vital is a psychological masterpiece. Happy is he who accomplishes it.

Antigonon leptopus. Bright pink

352 Harmony in the material vital

No disputes, no quarrels – the sweetness of a life without clashes.

Antigonon leptopus. Deep pink

353 Integral harmony

Harmony between things, harmony between persons, harmony of circumstances and, above all, harmony of aspirations – all leading to the Supreme Truth.

Antigonon leptopus ‘Album’. White

350 Harmony

354 Collective harmony

CHARITY

Yes, there is a sublime charity, one which rises from a happy heart, from a serene soul. One who has won inner peace is a herald of deliver- ance wherever he goes, a bearer of hope and joy. Is not this what poor and suffering humanity needs above all things?

Yes, there are certain men whose thoughts are all love, who radiate love, and the mere presence of these individuals is a charity more active, more real than any other. Though they utter no word and make no gesture, yet the sick are relieved, the tormented are soothed, the ignorant are enlightened, the wicked are appeased, those who suffer are consoled. These individuals who, out of love, give themselves to all, who become the servants of all, are the living symbols of the supreme Charity.

THE MOTHER

354 Collective harmony

Collective harmony is the work undertaken by the Divine Consciousness; it alone has the power to realise it.

Hydrangea. Several colours

355 Conciliation

Likes smooth contacts.

Sesamum indicum. White

356 Charity

Simple and sweet, attentive to the needs of all. Commelina. Sky blue

I was holding one of these flowers [Integral generosity] in my hand when I saw Z, and I explained to him what I meant by it. The effect of the ego, I told him, is to shrivel the being. This is the cause of aging, it shrivels you up like a fading flower, it dries you up.I know that at one point I was talking about the difference between the two states, between the person, the individual personal being, turning towards the Lord, imploring Him to reveal His Will, and then this experience of becoming – by extending oneself, by opening, enlarging, merging into the creation — of becoming the Lord’s Will, the Supreme Will.

THE MOTHER

357 Generosity

Gives and gives itself without bargaining.

Impatiens balsamina. Several colours

359 Generosity in the vital

Gives itself unstintingly.

Impatiens balsamina. Rose purple

360 Perfect generosity in the vital

(No comment)

Impatiens balsamina. Rose purple, double

361 Psycho-physical generosity

Generosity of thought and act.

Impatiens balsamina. Pink and red

362 Generosity in the physical Loves abundance and loves to give it.

Impatiens balsamina. Red

363 Manifold generosity

All in Nature is spontaneously generous.

Impatiens balsamina. Bicoloured

358 Psychic generosity

358 Psychic generosity

Gives for the joy of giving.

Impatiens balsamina. Pink

364 Faithfulness

365 Incorruptible faithfulness

366 Peace of integral faithfulness

This is faithfulness, to admit and to manifest no other movements but only the movements prompted and guided by the Divine.

THE MOTHER

When I spoke of being faithful to the light of the soul and the divine Call, … I was simply affirming the great need in all crises and attacks, — to refuse to listen to any suggestions, impulses, lures and to oppose to them all the call of the Truth, the imperative beckoning of the Light. In all doubt and depression, to say, "I belong to the Divine, I cannot fail"; to all suggestions of impurity and unfitness, to reply, "I am a child of Immortality  chosen by the Divine; I have but to be true to myself and to Him — the victory is sure; even if I fell, I would rise again"; to  all impulses to depart and serve some smaller ideal, to reply, "This is the greatest, this is the Truth that alone can satisfy the soul within me; I will endure through all tests and tribulations to the very end of the divine journey". This is what I mean by faithfulness to the Light and the Call.         

SRI AUROBINDO

364 Faithfulness

We can count on You; You never fail us when we need You.

Quisqualis indica. White, pink and red

365 Incorruptible faithfulness

Nothing can turn you from the duty you have chosen.

Carlina acaulis. White or reddish

366 Peace of integral faithfulness

Be faithful to the Divine and you will enjoy constant peace.

Portlandia grandiflora. White

367 Joy of integral faithfulness

That bond of love which makes all faithfulness so easy.

Portlandia grandiflora. White with pink

368 Belief

368 Belief

Simple and candid, does not question.

Clerodendrum. Cream white

369 Aspiration for the right attitude

369 Aspiration for the right attitude

Energetic, willing, determined.

Clerodendrum Xspeciosum. Red, green calyx

370 Aspiration for the right attitude

Energetic, willing, determined.

Clerodendrum thomsoniae. Red, white calyx

371 Right attitude

Simple and open, without complications.

Clerodendrum speciosissimum. Bright orange

To lead the Divine Life does not depend on any exterior activity or circumstances. Whatever you do from the highest work to the most ordinary, you can lead the Divine Life if you are in the true consciousness and the right attitude.

THE MOTHER

If, in the presence of circumstances that are about to take place, you can take the highest attitude possible – that is, if you put your consciousness in contact with the highest consciousness within reach, you can be absolutely sure that in that case it is the best that can happen to you. … I even go so far as to assert that in each one’s zone of immediate influence, the right attitude not only has the power to turn every circumstance to advantage but can change the very circumstance itself.

THE MOTHER

372 Right attitude established

There is a moment when the right attitude conies spontaneously and effortlessly. Clerodendrum splendens. Red orange   

372 Right attitude established

373 Enthusiasm

373 Enthusiasm

True enthusiasm is full of a peaceful endurance. Petunia Xhybrida. Many colours

374 Cheerful enthusiasm

The best way of facing life. Joy unites with enthusiasm in action.

Petunia Xhybrida. Many colours, double

375 Enthusiasm in Action

All actions are done with energy and ardour. Petunia Xhybrida. Bicoloured

376 Cheerful Enthusiasm in Action

Action will become joyfully enthusiastic when it is governed by the Supermind. Petunia Xhybrida. Bicoloured, double

377 Psychic enthusiasm

A state that only the Divine can awaken.

Petunia Xhybrida. Light pink

378 Cheerful psychic enthusiasm

An assurance of success in spite of obstacles. Petunia Xhybrida. Light pink, double

379 Enthusiasm in the higher vital

The vital being takes a lively interest in what it does.

Petunia Xhybrida. Pale lavender blue

380 Cheerful enthusiasm in the higher vital

The result of perfect surrender to the Divine. Petunia Xhybrida. Pale lavender blue, double

381 Vital enthusiasm

Care must be taken that it be in the  right direction.

Petunia Xhybrida. Pinkish mauve

382 Cheerful vital enthusiasm

Very precious if it persists in spite of difficulties. Petunia Xhybrida. Pinkish mauve, double

383 Enthusiasm in the most material Vital

Needed to face the difficulties of life successfully. Petunia Xhybrida. Deep purple

384 Cheerful enthusiasm in the most material vital

The most material vital will find its joy in enthusiastic action when it is governed by the Supermind. Petunia Xhybrida. Deep purple, double

385 Physical enthusiasm

The body takes a lively interest in life and action. Petunia Xhybrida. Red

386 Cheerful physical enthusiasm

The whole being lives only to serve the Divine. Petunia Xhybrida. Red, double

387 Integral enthusiasm

The whole being does whatever it does with ardour.

Petunia Xhybrida. White

388 Cheerful integral enthusiasm

To ardour is added the joy of doing things well. Petunia Xhybrida. White, double

376 Cheerful enthusiasm in action

389 Life energy

390 Purified dynamic life energy

389 Life energy

Powerful and manifold, meets all needs.

Dendranthema Xgrandiflorum. Many colours

390 Purified dynamic life energy

Superb, indomitable, all-powerful in its purity.

Dendranthema Xgrandiflorum. White

391 Supramentalised life energy

Manifold and supple, it has an immortal resistance.

Dendranthema Xgrandiflorum. Orange yellow

392 Life energy in the vital

Supple and resistant, it is tireless.

Dendranthema Xgrandiflorum. Light mauve

393 Life energy in the material

(No comment)

Dendranthema Xgrandiflorum. Golden red

394 Specialised detailed energy

Nothing is too small to merit its attention.

Chrysanthemum. Several colours

394 Specialised detailed energy

Life energy], life-force is not physical in itself; it is not material energy, but rather a different principle supporting Matter and involved in it. It supports and occupies all forms and without it no physical form could have come into being or could remain in being. It acts in all material forces such as electricity and is nearest to self-manifestation in those that are nearest to pure force; no material force could exist or act without it, for from it they derive their energy and movement and they are its vehicles.

SRI AUROBINDO

The true Life-Force too reveals itself as no longer this troubled harassed divided striving surface energy, but a great and radiant Divine Power, full of peace and strength and bliss, a wide-wayed Angel of life with its wings of Might unfolding the universe.

SRI AUROBINDO

395 Organised material energy

Clustered, compact and methodical, it is powerful through its organisation.

Schefflera actinophylla. Dull red

396 Energy turned towards the Divine

The power of realisation offers itself in service to the Divine.

Lawsonia inermis. Cream yellow or red

 395 Organised material energy

396 Energy turned towards the Divine

399 Energy of a plastic mind

400 Physical plasticity

397 Plasticity

Always ready for the necessary progress.

Tagetes. Several colours

398 Mental plasticity

Indispensable for true knowledge.

Tagetes erecta. Yellow

399 Energy of a plastic mind

Does not draw back from any effort to progress.

Tagetes erecta ‘Spun Yellow’. Bright yellow

400 Physical plasticity

One of the important conditions for transformation.

Tagetes erecta. Yellow or orange with maroon

401 Detailed plasticity

The plasticity needed to constantly progress.

Tagetes patula. Several colours

401 Detailed plasticity

That which can easily change its form is "plastic". Figuratively, it is suppleness, the capacity to adapt to circumstances or necessities. When I ask you to be plastic in relation to the Divine, I mean not to resist the Divine with the rigidity of preconceived ideas and fixed principles.

THE MOTHER

The physical being and physical consciousness must be very plastic to be able to lend themselves to all the necessary changes, so as to be one way one day, another way the next, and so on.

THE MOTHER

Supramental plasticity is an attribute of finally transformed Matter. The supramental body which has to be brought into being here has four main attributes: lightness, adaptability, plasticity and luminosity. . . . Supramental plasticity will enable it to stand the attack of every hostile force which strives to pierce it: it will present no dull resistance to the attack but will be, on the contrary, so pliant as to nullify the force by giving way to it to pass off. Thus it will suffer no harmful consequences and the most deadly attacks will leave it unscathed.

THE MOTHER

402 Supramentalised plasticity

402 Supramentalised plasticity

One of the stages on the way to transformation. Tagetes erecta. Orange to orange yellow

True courage, in its deepest sense, is to be able to face everything, everything in life, from the smallest things to the greatest, from material things to things of the spirit, without a shudder, without physically . . . without the heart beginning to beat faster, without the nerves trembling, without the slightest emotion in any  part of the being. Face everything with a constant awareness of the Divine Presence, a total self giving to the Divine, and the whole being unified in this will; then you can go forward in life and  face anything whatever.

THE MOTHER

403 Courage  Bold, it faces all dangers,  Calotropis gigantea. Mauve

404 Integral courage

"Whatever the domain, whatever the danger, the attitude remains the same – calm and assured. Calotropis gigantea. White

405 Vital courage

Must be controlled to be beneficial.

Solanum melongena. Purple

403 Courage

405 Vital courage

406 Bravery

406 Bravery

Fears nothing and knows how to stand up against

adversaries.

Amaranthus tricolor ‘Molten Fire’. Deep mauve

407 Fearlessness in action

408 Fearlessness

409 Fearlessness in the vital

Pear is an impurity, one of the greatest impurities, one of those which come most directly from the anti-divine forces which want to destroy the divine action on earth; and the first duty of those who really want to do yoga is to eliminate from their consciousness, with all the might, all the sincerity, all the endurance they are capable of, even the shadow of fear. 

THE MOTHER

407 Fearlessness in action

Manifold, unfettered and fearless.

Amaranthus caudatus. Dull magenta

408 Fearlessness

Without fear or hesitation, it will obey the Divine’s command.

Solanum torvum. White

409 Fearlessness in the vital

Goes straight to its goal and fears no inclemency. Solanum melongena. Light lavender and white

410  Heroic action

410 Heroic action

Fights for the true and the beautiful without fear of obstacles or opposition.

Arrhostoxylum costatum. Bright red

412 Spontaneous boldness

One of the results of perfect trust in the Divine.

Celosia argentea. Green

413 Mental boldness

May our mind be capable of foreseeing the  perfections of tomorrow. Celosia argentea. Yellow

414 Vital boldness

Should submit to reason.

Celosia argentea. Dark red

415 Physical boldness

Nothing seems impossible in its consecration  to the Divine. Celosia argentea. Red

Vigilance means to be awake, to be on guard, to be sincere – never to be taken by surprise. When you want to do sadhana, at every moment of your life there is a choice between taking a step that leads to the goal and falling asleep or sometimes even going backwards, telling yourself, "Oh, later on, not immediately" — sitting down on the way.

THE MOTHER

BOLDNESS

411 Boldness

411 Boldness

Do fearlessly what has to be done, dreading  no difficulty.

Celosia argentea. Many colours

416 Vigilance

419 Sentry

416 Vigilance

Indispensable for all true progress.

Pentapetes phoeniceae. Red orange

417 Perfect vigilance

Nothing is neglected in its observation.

Magnolia grandiflora. Ivory white

418 The guardian

Vigilant and thorny, it knows how to protect  what it guards.

Acanthus ilicifoliw. Deep blue

419 Sentry

Ever awake.

Clematis. White

417 Perfect vigilance

422 Straightforwardness

Truth is the door of the spirit’s Ananda, its beatific nature.

SRI AUROBINDO

The Truth is not a dogma one can learn once and for all and impose as a rule. The Truth is infinite like the Supreme Lord, and it manifests at every moment to those who are sincere and attentive.

THE MOTHER

We shall perceive that the truth we seek is made up of four major aspects: Love, Knowledge, Power and Beauty. These four attributes of the Truth will express themselves spontaneously in our being. The psychic will be the vehicle of true and pure love, the mind will be the vehicle of infallible knowledge, the vital will manifest an invincible power and strength, and the body will be the expression of a perfect beauty and harmony. 

THE MOTHER

ABSOLUTE TRUTHFULNESS

420 Effort towards the Truth

Should exist in all men of goodwill.

Dillenia suffruiticosa. Lemon yellow

421 Absolute truthfulness

Must govern one’s life if one wants to be close to the Divine.

Solandra maxima. Cream to light yellow

422 Straightforwardness

Shows itself as it is, without compromising.

Ixora pavetta. Off-white

423 Frankness

Says frankly what it has to say without caring for the result.

Gerbera jamesonii. Several colours

423 Frankness

424 Never tell a lie

STRAIGHTFORWARDNESS

Those who are not straightforward cannot profit by the Mother’s help, for they themselves turn it away. Unless they change, they cannot hope for the descent of the supramental Light and Truth into the lower vital and physical nature; they remain stuck in their own self-created mud and cannot progress.

SRI AUROBINDO

NEVER TELL A LIE

It is never good to tell a lie, but here its results can only be disastrous, for falsehood is the very symbol of that which wants to oppose the divine work of Truth.

 THE MOTHER

To speak always the truth is the highest tide of nobility.

THE MOTHER

424 Never tell a lie

Absolute condition for safety on the path. Pereskia. Pink

425 Spiritual speech

All-powerful in its simplicity.

Asparagus densiflorus ‘Sprengeri’. White

425 Spiritual speech

426 Power of expression

426 Power of expression

It is the power to manifest that which is latent. Antirrhinum majus. Many colours

433 Progressive expression

427 Power of psychic expression

The psychic gets its power of expression when it governs the whole being.

Antirrhinum majus. Pink

428 Power of mental expression

Has value only when it is at the service of  the Divine.

Antirrhinum majus. Yellow

429 Power of vital expression

Is useful only when the vital is converted.

Antirrhinum majus. Purple to violet

430 Power of physical expression

One of the benefits of conversion.

Antirrhinum majus. Red

431 Power of integral expression

Nothing is too difficult for it to say.

Antirrhinum majus. White with yellow

432 Power of manifold expression

The result of suppleness and plasticity.

Antirrhinum majus. Multicoloured

433 Progressive expression

What you cannot say today, you will know how to say tomorrow.

Antirrhinum majus. Many colours

The power of expression comes by getting in touch with the inner source from which these things come.

THE MOTHER

For a certain state of consciousness there is not a word, not a gesture, not an action which does not express a deeper or higher reality, more lasting, more essential, more true; and once one has seen and felt this, everything takes on a meaning, and one sees more clearly how things ought to be organised, arranged so that a deeper truth may be expressed even better than it is at present.

THE MOTHER

The truest expression comes out of an absolute inner silence.

SRI AUROBINDO

434 Abundant expression

Has much to say and says it fully.

Celosia argentea. Golden yellow

435 Joyful expression

It enjoys itself and gives enjoyment to others.

Celosia argentea. Golden orange

436 Eloquence

We know how to express ourselves in a convincing way.

Alpinia zerumbet. White

437 To know how to say what is needed

Neither too many words nor too few — just what is needed.

Alpinia galanga. White

438 No quarrels

All quarrels proceed from egoism which pushes its own opinion and affirms its own importance, considering that it is right and everybody else wrong and thus creates anger and sense of injury etc. These things must not be indulged, but rejected at once.

SRI AUROBINDO

As for ill-will, jealousy, quarrels and reproaches, one must sincerely be above all that and reply with a benevolent smile to the bitterest words; and unless one is absolutely sure of oneself and one’s reactions, it would be better, as a general rule, to keep silent.

THE MOTHER

To be above offence or insult makes one truly great.

THE MOTHER

438 No quarrels

A very important condition to fulfil in order to facilitate the advent of the Supermind. Gloriosa superba. Greenish yellow

439 Boastfulness

One of the greatest obstacles to progress. A stupidity  one must carefully avoid if one aspires for true  progress.

Parkia pedunculata. Brown

439 Boastfulness

440 Gossip

The Mother’s warning to you against the undesirability of too much talk, loose chat and gossip, social self-dispersion was entirely meant and stands; when you indulge in these things, you throw yourself out into a very small and ignorant consciousness in which your vital defects get free play and this is likely to bring you out of what you have developed in your inner consciousness.

SRI AUROBINDO

I myself have had the experience that one can be fully concentrated and be in union with the Divine even while working physically with one’s hands; but naturally this asks for a little practice, and for this the most important thing to avoid is useless talking. It is not work but useless talking that takes us away from the Divine.

THE MOTHER

440 Gossip

Dark and pointed, this is a flower that wounds more than it charms.

Typhonium blumei. Deep maroon

441 Sharp tongue

Unfortunately too frequent. Aphelandra tetragona. Orange

441 Sharp tongue

442 To know how to listen

CARE

Always do what you do with care. 

THE MOTHER

Any work done with care becomes interesting. 

THE MOTHER

The Divine is in things also and that is why they must be treated with care.

THE MOTHER

Yes, and we must take care of [material things], not because we are attracted to them, but because they too manifest something of the Divine Consciousness.

THE MOTHER

442 To know how to listen

To be attentive and silent. Podranea ricasoliana. Light pink to lavender pink

443 Observation

Likes to prolong its attention in order to  see better.

Senecio. Yellow green

444 Care

To be careful in what one does.

Chlorophytum comosum ‘Vittatum’. White

There is only one thing to do: to proceed on one’s way keeping one’s own faith and certitude, and not bother about contradictions and denials. There are people who need the support and trust and certitude of others to feel comfortable and to be at ease; they are always unhappy because, of course, they will always come across people who do not believe, and so they will be upset and it will trouble them. One must find one’s own certitude within oneself, keep it in spite of everything and go one’s way whatever the cost, to the very end. The victory is for the most enduring. To maintain one’s endurance in spite of all opposition, the support must be unshakable, and one support alone is unshakable, that of the Reality, the Supreme Truth.

THE MOTHER

445 Prudence

Very useful for weakness since weakness needs prudence; strength does not need it.

Emilia sonchifolia. Scarlet

446 Enlightened prudence

Looks carefully before going forward.

Emilia sonchifolia ‘Lutea’. Golden yellow

447 Common sense

It is very practical and avoids many mistakes, but  it lacks flight.

Nicotiana alata. Several colours

448 Certitude

Assured and calm, it never argues.

Nicotiana plumbaginifolia. White

449 Unostentatious certitude

UNOSTENTATIOUS CERTITUDE

[Unostentatious certitude] is the complete negation of "bluff"* I find it very beautiful. When I saw this flower, it struck me as something very profound, very calm — and absolutely sure, something unmoving. I don’t know why, but the longer I looked at it, the more it gave me that impression and when I was asked its significance, I said, "Unostentatious certitude". It is what one might call a superlative good taste in spiritual experience, something that contains more than it expresses.

THE MOTHER

449 Unostentatious certitude

It does not attract attention or try to convince anyone.

Platycodon grandifloms. Lavender blue