(Mother gives Satprem, as every time, soup packets. Then she comments:)
There has been something like a small catastrophe! It is that in Africa all Indians are sent back, or their properties are confiscated, and it’s from Africa that we used to receive the cheese! (laughter) So we won’t have cheese anymore… but I still have this coming from Germany (Mother gives a tube).
There has been a bigger catastrophe in Pakistan.
What happened?
Well, there are maybe three hundred thousand dead.
What!
There was a cyclone followed by a tidal wave: a huge wave, more than fifteen feet high, which swept a whole area, and there are maybe three hundred thousand dead.
Bah! When did that happen?
Two or three days ago.
No one told me anything…. Was P. L. there?
No, no, Mother, in Pakistan, Eastern Bengal.
Oh, that I know. I heard “Vatican.”
No, no! That wouldn’t be so bad! [laughter]
In Pakistan, I know.
Are they near the sea?
Yes, on the Bay of Bengal.
(Mother remains absorbed for a very long time)
We are in full uncertainty. Established things are crumbling down—everywhere.
It’s clearly a moment of transition.
(silence)
So, is it chapter 11?
Yes, Mother, you have a good memory!
***
(Satprem reads the chapter entitled, “The Greater Self.”)
What has happened to you!… Mon petit, it’s… (Mother looks much moved). This is really tomorrow’s book. Is it over?
Yes, I have finished the book.
I’d like to see the last page!
(for a long time Mother remains with her two hands pressed on her face)
It’s something like a miracle.
It’s as if tomorrow had been called in advance!
(Mother shakes her head and takes Satprem’s hands)
Mon petit, it’s magnificent, magnificent! (Mother has tears in her eyes).
Oh, Mother, I have nothing to do with it, you know, nothing at all.
To know not to put obstacles on the way is something already.
(Satprem prepares to leave)
I feel like thanking you! (Mother has tears in her eyes)
Oh, Mother!
(Satprem lays his head on Mother’s knees)
***
November 14, 1970
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