Sm009. Sri Aurobindo Ashram Poem by Rajaram Ramachandran

THE MOTHER OF PONDICHERRY

In 1926, Mother founded the Ashram
In the Divine Sri Aurobindo's name,
But he withdrew from his works by then
And to observe perfect silence, he began.

It was Mother's intention to have a place,
Where one could seek the Divine grace,
Without searching for food and shelter,
That gave birth to this Ashram Centre.

She said once, "Those who are with me,
Life after life, continue to live with me,
While on the earth, a micro-unit of Universe,
This Ashram, as the future world, remains."

She viewed that every life was spiritual,
And so laid in her daily work schedule,
That at 3 AM all devotees should rise
To start their allotted routine duties.

At 06.15 AM she gave her blessings,
From the balcony to all the devotees,
Who received her forenoon blessings,
And they saluted her in the evening drills.

She created 53 departments in all,
To manage each one very well,
And in her daily close supervision,
They all worked there in perfection.

In Ashram one can easily get,
Peace, silence, joy, and delight,
That is the specialty attached to it,
Whenever he or she comes to visit.

Young or old found good relief,
From each one's material life,
When trained in the spiritual path,
Before leaving this mother earth.

One feels this sudden elevation,
By the spirit that shines therein,
As a gift from Mother to each one,
Who surrenders before the Divine.

After Sri Aurobindo passing away,
And her retirement she didn't give way
To those who came to join the Ashram,
To avoid more difficulties found at that time.