Sri Aurobindo - All Life Is Yoga - Significance of Birthdays

The Mother

“A grain of practice is worth a mountain of theories.”

“Lord, on this anniversary day of my birth, grant that the power to know changes in me into a power to transform myself integrally.” — A Birthday Message and Prayer given by the Mother to a Sadhak..

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Words of the Mother

You know, my child, what “Bonne Fete” signifies, that is, the birthday we wish here?

Like that, I know what it means, Mother, but not the special significance You want to tell me.

Yes, it is truly a special day in one’s life. It is one of those days in the year when the Supreme descends into us – or when we are face to face with the Eternal – one of those days when our soul comes in contact with the Eternal and, if we remain a little conscious, we can feel His Presence within us. If we make a little effort on this day, we accomplish the work of many lives as in a lightning flash. That is why I give so much importance to the birthday – because what one gains in one day is truly something incomparable. And it is for this that I also work to open the consciousness a little towards what is above so that one may come before the Eternal. My child, it is a very very special day, for it is the day of decision, the day one can unite with the Supreme Consciousness. For the Lord lifts us on this day to the highest region possible so that our soul which is a portion of that Eternal Flame, may be united and identified with its Origin.

This day is truly an opportunity in life. One is so open and so receptive that one can assimilate all that is given. 1 can do many things, that is why it is important.

It is one of those days when the Lord Himself opens the doors wide for us. lt is as though He were inviting us to rekindle more powerfully the flame of aspiration. lt is one of those days which He gives us. We too, by our personal effort, could attain to this, but it would be long, hard and not so easy. And this – this is a real chance in life – the day of the Grace.

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Words of the Mother

It is an occult phenomenon that occurs invariably, without our knowledge, on this particular day of the year. The soul leaves behind the body and journeys up and up till it merges into the Source in order to replenish itself and absorb from the Supreme Its Power, Light and Ananda and comes down charged for a whole year to pass. Then again and again ... it continues like this year after year.

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Words of the Mother

Sweet Mother, I would like to know the true meaning of birthdays, for it is an important day here.

From the viewpoint of the inner nature, the individual is more receptive on his birthday from year to year, and thus it is an opportune moment to help him to make some new progress each year.

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Words of the Mother

Sweet Mother, how should one spend ... one’s birthday?

In finding out the purpose of life.

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Words of the Mother

Today is my birthday. I want this day to be the beginning of a more spiritual life and therefore something has to be done. Please tell me what I must do.