Sri Aurobindo

Letters of Sri Aurobindo

Volume 2. 1936

Letter ID: 1772

Sri Aurobindo — Nirodbaran Talukdar

November 10, 1936

D.H. Lawrence says that one can only write creative stuff when it comes, otherwise it is not much good. In his own experience some sort of an urge – his daemon – has seized him, and he has created. Writing is a kind of passion to him – like kissing!

All statements are subject to qualification. What Lawrence states is true in principle but in practice most poets have to sustain the inspiration by industry. Milton in his later days used to write every day fifty lines; Virgil nine which he corrected and recorrected till it was within halfway of what he wanted. In other words he used to write under any other conditions and pull at his inspiration till it came.

Perhaps the best creations are those which come by sudden inspiration, either in poetry or in prose.

Yes. Usually the best lines, passages etc. come like that.

How to make writing a passion? Is one born with it?

Usually. But sometimes it comes gradually.

With me it is neither a passion nor an urge! You’ve seen in my latest poems how my power of expression has deteriorated and resistance increased.

I think you have been rather influenced by so much study of J’s poems and are trying to follow a similar inspiration and it is not quite assimilated.

If I can make you believe that I am able to write stories after all, I shall ask you for some Force.

I don’t see why you should not be able to write.

I have been furiously thinking what is the use of blessed literature after all, if the nature remains just the same?

Good heavens! where did you get this idea that literature can transform people? Literary people are often the most impossible on the face of the earth.

Is literature ever going to transform the nature?

I don’t suppose so. Never did it yet.

I have neither the strong will nor the sustained effort to transform my nature. The best way is to surrender – I am forced to do it – and keep quiet, quiet for years and years, which I am trying to do. But, Sir – !

According to the affirmation of people acquainted with the subject, the preliminary purification before getting any Yogic experiences worth the name may extend to 12 years. After that one may legitimately expect something. You are far from the limit yet – so no reason to despair.