Energy and work

Q: At one time I also used to feel a lot of energy while working with the Mother and I was never fatigued even when working day and night. Only one or two hours’ sleep were sufficient and I would feel as fresh as ever.

That is because you opened yourself to the Energy. As for sleep, even ten minutes’ sleep may be sufficient, but then it is not ordinary sleep but a going deep within. If one can draw the Force with equanimity and conserve it, wonderful things can be done. As I said, many sadhaks felt extraordinary energy when we were dealing with the vital being. But afterwards the sadhana came down into the physical, there was not that push any more and people began to get easily fatigued, feel lazy and unwilling to work. They began to complain of ill-health due to overwork, and the doctors encouraged them in their feeling.

– Sri Aurobindo