Sri Aurobindo with his wife Mrinalini Devi 1901

(From a letter to his wife)

I have three madnesses. The first one is this. I firmly believe that the accomplishments, genius, higher education and learning and wealth that God has given me are His….

My second madness has only recently seized me. It is this: by whatever means I must have the direct vision of God. ….

My third madness is that while others look upon their country as an inert piece of matter – a few meadows and fields, forests and hills and rivers – I look upon my country as the Mother.