MEHER BABA JOURNAL Volume 1, No.7 May 1939

A Monthly Publication of the "Meher Editorial Committee"

An Avatar Meher Baba Trust eBook July 2015

All words of Meher Baba copyright © 2015 Avatar Meher Baba Perpetual Public Charitable Trust, Ahmednagar, India

Source and short publication history: The Meher Baba Journal, a monthly magazine, was published from 1938 to 1942. This eBook reproduces the original edition of the Meher Baba Journal published by the "Meher Editorial Committee" (Meherabad, Ahmednagar, India).

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Contents

SHRI MEHER BABA ON

THE REMOVAL OF SANSKARAS (PART II) 1

AN AWAKENING Rano Gayley (NewYork) 14

SPIRITUAL ANECDOTE Ahmed Abbas Khak 16

POEMS Dineshnandini Chordia 20

SHRI MEHER BABA Dr. C. D. Deshmukh M.A., Ph. 22 AND UNIVERSAL RELIGION D. (London)

IMPRESSIONS (PART II) Will Backett (London) 27

THE MASTER'S HAND Kemali 30

QUESTION BABA Dr. Abdul Ghani Munsiff 31 ANSWERS SUFI THOUGHTS Dr. Abdul Ghani Munsiff 32

THE VAISHNAVITE SAINTS C. V. Sampath Aiyangar 33 OF SOUTHERN INDIA AND THEIR HAGIOLOGY

Elizabeth C. Patterson 37 SPIRITUAL JOURNEY WITH A MODERN GURU

YOU MUST BELIEVE IT R. B. Kale 46

MANZIL-E-MEEM Abdul Kareem Abdulla 49

HEART OF MY HEART Malcolm Schloss (Hollywood) 53

NOTES FROM MY DIARY F.H. Dadachanji 54

“I have come not to teach but to awaken” -SHRI MEHER BABA

SHRI MEHER BABA

MEHER BABA JOURNAL

VOL. 1 MAY 1939 NO. 7

Shri Meher Baba on The Removal of Sanskaras ( Part II)

(THE DISPERSION AND EXHAUSTION OF SANSKARAS)

In the last article, I have explained those methods of removing sanskaras which depend chiefly on the principle of negating the positive sanskaras which veil the Truth from consciousness and prevent NEGATION OF SANSKARAS self-illumination for which IS ATTAINED the whole creation came THROUGH into being. All these CONTROL methods of negating the positive sanskaras are ultimately based upon the control of the body and mind. The control of the habitual tendencies of the mind is much more difficult than the control of the physical actions. The fleeting and the evasive thoughts and desires of the mind can be curbed only with great patience and persistent practice. But the restraint of mental processes and reactions is necessary to check the formation of new sanskaras and to wear out or unwind the old sanskaras of which they are expressions. Though control might be difficult to start 2 MEHER BABA JOURNAL with, through sincere effort it gradually becomes natural and easy of achievement. Control is deliberate and involves effort as long as the mind is trying to decondition itself through the removal of sanskaras, but after it is released from the sanskaras it becomes spontaneous, because the mind is then functioning in freedom and understanding. Such control is born of strength of character and health of mind; and it invariably brings with it freedom from fear and immense peace and calmness. The mind which appears feeble when it is wanton and uncontrolled in its functioning becomes a source of great strength when it is controlled. Control is indispensable for the conservation of the psychic energy and economical use of thought-force for creative purposes. If, however, control is purely mechanical and aimless, it defeats its own purpose which is to make possible the free and unconditioned functioning of the mind. The control which has true spiritual value does not consist in the mechanical repression of thoughts and desires, but is the natural restraint exercised by the perception TRUE CONTROL IS of positive values CREATIVE SELF- discovered during the ADJUSTMENT IN THE process of experience. True LIGHT OF PERCEIVED VALUES control is, therefore, not merely negative. When some positive values come within the ken of consciousness, their claims for being expressed in life generate psychic response and energy which ultimately remove all the mental tendencies stand- THE REMOVAL OF SANSKARAS 3 ing in the way of a free and full expression of those values. Thus the tendencies for lust, greed and anger are removed through the appreciative recognition of the value of a life of purity, generosity and kindness. The mind which gets accustomed to certain habits of thought and response does not find it easy to adjust itself to these new claims of its own perceptions owing to the inertia caused by the impressions of previous modes of thought and conduct, and this process of readjustment in the light of true values takes the form of what we call controlling the mind. But this control is not a mechanical or forcible twisting of the mind. It is an effort of the mind to overcome its own inertia. It is fundamentally creative and not negative in its purpose, for it is an attempt of the mind to arrive at self-adjustment in order to release the expression of the true values of life. Creative control becomes possible, because thesource of light is within everyone, and though self-illumination is prevented by the veil of sanskaras, it is not all darkness THE DISPERSION even within the boundaries of AND EXHAUS- ordinary human consciousness. TION OF OLD The ray of light which leads it SANSKARAS onward consists of the sense for THROUGH true values and guides man with SUBLIMATION varying degrees of clarity according to the thickness of the veil of sanskaras. The process of the negation of sanskaras is at the same time the process of understanding the true values. 4 MEHER BABA JOURNAL

Spiritual progress is thus characterised by the dual aspect of renouncing the false values of the sanskaras in favour of the true values of understanding. The process of replacing the lower values by the higher values is the process of sublimation which consists in diverting the psychic energy locked up in the old sanskaras towards creative and spiritual ends. When the psychic energy which is locked up in the sanskaras is thus diverted, they get dispersed and exhausted. The method of sublimation is the most natural and effective method of breaking through the grooves of old sanskaras, and has the special advantage of having an unfailing interest for the THE PROCESS OF aspirant at all stages. The SUBLIMATION IS method of mere negation SUSTAINED BY without any substitution is UNFAILING sometimes likely to be INTEREST boring, and might seem to lead to vacuity. But the method of sublimation consists of replacing lower values by higher ones, and is, therefore, at every stage full of absorbing interest, and brings an ever-increasing sense of fulfilment. Psychic energy can be sublimated into spiritual channels through (1) Meditation, (2) Selfless service of humanity and (3) Devotion. Meditation takes the form of deep and constant concentration on the ideal object. In such concentration on the ideal object the soul is conscious only of the object of meditation, and it completely forgets its mind as well as the body, so that no THE REMOVAL OF SANSKARAS 5 new sanskaras are formed and the old ones are dis- persed and exhausted through the MEDITATION: psychic activity of dwelling on the ITS NATURE object of concentration. Finally, AND PURPOSE when there is complete disap- pearance of sanskaras, the soul as individualised is dissolved in the intensity of concentration and merged in the ideal object. There are many forms of meditation according to the aptitude of different persons. The imaginative genius of persons who have to labour hard is often dried up due to overwork. For such FORMS OF persons the form of meditation MEDITATION which is most suitable consists in disconnecting oneself from the thoughts, and then looking upon these thoughts and the body objectively. After the aspirant is successful in regarding his thoughts and his body with complete objectivity, he tries to identify himself with the cosmic Being through constructive suggestions like "I am the Infinite", "I am in everything", " I am in all". Those who have vivid and lively imagination can try intensive concentration on some point. But fixing the mind on some point should be avoided by those who have no liking for it. Ordinarily the psychic energy of the mind is scattered through its diverse thoughts; and meditation on a point is very salutary for the mind to gather itself and settle down. But it is a mechanical process, and, therefore, lacks creative and blissful experiences. However in the initial stages this form of meditation 6 MEHER BABA JOURNAL might be used as a preparation for other more successful forms of meditation. The more successful and deeper forms of meditation are preceded by deliberate and constructive thinking about God—the Beloved. Medi- tation on God is spiritually MEDITATION ON most fruitful. God can become THE PERSONAL the object of meditation either AND IMPERSONAL in his impersonal aspect or in ASPECTS OF GOD his personal aspect. Meditation on the impersonal aspect of God is suitable only for those who have a special aptitude for it. It consists in focussing all thoughts on the abstract and unmanifest existence of God. On the other hand, meditation on the personal aspect of God consists in centering all thoughts upon the form and the attributes of God. After intensive meditation the mind might want to settle down not on the object of meditation but on the steadiness of the expansive peace experienced during meditation. Such moments are the natural result of the fatigue of the faculty of imagination, and they should be effortlessly encouraged. Meditation should be spontaneous and not forced. In the moments of the surging up of the divine impulses imagination should be let loose and allowed to soar high. The flight of imagi- OBSTACLES IN nation should be controlled only MEDITATION by the set purpose of becoming one with the infinite. It should not be allowed to be influenced by the currents of the diverse feelings of lust, greed or anger. THE REMOVAL OF SANSKARAS 7

Success in concentration comes only gradually, and the novice is likely to be disheartened, because he does not get satisfactory results in the beginning. The disappointment which he experiences is itself often a serious obstruction to begin the meditation of the day and persist in it. Other obstacles like idleness and ill health might also be found to be difficult to overcome; but they can be got over by having fixed and regular hours for meditation and steady practice. Early morning or at sunset the quiet condition of nature is particularly helpful for meditation; but meditation might be undertaken also at any other suitable time. Solitude is one of the essential conditions of attaining success in meditation. In the world of thought there is a constant intermingling of thought- forms and thought-colours. THE IMPORTANCE Some mighty ideas have a OF SOLITUDE FOR tendency to strengthen the MEDITATION mind by facilitating integra- tion, whereas some frivolous thoughts are dissipating. The mind is either attracted or repelled by these diverse thoughts in the mental environment. It is advisable to avoid altogether the influence of these variegated thoughts in order to get established in one's own ideal of thought. And for this purpose solitude has an immense possibility. Solitude means economy of psychic energy and increased power of concentration. Having nothing extraneous to attract or repel the mind you are drawn inwards and learn the art of opening yourself to the higher atmos- 8 MEHER BABA JOURNAL pheric currents which have the potency of giving you strength, bliss and peaceful expansiveness. While meditation on the personal and impersonal aspects of God requires withdrawal of consciousness into the sanctuary of one's own heart, concentration on the universal aspect of God is best SELFLESS achieved through the selfless service of SERVICE humanity. When the soul is completely absorbed in the service of humanity, it is completely oblivious of its own body or mind or their functions as in meditation, and, therefore, new sanskaras are not formed. Further the old sanskaras which bind the mind are shattered and dispersed. Since the soul is now centring its attention and interest not upon its own good but upon the good of others, the nucleus of the ego is deprived of its nourishing energy. Selfless service is, therefore, one of the best methods of diverting and sublimating the energy locked up in the binding sanskaras. Selfless service is accomplished when there is not the slightest thought of reward or result, and when there is complete disregard of one's own comfort or convenience or the possibility of IMPLICATIONS being misunderstood. When you OF SELFLESS are wholly occupied with the wel- SERVICE fare of others, you can hardly think of yourself. You are not concerned with your comfort and convenience, or your health and happiness. On the contrary you are willing to sacrifice everything for their well-being. Their com- THE REMOVAL OF SANSKARAS 9 fort is your convenience, their health is your delight, and their happiness is your joy. You find your life in losing it in theirs. You live in their hearts, and your heart becomes their shelter. When there is true union of hearts, you completely identify yourself with the other person. Your act of help or word of comfort supply to others whatever might be lacking in them, and through their thoughts of gratitude and good will you actually receive more than what you give. Thus through living for others your own life finds its amplification and expansion. The person who leads a life of selfless service is, therefore, hardly conscious of serving. He does not FREEDOM AND make those whom he serves feel FULFILMENT that they are in any way under his THROUGH obligation. On the contrary, he SERVICE himself feels obliged for being given a chance of making them happy. Neither for show nor for name and fame does he serve them. Selfless service is completely achieved only when in serving others a man derives the happiness of himself being served. The ideal of selfless service frees him from the sanskaras of the craving for power and possession, or self-pity and jealousy, or the evil deeds actuated through selfishness. Selfless service as well as meditation are both spontaneous when they are inspired by love. Love is, therefore, rightly regarded as being the most impor- tant avenue leading to the reali- LOVE zation of the Highest. In love the soul is completely absorbed in 10 MEHER BABA JOURNAL the Beloved, and is, therefore, detached from the actions of the body or mind. This, therefore, puts an end to the formation of new sanskaras and also results in the undoing of old sanskaras by giving to life an entirely new direction. Nowhere does self- forgetfulness come so naturally and completely as in the intensity of love. It has, therefore, been given the foremost place among the methods which secure release of consciousness from the bondage of sanskaras. Love comprehends in itself the different advan- tages belonging to the other paths leading to emancipation, and is in itself the most distinguished and effective Path. It is at once THE PURIFYING characterised by self-sacrifice EFFICACY OF and happiness. Its uniqueness LOVE lies in the fact that it is accompanied by an exclusive and whole-hearted offering to the Beloved without admitting the claims of any other object. So there is no room for the diversion of psychic energy, and concentration is complete. In love the physical, vital and mental energies of men are all gathered up and made available for the cause of the Beloved, with the result that it becomes a dynamic power. The tension of true love is so great that any foreign feeling which might intervene is at once thrown out. So the expulsive and purifying efficacy of life is unparallelled. There is nothing unnatural or artificial about love. It subsists from the very beginning of evolution. At the organic stage it is crudely expressed in the form of cohesion or attraction. It is the natural affinity THE REMOVAL OF SANSKARAS 11 which keeps things together and draws them to each other. The gravitational pull exercised by the heavenly bodies upon each LOVE IS PRESENT other is an expression of this THROUGHOUT type of love. At the organic CREATION stage love becomes self-illu- mined and self-appreciative, and plays an important part from the lowest forms like the amoeba to the most evolved form of human beings. When love is self-illumined its value is intensified by its conscious sacrifice. The sacrifice of love is so complete and ungrudg- ing that it has all to give and nothing to expect. The more it gives the more it wants to give, and the less it feels for having given. Ever LOVE IS EXPRESS- increasing and never failing is ED THROUGH the stream of true love. Its CONSCIOUS simple expression is its simple SACRIFICE giving over. The complexities of the Beloved are a concern of its best attention and care. Endlessly and remorselessly it seeks to please the Beloved by a thousand ways. It falters not to welcome suffering in order to satisfy but one wish of the Beloved or to relieve the Beloved of the slightest pain of neglect or indifference. It would gladly pine and perish for the sake of the Beloved. Careworn and tormented it waits not to attend to the very body which houses and nourishes it. It brooks no com- promise, and the Beloved is a concern of its lifetime. The tabernacle of love bursts under unmanageable restlessness, and gives a birth to the streams of love and supreme sweetness, until the 12 MEHER BABA JOURNAL lover breaks through his limitations and loses himself in the being of the Beloved. When love is deep and intense, it is called Bhakti or devotion. In its initial stages devotion is expressed through symbol worship, application before the deities and reverence and THE DIFFERENT allegiance to the revealed STAGES OF scriptures or the pursuit of the DEVOTION Highest through abstract thinking. In its more advanced stages, devotion expresses itself as interest in human welfare and the service of humanity, love and reverence for saints and allegiance and obedience to the Spiritual Master. These stages have their relative values and relative results. Love for a living Master is a unique stage of devotion, for it eventually gets transformed into Para- bhakti or divine love. Para-bhakti is not merely intensified Bhakti. It begins where Bhakti ends. At the stage of Para-bhakti, devotion is not only single-minded but is accomp- anied by extreme restlessness of PARA-BHAKTI the heart and a ceaseless longing to unite with the Beloved. This is followed by lack of interest in one's own body and its care, isolation from one's own surroundings and utter disregard for appearance or criticism, while the divine impulses of attraction to the Beloved become more frequent than ever. This highest phase of love is most fruitful, because it has as its object a person who is love incarnate and who can, as the Supreme Beloved, respond to THE REMOVAL OF SANSKARAS 13 the lover most completely. The purity, sweetness and efficacy of the love which the lover receives from the Master contributes to the insuperable spiritual value of this highest phase of love.

(To be continued)

❃ An Awakening By RANO GAYLEY (NEW YORK)

The most outstanding come and an interview granted. moment in my life was the I spent several restless hours, meeting with Shri Meher suddenly becoming rather Baba. nervous at the thought of meeting It was by chance, so it someone to know so little about, seemed at the time, that I and that yet in some strange way first heard of Shri Baba I seemed drawn to. The moment through a friend of Madame came, I stepped into the room, B.. in Paris. Never having and everything around faded. All been what some would call I saw was one whose beauty of spiritually-minded and having expression defied description and had no leanings towards who looked at me with much "isms" of any kind, the gentleness and kindness that it phrase of Shri Baba, "I have imprinted itself indelibly in my come not to teach but to memory. I knew then that were I awaken", struck something never to see Shri Baba again, I responsive in my heart. It had received something that was like a tiny seed dropped would remain with me for by the wayside. Whether it always. had fallen on fertile soil or not Nine months elapsed before was yet to be seen. seeing Shri Baba again. During Having heard that Shri Baba that time I thought of Him, would be in London in the especially when I put my pencil fall of 1933, I decided to go to paper, as He had told me that there, hoping to have the He would help me with my privilege of meeting Him, firmly painting and drawing. It was believing that, if it were the indeed so, for I did many things time for me to meet Him, I that I had never done before, and would. all because His guiding influence On arrival difficulties arose, was there. but these were shortly over- Shri Baba returned to the AN AWAKENING 15

West in the spring of 1934. I was having told someone to do a with Him for ten days in Zurich. It certain thing, he or she shifted was there that I really began to the duty on to someone else or realize what it was to come in did not carry out the Master's contact with a Perfect Master. A instructions to the letter. slow process of breaking up Being with Shri Baba seems to started to take place in my being. lend colour to everyone and As when spring comes and the everything that surrounds Him. iceberg shifts and slow1y starts All types are His followers, and to melt and give way, so the some who under ordinary barrier that I had built within circumstances one would have myself began to disappear, and a nothing in common with, yet new understanding came and because of their united love to with it a great love. The more I Him, one sees with different eyes. was with Shri Baba, the more I One's whole outlook on knew that my one object in life everything is seen through Him. was henceforth to follow Him and One becomes happier. Before it to serve Him to the best of my seemed one just existed. ability. Many times I have been asked The last two years I have if I did not feel strange with Shri spent in close contact with Shri Baba as He does not speak. It is to Baba, both in the West and here. my heart and soul that He speaks, Only those who have been close and for that there is no need of to the Master can realize how the tongue. intense a life it is and how hard The love one has for Shri Baba and strict the discipline can be. overcomes all obstacles, and to The ways of a Perfect Master give up all for love of the Master were sometimes very difficult to is no hardship, for one gives up understand, but when one has nothing and gains all. Baba is the complete faith and love one just essence of Love, and through His needs to obey, for the Master Love one becomes purified. takes care of everything. Many When one comes to Baba times I have seen things go wrong one's life becomes his to do and all because Shri Baba 16 MEHER BABA JOURNAL with as he wishes, and at that one accepts, knowing time will point difficulties arise. One is reveal the reasons of the Master's made to consciously recognise devious ways. one's faults and failings, so that The Love of the Master needs little by little they can be no miracles to keep its faith annihilated. One must put one's whole and unswerving. heart into whatever one is doing, " The express image of the whether it be important, trivial or word 'Divine' art Thou! menial, and above all learn to The mirror of all regal loveli- become detached from its results. ness art Thou! Many times one's faith is put With Thee in this world to the test, for the Master will do naught of itself exists ; things which might be contrary to Search where we will, we one's way of doing. No surely find all, all is Thou!" explanations are given, and —HAFIZ.

❃

Spiritual Anecdote BY AHMED ABBAS KHAK

It is said that a certain person gave him the following three borrowed some money from suggestions to act up to if "Lookman"*. After some time he necessary. At the end of the first wrote to Lookman that he was stage of his journey, he (Look- very busy and that he could not man's son) would arrive at a find a trustworthy man with certain banyan tree under which whom he could send the money. he should take care not to sleep; He suggested, however, that it and on reaching a big city at the would be better if his son came to end of the second stage, he receive the money. Lookman should decided to send his son and

*A philosopher said to have lived in the time of David and author of Arabian fables , verses and proverbs. SPIRITUAL ANECDOTE 17 retire into the nearest jungle for competent and thoroughly ac- rest, instead of taking abode in quainted with the route hap- that city; and finally at his pened to meet him, he may follow destination, i. e., the debtor's his advice. The old man assured house, he should not take shelter him that he had thorough under his roof at night. He further knowledge of the route, and, said that if he happened to come therefore, he should not hesitate across a competent guide, more in listening to his advice. In short, experienced than himself, he was both of them spread their at liberty to take his advice and beddings under that tree and act up to it. went to sleep. At about midnight, Thus forewarned, the boy a big snake climbed down the started on his journey. He had not tree. The old man, who was gone far when he met an aged awake, killed it and covered it traveller who asked him as to with the shield he was carrying. where he was going. On learning In the morning they decided from him his destination, the old to proceed on their journey. Since man replied that he was bound nothing untoward had happened for the same place and would be overnight and the tree had glad to accompany him. So they afforded him great comfort, the proceeded together. When they boy thought that his father's arrived at the first halting place advice not to stay under that tree where the banyan tree was had no meaning. The old man standing, the old man said that who could read the boy's mind, they would rest under that tree seeing that the boy was losing for the night to escape from wet faith in his father, informed him weather. The boy replied that he of what had happened during the was advised by his father not to night, and pulling out the dead take shelter under that tree. The body of the snake from under the old man enquired if that was the shield held it before his eyes. The only thing his father had said, to boy felt much relieved. The old which the boy replied that he had man then asked him to cut the also told him that if some one head of the snake and keep it with him; for he said, "A thing 18 MEHER BABA JOURNAL preserved often proves useful, be next morning the boy emerged it the venom of a snake." The boy from the palace safe and sound. complied with it, and they both The king was greatly pleased. proceeded on their journey. After a short stay there, the When they arrived in the boy and the old man started on capital city, their second halting their journey, and when they place, the old man proposed that finally arrived at their they pass the night there. The boy destination, the old man did not object to it, and they went proposed to stay in the house of and stayed in an inn. It was the the debtor. The boy did not custom of the place, that object, as he had grown wise by whenever a young stranger experience. The debtor, to avoid chanced to arrive in the city, he paying the debt, thought that it was perforce married to the was a good opportunity to kill king's daughter by order of the both of them. He, therefore, after king; but the next morning he exchanges of common courtesies, was invariably found dead. asked them if they would like to Incidentally the king was sleep inside the room or outside informed of the youth's arrival, it. The old man replied that the and the youth had to appear weather being sultry they would before him, who immediately got like to sleep outside in the open him married to the princess. The air. Thus during the night they old man, however, advised the sojourned outside, while the two boy to put the head of the snake sons of the host slept inside the on the fire, and make the princess room. At about midnight the old inhale the smoke rising from it, man awoke his companion, on before he retired with her to the the pretence of feeling uneasy on bed chamber; and the boy did so. account of cold blast, and The princess was suffering from a suggested that they should go malignant disease of the womb, into the room and request the and which meant sure death for two sons of the host sleeping the bridegroom. Through the there to exchange places with effect of that remedy, however, them. The boy approved of the she was cured of that malady, and plan, and they managed to prevail SPIRITUAL ANECDOTE 19 upon the sons of the host to sleep various incidents of his journey outside, while they made to his father, and enquired of him themselves comfortable inside as to who the old man was. His the room. father said that it was the After some time the host came Prophet Khizr.* to execute his sinister design and To a layman this story would unhesitatingly killed those sleep- make an interesting reading; but ing outside. In the morning he to understand the spiritual value found, to his great consternation, of this tale and arrive at the true that he had unwittingly killed his moral of it, one may interpret own sons. He could not do Lookman as (Asle-Usul) the Real anything but keep quiet over this Source; the traveller as (Salik) the affair, for it was his own doing spiritual aspirant; the stages in which knew no remedy. On the the journey as the different other hand, for fear of being phases through which a Salik has exposed by his guests who were to pass (Manzil); the old man as in the know, he thought it wise to (Pir-e-Kamil) the Perfect Master; pay up the debt and see them the snake as (Nafs) the devil or depart as early as possible. On low desires; the princess as receipt of the money, the boy (Dunya) the sensual world; the with the old man left the place for house of the debtor (Khana-e- home. The old man took leave of Maqruz) as the physical world; the boy exactly at the place where the debtor as human being; the he had first met him, with a sons of the debtor as the people request to remember him to his of the world and money (Mal) as father. The boy asked him his love of God (Ishq-e-Ilahi). name to which he replied that his In short, a spiritually minded father knew him well. On arriving person will find enough food for home, the boy related all the one's thought in this tale, simple yet pregnant with meaning.

❃

*A mysterious sage endowed with immortality, as a result of drinking the water of life. He is said to enter into conversation with wandering Sufis and impart to them his God-given knowledge. Poems

BY DINESHNANDINI CHORDIA

Iconoclast, hesitate not to break idols that have grown old, Stop not to burn mosques that dispense discord; Destroy with thy hammer strokes the arched vault of ancient ritual and custom, But break not the Idol of human Freedom which is Divinity itself !

*****

Who has strewn the multi-coloured flowers on this unfrequented path ? The snow-covered mountain tops are illumined by the vermilion colored light of the setting sun; The water-birds are cooing in the honey sweet lotus forest, And the turquois waters of the still tarn are reflecting Nature at her best.

In the hour of evening worship I sing aloud my Lord's songs to the accompaniment of the Tambura, filling with music divine the quiet sky, and then vanish forth from here like a meteor leaving a momentary trail of light behind !

None has so far endeavoured to reach this secluded beauty spot, and whosoever attempted to get to it perished in the way — POEMS 21

Who has scattered these sweet smelling flowers on this maiden path.

*****

In the life-giving light of the saffron tinted dawn, when the stars became faint with fear, you said, "I love you."

When my bee-black musk perfumed hair became snow-white and the palsy stricken body quivered like the mimosa plant you said, "I love you."

When my rose-bud-like lips turned blue with the feverish kiss of Death and the love-darting eyes became glassy, you said, "I love you."

*****

Waste not thy time, my worshipper, in worshipping me, as I do reward not those who pour their heart's offerings at my feet.

Be not bankrupt, my devotee, in installing my Idol with all the old ritual in the new temple, as my blessings help not one to flourish in the world.

Sing not my praises, O poet, as I am not the mistress of the divine Siddhis.

Waste not thy time, my worshipper, in worshipping me.

❃ Shri Meher Baba and Universal Religion

(BY DR. C. D. DESHMUKH, M. A., Ph. D., Lecturer, Morris College, Nagpur)

We are living in an age which is than the bare allegiance to this characterised by the interming- higher principle. They also ling of diverse civilizations and sanction and require the in- cultures. Most of them find their dividual to perform duties inspiring spirit in some historical towards the great society of religion. The historical religions which he is a member. may in principle be divided into Along with these types of two types: Both the types require outlook which have been our (1) faith in the existence of legacy from the past, there is also something higher than the widely current an outlook which individual self, and (2) the does not claim to be religious and recognition of its claims upon derives its inspiration from him. But they differ in one science rather than from religion. important respect. In the first It recognises the innumerable type, this higher principle is sufferings of humanity, and looked upon as a perfect and wishes to avoid them by securing infinite personality or God (as in cooperative and connected Christianity). And in the second action. And it is content to leave type the higher principle is heaven and angels to themselves. regarded as being some This outlook has gained such impersonal goal or law ( as in the wide popularity, because it case of Buddhism). These two contains some elements of value types of religion are also found to from which it derives its vitality. intermingle with one another in And the future Universal Religion, varying proportions (as in the as anticipated by the Teaching of case of the different folds of Shri Meher Baba, will incorporate Hinduism). Further, both types of in itself the elements of value religion require something more which are present not only in SHRI MEHER BABA AND UNIVERSAL RELIGION 23 the great historical religions but are peculiar to the different also in this `scientific' outlook. peoples of the world. And the Let us first examine the sense futility of the proselitysing in which Universal Religion is propaganda which has been possible. Realization of God, vigorously carried on by the which gives the individual a followers of different religions for secure basis for an integrated and centuries should be sufficient to harmonious life, is purely a convince us about the impos- personal matter, and it cannot be sibility to secure for this aspect of imposed on the individual religion universal acceptance. through any social institutions. That is why Shri Meher Baba does No amount of external insti- not attach any importance to tutional instruction can guaran- dogmas, beliefs, creeds or rituals. tee to the individual the synthesis It is neither desirable nor of values and the poise between possible for any one historical reason and love which it involves. religion to become universal by God has to be realised by the extirpating other religions. The individual through an inner Universal Religion, as fore- awakening and an earnest search shadowed in the Teaching of the and effort. Institutions at best can Master, will synthesise and not serve as tools for interchange of merely blindly reject the values of experience. But God-realization the various historical religions. always remains a personal The historical religions are all matter. All that can be done paths towards the Truth. But the through social effort is the tragedy about their actual creation of an atmosphere which functioning has been that they will facilitate such realization. It have tended to become more and cannot be directly made universal. more exclusive, and thus, in the In so far as religion consists of long run, have denied the certain dogmas, beliefs, creeds universal and comprehensive and rituals, it has no potentiality vision of their founders. Truth is to become universal. This aspect not an exclusive prerogative of of religion is directly derived any one religion, and the coming from the diverse traditions which Universal Religion, therefore, 24 MEHER BABA JOURNAL cannot take a hostile or derive its inspiration from the patronizing attitude towards any shadowy prospects concerning historical religions. What we the other world, but will require is a more catholic attitude essentially be a Religion of Life. It which would not only tolerate all will not exclude any of the shades of opinion on religious intrinsic values of life, but will topic, but which will actively try comprehend within its scope all to understand and appreciate the scientific, artistic and cultural diverse points of view. Religion pursuits. It will leave every should not divide man and man, individual completely free to as it has tended to do in the past, realize God in his own way. The but it should, on the contrary, be Paths will always differ according a cementing power that holds to individual temperaments ; but together people of diverse each Path will ultimately lead the opinions. individual to the Goal which is Shri Meher Baba does not universal, although the reali- seek to establish a new sect, thus zation of that Goal will, as we adding to the number of sects have seen, always remain already existing in the world, but personal. will be truly comprehensive. In The Universal Religion of the the light of his Teaching, the future is not comparable to the individual will not live for the self achievement of a result like the alone, nor will he live for any establishment of an empire. It narrow sect. But he will live a life will not be some definite event of love which knows no after the occurrence of which distinctions, and he will try to men may again go to sleep. It realize the common good, not would merely release the Divine because of any ties of common Life and Energy which today is mythology or a set of rituals, but locked up in most human beings. because of a clear recognition of After this release life will still go the unity of all individuals in the on as ever, renewing itself every infinite life of God. Love for God moment. It will be truly creative, and love for man will constitute unoppressed by the frozen past, the animating spirit of this or by the unknown future. And it Universal Religion. It will thus not will be infinitely rich and full, SHRI MEHER BABA AND UNIVERSAL RELIGION 25 because humanity will have reflect upon its causes, and set attained to perpetual youth. This ourselves to discover ways of eternally self-refreshing spirit is avoiding any such future the very main spring of the catastrophes. Creative Religion of life which the In our times the whole world Master brings. has really become one. There is The way for inheriting this economic and spiritual action and spiritual gift of Shri Meher Baba reaction between all its parts, and is, however, beset with it is impossible to ignore this fact. innumerable difficulties. The A nation or a race can no longer world as it is today is full of chaos be regarded as being a self- because of warring sections of sufficient and isolated unit. Our humanity which has been divided individual and social activities on the basis of (1) classes, (2) must, therefore, be organised on nationality, (3) race, (4) religion the basis of co-operation rather and (5) culture. We thus find than of competition. We must put throughout the structure of the forth our united efforts for modern world innumerable counteracting the old ideas of pernicious distinctions which are narrow patriotism and petty based upon economic, social, loyalties, and carry on a vigorous political and cultural competition. propaganda in favour of the The only way out of this chaos is recognition of the claim which to transcend these narrow the whole human brotherhood differences through Universal has upon us all. We can thus Love. The urgent need for solving create a general sense of this world-problem has international responsibility. The impressed itself upon us by the real problem lies in the urgent tragic catastrophe of the last need for forming intelligent and Great War which was like a healthy world-opinion, and this is tremendous conflagration which a Herculian task. There will be a threatened to consume the whole need for innumerable organi- world by its flames. The legacy zations and service-leagues, in which the Great War gave to us is every part of the globe, and the not, however, all evil. After the activities of these organizations closing of the War, we began to will have to be co-ordinated, so as 26 MEHER BABA JOURNAL to secure harmonious and are burdened by the dead weight effective action, planned by of meaningless traditions. Their reason and inspired by love. There vision is limited by the social will be a need for setting afoot a distinctions to which their minds number of movements or have got accustomed. They have currents of vitalizing thought, so been caught up in grooves and that by and by the whole of they have lost the capacity to face humanity will become conscious the problems of life with a fresh of its unity as an organic whole. It and an unbiased mind. The young is true that all the historical men and women are free from religions have been attempting this burden and limitation. They the same stupendous task. But are in a position to face modern their efforts have obviously not problems of life with an attitude been crowned with success. The which is both critical and amount of selfless zeal and constructive. And if they set enthusiasm as well as the themselves to this task in the unflickering faith in life which are right spirit, they will conserve all required for achieving unification the elements of value which have of humanity can only come from been inherited by us from the the inspiration derived from a past, and also absorb the living Perfect Master like Shri vitalising Gospel of Shri Meher Meher Baba. Baba. Unification of humanity, In the present distressing and however, is not our only problem. gloomy atmosphere which We have to attempt much more envelops humanity today, our than this, viz., the rejuvenation of only hope lies in Shri Meher Baba. the modern world. The whole of It is true that we are confronted humanity will have to go through with many volcanic and a kind of spiritual rebirth in order disruptive forces of mutual fear to inherit the new life for the and hatred which work for chaos. dispensation of which the New But nothing is impossible for a Avatar of Shri Meher Baba has generation of young men and come. This spiritual rebirth may women whose imagination is be difficult for the older fired by the vision of the Truth as generation, because their minds revealed IMPRESSIONS 27 by the Master. Inspired by the We have to promote an outlook ideal of selfless service, they can which will not merely be consis- apply their energies to the task of tently pacifist but will positively counteracting these forces of be quickened by the spirit of disruption. This work is comp- active love for humanity as a arable to the action of Ulysses whole. The ship of humanity will who got bound in "Aeol's Bag," all thus arrive at the completion of the winds except that which was its pilgrimage by realizing a to take his ship to its destination. Comprehensive and Universal Religion of Life.

❃ Impressions* BY WILL BACKETT (London)

Some who came had been acknowledge Him as their supreme seekers for many years, and spiritual Guide. Other more sophis- previously met other well-known ticated souls wrapped in orthodox teachers from the East, and were creeds were brought to Him in the greatly influenced by them. Still enthusiasm of our early efforts to many difficulties remained for them, spread the good news of Baba's and in seeking Baba's Grace they had coming to all and sundry. The to acknowledge how He awakened inevitable result followed in some the inner life still more within them, such cases after the first passing enabling them to face up with greater impressions of meeting Baba; for power to the difficulties in life. This then the power of the old creed happened to several who did not would reassert itself and darken the accept Him as Avatar or even mind again, obliterating for the time being the effect of meeting Baba. But

* Continued from April 1939 issue 28 MEHER BABA JOURNAL

His inner work would proceed The child felt His presence, steadily in such a case, bringing and on reaching home for the out a clear, deeper appreciation first time stretched out his lower of the spiritual Truths behind the limbs, by their own power, on his person's creed, cutting away little bed, and slept soundly for much that was unessential and some hours. His improvement misleading in its creed and continued gradually, so that he ceremonial. was able to go to school, play This change was not always with his own ball and mount the confined to the party who met stairs to his bedroom by himself. Baba, but penetrated through This improvement has been Him to the friends and relatives permanent. who knew nothing of Baba, There was another case harmonizing and transforming where the parents had been their lives, after even fifty years greatly troubled with their son's of discord. ill health and weakness which did Some instances of bodily not yield to the best medical healing occurred through contact treatment. Baba gave them His with Baba at the office—on those Grace at Mary's request, and they two occasions when He met the went home and touched the lad, people in large numbers. One thinking of Baba as He had told little lad had had, at least, ten them. They assured me serious operations and could not afterwards that they had done stand alone. His parents were what they were told and really determined that no more oper- touched the child, although they ations should be done and said they had forgotten they had brought him to Baba for His done it and the details of the blessing without thought of any incident. The child's condition physical results. Baba embraced gradually improved, and after the child, and then gave me eight months, we learned from simple instructions to see the lad them, that he was playing rugby, on a certain date in about nine and his physical and mental months, which happened to be development were above the his birthday, unknown to me. I average. The curious point here was to take him a rose leaf for is that they him to eat. IMPRESSIONS 29 had forgotten Baba's original sanskaras that remained from instruction to touch the boy and that earlier period of my life. to think of Him while doing so, Baba received details of our but nevertheless they were sure activities at the office by a weekly they had done so. Evidently the letter, which we knew He used as cure did not impress their minds, a link between us and Himself, and they did not associate the and in His replies He would often subsequent change in his health send individual messages to to Baba's inner working. correspondents and callers. How clearly Baba saw the past These messages, channels of his was illustrated in my own case by Grace, were marvels of gentle- His harmonizing me with an old ness, love, understanding and friend whom I had not seen for power. They witnessed to Baba's nearly thirty years. We had contact with each separate parted on principle owing to person apart from what had been religious differences. After conveyed in our London letters, returning from Baba I just so individual was their character happened to catch the eye of my for each distinct person con- old friend on a very crowded cerned. railway station. Something The opportunity to live with passed between us in that look, Baba in India and meet his bridging the gulf of thirty years in devotees there and watch His a moment. Subsequently I got work so closely has brought me into closer touch to tell my old nearer to the inner object of His friend of Baba who gave His work for me, to realize and Grace to both of us, clearing away experience the Divine Love which the differences upon which our He ever radiates. That Love original friendship had been which He forever pours forth to wrecked, and giving deep all is beyond words to convey, meaning to all that was and involves complete surrender happening now. of all else, so that no obstacle may Thus did Baba clear away the remain to impede the outflow of His Grace.

❃ The Master's Hand BY KEMALI

'Tis Baba's hand... And in His palm the universe evolves from sphere to sphere. In subtle form He moulds and guides us. We, His children, Are the tools with which He works to purify and make anew This vast expanse, so in our world will be a peace past understanding, A lasting peace which all can share. His hand in tenderness shows us the way And those who feel the urge will closer grow. 'Tis Baba's hand.... With power and strength, yet delicately formed in grace, No human hand can guide and speak with every gesture. No stroke Is lost. The whys and wherefores thus explained lead us to God. Oh, those who tempest toss'd upon life's sea will safe in harbour feel if they but call To Him who always hears before their cry. "I am for all," He said, but we must have The faith sublime to keep us in this bliss. 'Tis Baba's hand... So filled with love, He never turns aside a heart which at His feet succumbs. He never fails to understand the pain, the anguish of that soul before it Yearns for Him—as last resort. His hand doth bless and raise our selves That we may live in Him and know the Oneness of such bliss divine As only Baba can bestow. Truly doth happiness abound When perfect Love is found in Baba's hand.

❃ Question Baba Answers SERIES BY DR. ABDUL GHANI MUNSIFF

Question expresses towards all creation. For an aspirant to the Path in To him nothing is attractive or search of a Murshid (Master) is repulsive: Good, bad; saint, there any infallible method of sinner; beauty, ugliness; wisdom, recognizing a Perfect Master? idiocy; health, disease are all Answer different modes and moods of his Spiritual attainment to the own manifestation. When planes one may not satisfactorily embodied Perfection loves, allocate or discriminate. All those fondles, feeds any living creature, from the first to the sixth plane it feels and enjoys as if it is loving, come under the general category fondling and feeding its own Self. of "advanced souls" more or less. In this state no vestige of But when luckily one comes into "otherness" is left. contact with Perfection, it The second point is the represents unmistakable signs undeniable atmosphere of bliss for a seeker of Truth who is that Perfection radiates in its patient and sincere. immediate vicinity and which a There are three important visitor cannot help feeling or factors that are characteristic of noticing. A Perfect Master not the state of Perfection. First, only enjoys infinite bliss, but also Perfection is not only "Oneness experiences universal suffering. with God" but the continued and The poignancy of suffering, uninterrupted experience of however, is nullified and subdued Oneness in everything. A Perfect by the overwhelming joy or Master continuously, without any feeling of bliss. Hence, Perfection break, experiences or realizes his outwardly always appears own Self as the Self in all. This blissfully calm and unperturbed inner experience objectively in the face of every kind of pain, manifests itself in the spontaneity persecution and penury. of Love that such an one feels or The third most outstanding 32 MEHER BABA JOURNAL characteristic of Perfection is its with the illiterate and ignorant. power to adapt itself to any level Just as a Master of Arts delivers or strata of humanity. It is as or teaches English in a different nonchalant on a throne as it is way to a beginner than to an obviously indifferent and undergraduate, similarly, a undisturbed in a gutter. It is Perfect Master adapts himself to impecunious with the poor, the level of the one whom he extravagant with the rich, lordly wants to uplift spiritually. Each with kings, wise with the learned one to its meed and everyone to and naively simple and innocent its aptitude, is the perennial plan of personified Perfection.

❃ Sufi Thoughts Versification BY DR. ABDUL GHANI MUNSIFF

Non-existence is existence and existence is nothing; Forgetfulness is salvation and salvation is nothing. Time—space, can ne'er compass the Absolute, the Infinite; As against that, what is NOT, that which IS is nothing. Nothingness is everything and everything is nothing; The secret anent creation, besides this is nothing. To think "TO BE" as reality is nothing but delusion; Barring this to the wayfarer, the obstacle is nothing. Mastery in servitude, is "NOT TO BE", Oh Niyaz, The meaning of ONENESS with God, beyond this is nothing.

❃ The Vaishnavite Saints of Southern India and their Hagiology* THE LIVES OF THE TRIAD i. ST. POYGAI AZHVAR ii. ST. PUDATT AZHVAR iii. ST. PEY AZHVAR BY C. V. SAMPATH AIYANGAR

These were contemporaries. I pitfall is ambition, or that have stated that the word Azhvar treason-inducing vice which means "sunk deep in God-love." makes Shakespeare put into the What does this mean? A saint is mouth of the patriot Brutus the one who is intoxicated with the following speech: As he was my love of God; in him there is benefactor I loved him, but as he nothing like spiritual ambition. was ambitious, I slew him.' Thus Spiritual I-ness is worse than God slays the ambitious or those worldly I-ness. A great thinker who attach undue or sole virtue said that the danger of "spiritual to their own efforts with which intumescence" was more God, they think, can be dangerous than "worldly pride ". purchased." The late Partha-sarathy Yogi, So says the New Testament: therefore, truly observed, "Even "For he that is called in the Lord, after the pitfalls of avarice and being a bond-man, is the freeman amorousness have been escaped, of the Lord. Likewise he that is there remains a pitfall which is called being free, is the bondman more dangerous still, namely of Christ." The whole thing was ambition, with which false ideas put in a nutshell by Hadis thus: " of greatness, too, have been My servant draws nigh to me by associated by large numbers even pious deeds till I love him, and of the comparatively better when I love him, I am his eye, his classes of mankind. This greater tongue, his foot, his hand,

*Continued from. April 1939 issue. 34 MEHER BABA JOURNAL and by me he sees, hears, talks, Poygai Azhvar. The third Peya- walks, and feels." This is "wisdom Azhvar was born in Mylapore, love" to use the beautiful which is a portion of the city of expression of St. Nammazhvar. It Madras. He was born a day later means "Love to God by than the second Azhvar. completely surrendering oneself The first was also called Saro- to the will of God." And the will of muni, because he was born in a God is to work without relaxation tank. The third was called for the evolution of His Universe Bhranta-Yogi (mad with love of (Gita. Chap. III, Shlokas 22 and God). As a great writer says, these 23). The Lord, therefore, says, were three spiritual flowers that "Do thou always perform actions were sent to perfume the which are obligatory, without mundane atmosphere. They were attachment." (Ibid-Shloka 19). In perfect in three spiritual fine, loving service to God in His essentials: Jnana (Knowledge of great work of evolution is the God), Bhakti (Love to God) and "all" of saints. Such was the Dispassion (non—attachment). service of our Azhvar Triad. Their lives, therefore, serve as Tradition tells us that Poygai splendid examples for those who Azhvar (the first of the Triad) wish to drink the manna of was born in a holy tank in spirituality in this maya world. Kanchipuram (the modern Their only food was Love of God. Conjeevaram, which is about 45 As St. Nammazhvar said: "In Thy miles south of Madras), in milk of Grace, grew I ripe." Verily Dvapara age, Siddhartha year, he who can drink the milk of His Asvayuja month. It is said that the Grace is the true saint. That is second Saint Pudatt-Azhvar was why it is truly said that saints are born out of a Madhavi flower gods on earth. The great devotee (Gartnera Racemosa) in Nanjiyar used to say, "Whenever I Mallapura (now known as saw a saint, a devotee of the One Mahabalipuram, which is south of God (Vishnu), and I fell at His feet Madras). He was a day younger with my head touching than THE VAISHNAVITE SAINTS OF SOUTHERN INDIA 35 them, I felt as if I ate my fill, as if the first heard this he let the my hunger vanished ." Do not we second in. Before they settled feel so in the presence of our dear themselves in that snug abode, Baba? That is why it is said in the the third Yogi came there. The immortal Gita : two who were in said that there " When it is night to all, was no room for a third. Bhranta the saint is awake; Yogi then retorted that if there When they are awake, was room for two to sit, there it is to him night." must be room for three to stand. The New Testament says : On hearing this the third was let " But the sensual man perceiveth in. There the three great not those things that are the Messengers of God, His elect, met, spirit of God, for it is foolishness and these felt that something was to him." In the words of the Gita, forcibly squeezing itself between " houseless and strong willed ", them in a place where there was these three chosen messengers of hardly any room for a fourth God went from place to place person. They all were very with the banner of spirituality in anxious to see the "stealing their hands for the benefit of stranger" with a lamp. Which was those who would listen ( ay, for that lamp? The first Saint sang: the benefit of all ). Once the first "The solid land the lamp, its Saint was in Tirukkovitur (a town girdling liquid the oil, and light in the South Arcot District, the shining sun. And thus I shall Madras Presidency ). He was discover the stealing stranger." overtaken by heavy rain, and The second said : took shelter in a small crevice. "With love the lamp, longing The second saint happened to the oil, pass that side, and asked if there The frenzied heart the wick, was room for one in that crevice. the soul melted, The first replied that there was The light of wisdom, light I room for only one. Then the to Narayana second retorted that if there was In meet Tamil, I know so room for one to sleep, there must well.” be room for two to sit. When The third blessed Saint said : 36 MEHER BABA JOURNAL

"Lo Her—Mercy—I see; and (Andadi is a poem with Andadi His form of Gold I see; verses. Andadi is a rhyme in And Their sun effulgent hues which the last syllable, word or blending, indeed I see; words of one stanza is the first of Proud daring Discus, and the succeeding. This word also friendly Conch I see; means "the first, the last-God.") All this, this blessed day, in All these hymns brim with Him the Ocean-hued." Knowledge of God, Love of God These "Lamps" our blessed Saints and Vision of God, but in each one lighted, and there they saw the of these elements predominates. Motherhood of God and Father- These three works tell the world hood of God. They saw the how to realize the One who Beatific Vision. The first then appears Many. It is by unequi- sang : vocal Love that this can be i The first Tiru-v-Andadi attained, says the Lord of the Gita. and the second, And these three Elect Saviours ii His second Tiru-v-Andadi have clearly shown the Path by and the third, their own lives and the three iii His third Tiru-v-Andadi. immortal works (Prabandhas). "Blessed be the Azhvar Triad"

(To be continued)

❃ Spiritual Journey with a Modern Guru By ELIZABETH C. PATTERSON

The East preserves its ancient byway. The spiritual path to God traditions as living realities and has ever a counter reflection in its spiritual memories as facts the material world. that can today happen again. One To try to relate something of of the traditional actualities an unusual journey taken in these reverenced since remote eras is recent times with a modern Guru that of the spiritual relationship through the spiritual centres of of Guru (Master) and chela India, it can at best be but a (disciple). While we of the West limited telling, as his unlimited have generally little cognizance of realms of spiritual working are the matter, the precedent of this beyond human apprehension, tradition has been brought to us and, even on the material plane, through the five great religions of no one disciple can possibly take universal acceptance, all of which part in all the Master's manifold interestingly enough have the activities. His journeyings sow Orient as their background. These the seeds of spirituality. Time scriptures respectively give conceals much what a Master evidence of the closeness of bond does, but reveals in its true light between Master and disciple, as what a Master is, for his very well as their journeyings being makes every act, however together. The great Gurus taught seemingly commonplace at the and trained their circle not so moment, an abiding reality much by teaching, as through beyond time and place. their own radiant example of Particularly for Westerners to perfected living on this earth visualize something of this while journeying along Life's spiritual tour, its needs must be highway and pictured against the background of the eternal East, 38 MEHER BABA JOURNAL though it is but a focal point for kindred tradition and culture. the regenerating seeds of Therefore one finds today a spirituality to be planted for tremendous wealth of religions coming times, at this period of and cultures that, despite the materialistic harvest. Sadguru passing of ages, are not dead or Meher Baba's approach to any found only through excavation, people or any subject, whether but still are a vital part of Eastern or Western, is modern. everyday life of the people. One Truth is ever new. feels the infinite possibility in India, the scene of this present India that what was, still is. The spiritual journey, is the great unbroken link with humanity's Aryan Mother, and her children past is still being forged. are manifold. In fact I believe her Before Christ walked this to be the primordial ancestor that earth, spirituality had flowered rocked the cradle when the five several times in India through races of mankind were in their Avataric manifestations that left infancy. No doubt because of this their inspiration and imprint close relationship of races in clearly traceable to this day. India, not any one native to her Thousands of years of fervent soil today considers any religious striving could not fail difference in races as such, for among the people to in turn bring they are all Indian, though dating fruits, and today there exist some back from various invasions of of the greatest spiritual saints, as this vast land which has a way of well as religious rogues. "There is eventually absorbing its conquer- in India the highest and the ors—as a mother wins back her lowest, "Sadguru Meher Baba has children. Although every country told his disciples. has its divisions in some form or Part of the reason for this other, so India is divided through present spiritual journey, the its religions and sub-divisions of modern Master has stated, is for religions. Each conqueror him to personally encounter brought with him his own saints and evolved souls whom religion, and it became trans- he already knew, but wants planted into the Indian soil, and, personally to contact at this along with it, was brought its particular time. He SPIRITUAL JOURNEY WITH A MODERN GURU 39 has further stated that the Himalayas—all according to his importance of saints is that they spiritual design. Details and point so many to God. All schedules are unimportant when spiritually minded people cannot we travel with a Master who is but agree that the world today the centre of the universe of our never needed the beneficial spirit. Whether one goes or influence of saints more than whether one stays, Life's wheel to now. All true saints function us has the same great hub. We are together as one, in divinity. aware that our journey in reality Another part of the reason of is inward in Truth, although Baba this journey, which comes about gives it a symbol of outward as an automatic natural result, is expression. The bus is heavily for the Master to train his laden with luggage and some disciples, and prepare them for cooking equipment, which the his greater work to come. Giving Eastern and Western disciples at a description of various events in the outset consider necessary for some detail which occurred on travel through the cool of winter the tour of t h e spiritual centres and the heat of summer, which in of India, it might be useful to here India follow one another in swift quote from my diary: succession. Early in the morning of the Anticipation holds sway as all 8th of December 1938, we left the crowd into the motor bus and ashram at "Meherabad " with the depart exactly at the moment Master—twenty-two of us—in a designated beforehand by Baba. motor bus specially designed for Those at the ashram for whom this extensive tour throughout other plans of work are to be India. None of the disciples know carried out wave good-bye to the the Master's plans, other than Master with deep feeling, Hyderabad (Nizam's Dominions) although knowing that his being our first place of stay, and internal guidance is ever with that we may be gone for as long them no matter the distance as six months travelling from separating. The first stop for the Central India to points which night is at Sholapur, in a Rest might eventually include the House near the railroad station. Owing to the 40 MEHER BABA JOURNAL heavy luggage load, which was their cut barks, to catch the sweet later lightened, motoring is slow juices, and occasionally some and we arrive late. As we were to very large irrigated rice fields, start early next morning it was with water-buffalos drawing the thought best by Baba that the cultivators in their slow though bedding-rolls on top of the bus majestic pace. Approaching near should not be unpacked, so we to Hyderabad, the Mahomedan slept as well as we could, on a few City dating back to the great tables, large chairs or on the Mogul times, it was in the rocks floor, with only our over-coats to themselves, especially the cover us in the coolness of a enormous rounded ones pin- December night—an indication nacled on the adjacent hill-tops, that the trip was not going to be that one could perceive the only a " bed of roses ". Baba, antiquity of the surroundings. however, in his inimitable way, Long before the Mogul period looks to everyone's feelings, these stone giants stood sentinel, moods, and health, as the great however. Engineer of Life keeps ever the The Master's party were due mechanics of living in order. to be guests of the ex-Prime Next day we continue into Minister of Hyderabad, but owing Hyderabad State, and after to triple circumstances, one of passing the border, we picnic which was the occurrence of along the shore of a river. Baba plague for the first time in the who enlivens every situation history of the village adjoining his makes us feel gay and responsive estate, arrangements are hastily to nature around us, although the made to stay on another of his country is merely rocky land, and estates that had been closed for many were feeling the crampness some time. The dwelling being an from a crowded bus. Some antique palace originally used for differences in scenery from the Mahomedan women observing great plateau draw our attention purdah custom, it is thought that along the way, and every now this place will give Baba and his and then we see groves of toddy party the privacy he has palms with vessels hanging to requested for the sojourn. While the SPIRITUAL JOURNEY WITH A MODERN GURU 41

Master did want a place with mind: "Those who dwell in seclusion, particularly for the marble halls and ancient palace special group of women disciples, old in story." The unusually gay whose spiritual training is and mirthful spirit of Baba soon inward, who are travelling with causes all to respond, and the the party, He also wanted for his place is ringing with life and spiritual work to be near the laughter. Presently the gracious centre of the City's humanity. In wife of the official deputed for fact when we see this country our reception brought to us estate, beautiful as its gardens caldrons of hot food from her are, we recall Baba's words prior own home, and, after meeting the to starting on the journey, that Master, spontaneously volun- for his work he wanted to be for teered to continue to supervise the first period of stay in a big cooking arrangements for the city. But the master makes use of entire stay of the party, which all circumstances, unfavourable each day thereafter she brings and favourable, and in the end over personally. the result comes about. Events with the Master move Surprising fruits become a quickly, and the next morning he natural consequence when all is off in the motor with the actions are done selflessly, as a official, and by 10 a. m. they had Master has completely already returned, and Baba transcended the ego and works announces to us that we are all to only for the good of the whole. move that very afternoon, as the It proves that only one night residence of the Nizam's brother, we are to spend in this ancient which at present is unoccupied palace which is devoid of all and is located not far from the furnishings, though it is offered heart of the city, but with a that furniture would be brought seclusion of a large garden, has the next day. This night, however, been put at the Master's disposal is made memorable by the eerie for the sojourn. Nevertheless to feeling one often senses in a say there is plenty of room for dwelling of antiquity, and the such a large party, some others of lines of the poet came to my which have subsequently arrived by train. Also Maho- 42 MEHER BABA JOURNAL med, who has been meanwhile who are personally interested in brought over from the ashram for spirituality in its broad aspect, the "God-mad" at Meherabad and and blue-prints for the Centre are is a special type of spiritually- designed by one of the disciples, dazed soul, whom the Master who has recently come from considers an important link with Switzerland where he is a noted future work along this line which landscape architect. The will be continued throughout the possibilities of establishing in trip. Hyderabad are discussed, and to At the commencement of a this end trips were taken to journey outwards details stand various sites that might be out in one's mind, and, as time adaptable for the Master's unique goes on, the sum total of future plans the full spiritual conveniences and inconveniences significance of which time will overcome their importance. Just unfold, though even the outer so it is as one travels the spiritual frame-work is now so path, the prospect constantly interestingly unusual. widens and details of material life One day the Master is on one are absorbed into the greater of these site trips, with the official whole. This we find as our and several others, in search of a journey continues. location, and at a particular point The stay in Hyderabad might between two lakes, which is quite be termed a time of stirring by wild land, Baba indicated that the Master more than outward this would be a suitable site for working. During this period one his intended future Centre. On the also feels, as well as sees, the return to our dwelling, the official indications that the Master is tells one of our group that preoccupied with internal although this place which they spiritual work. However, for the chanced to pass that day is wild first time, concrete plans are and rocky, he believes he knows drawn up of importance for the why Baba had a preference for Master's future International this particular site. Baba had Spiritual Centre. Daily confer- commented that it was "rich in ences are held with various spiritual atmosphere". The interested officials of the State official re- SPIRITUAL JOURNEY WITH A MODERN GURU 43 called a tradition that had been —be they holy or unholy. When handed down from generation to the second time his men returned generation in the locality, though without being successful and little known except by the few with the story that they dared not who lived thereabouts. The touch this saintly stranger, the legend runs somewhat as follows: Ruler became curious, and the Two thousand years ago there next time he went hunting, he was a Saint who was a disciple of decided to see this man for Christ, and, after the Crucifixion, himself. The legend runs that the this Saint journeyed to the East Ruler was so impressed that he arriving eventually in the gave word that he could remain, particular region seen that day and eventually the Saint became and singled out by Baba. The to him a spiritual guide. It seems ancient Saint was the type of that Christ had given to this Saint spiritual being known as Kutub, the holy gift of His own shirt and it is said that "once a Kutub which the Saint brought with him chooses his seat, he never and always wore. After years of changes." This region was then a holy meditation in this jungle jungle that chanced to be the place, it was time for the Saint to favourite hunting grounds of the leave his body. So he passed the then Ruler, and word was quickly shirt of Christ on to his young sent out to this stranger to move disciple, with the implicit on. But the Saint refused to leave instructions that the holy relic the seat that he had chosen. The should never leave the spot. Ruler, hearing this, became Shortly after the Saint died, the enraged and sent out armed Ruler also died, and wars ensued guards to forcibly remove him; in the district. So the young yet still the Saint refused to move disciple left. But remembering and disarmed the guards with his the words of his Guru he first saintly words and demeanour. buried the holy shirt deep in the They reported the facts to the ground beneath the seat where Ruler and he sent still another the Saint had sat for so many armed guard, because no one was years. allowed on his favourite hunting While Baba himself did not preserve 44 MEHER BABA JOURNAL refer to the legend, he told his parts, the Master has the bus turn disciples afterwards that the site around near the base of the steep which he had seen that day was steps leading up to the abode for spiritually prepared soil, and saints. Here, seated humbly at the ways were stirred to obtain it for base was a man looking much like the Master's Spiritual Centre by a pilgrim lost in contemplation of the people of Hyderabad who had divinity, who, Baba said, was become so interested in the great truly a spiritual soul, well project. advanced on the Path. The Master A fact that indicates more gave this man a glance which clearly that this ancient State is seemed to cause a light of rare rich in spiritual history, is that happiness to pass across the there is a street in Hyderabad countenance of the seated figure City called the "Street of the who visibly showed an Saints”. Here the past spiritual expression of recognition. lineage lies buried, and it is a The Master had, previous to constant place of pilgrimage by arrival in Hyderabad, told his various religions. The present disciples that there is a true saint Nizam is spiritually minded; also living in the ancient city. Out of many of his predecessors were interest some of these disciples notedly so, and have always had question a few local people who spiritual advisers to the Throne. seem well versed in the spiritual Outside of the City are two places history of the place, but they are of interest, located on high very reticent about the matter, opposite hills, one of which is the although one admitted there is a great and picturesque palace Woman Saint—though impos- reserved for the King Emperor sible to find. Shortly before our when he should visit Hyderabad departure, the Master, who State, and the other is the rocky knows all saints, sent out one of abode for visiting saints, his disciples who for years had pinnacled high against the blue led an ascetic life under Baba's sky. spiritual direction to search out When making the tour with the Saint. Baba often uses his disciples one day to these disciples to establish a contact, and they are sent out SPIRITUAL JOURNEY WITH A MODERN GURU 45 without any specific information which they do with deference. as to the whereabouts, but Later, upon seeing the inevitably they seem to walk photograph, I was struck by her right to the place. This Woman expression of the eyes like a Saint, it seems, lives in the female John the Baptist. Her poorest and most crowded part stature was rigid, with hair of the city, in an obscure back matted, and she wore only a lion court-yard. She is in a state of cloth. Her face inclined toward super-consciousness, rarely heaven, blazed with the fire of functioning on the gross plane. spiritual intensity. Although constantly surrounded Shortly afterwards, the by crowds of devotees seated Master, declaring that he has quietly around her, she does not finished the spiritual work that give advice or guidance—but he had come to do in Hyderabad, India knows well the beneficial gave the signal that we were all influence of spiritual being and leaving the following day, after does not lay the stress on mere only ten days sojourn. The doing, as Westerners are hap to surprise to the disciples and the consider as prime importance. outsiders who had become so Baba himself did not find need to interested in the Master's plans visit this Saint, but sent with the for the Spiritual Centre, was due aforementioned disciple two of to the fact that the plans seemed his Western disciples on a second maturing, and materially day. Those around the Saint were speaking it seemed an averse to foreigners approaching inopportune time to leave. Yet her, but in her peculiar way she Masters, as we surely know, have beckons the three disciples of a universal vision which Baba's to be seated near her, and comprises the whole scheme of strangely enough permits the things and not only the part. Westerners to photograph her, Events in time bring this out even to the eyes of ordinary mortals.

❃

(To be continued) You Must Believe It BY R. B. KALE Once, while Bhagwan Vishnu was question was half uttered. Narad resting and chatting with the sage felt very much disappointed and Narad, the latter asked Shri related the happening to Shri Vishnu why all the shastras Bhagwan. (religious scriptures ) attach so Lord Vishnu spoke words of much importance to Sant- solace to Narad and urged upon darshana (the sight of saints). him to continue his quest which Evading a straight answer, Shri was likely to yield him an answer Vishnu asked Narad to go to a to his question. On this occasion particular jungle and put the Narad was directed to the house question to a lizard he would find of a patel (headman) of a certain there. village and was told to put his Narad, in obedience to Shri question to the newly born colt of Bhagwan's orders, went to the a mare in the household. Narad jungle specified, and finding the was scared at the prospect of the lizard mentioned, put the previous experience being question uppermost in his mind. repeated, and voiced his fears in The lizard, instead of giving an the matter to Shri Bhagwan. Lord answer as foretold by Shri Vishnu asked Narad if he had full Vishnu, suddenly dropped down faith in him, and on getting a dead. Narad was very much reply in the affirmative, bewildered, and returning to Shri admonished him to carry out his Bhagwan, communicated all that orders faithfully. h ad happened. Narad went to the house of the Shri Bhagwan asked Narad to patel as ordered, and the latter forget the incident, and this time being very religious-minded, he asked him to approach a received the sage very kindly and parrot in another part of the reverentially. After a little rest jungle. Like the lizard, the parrot and refreshments, the patel too, at the very sight of Narad, respectfully inquired as to what dropped down dead before the had brought the august feet of the sage to his humble dwelling. YOU MUST BELIEVE IT 47

Narad replied that he had come not likely to forgive me. There is with the particular object of no chance of my coming out seeing the newly born colt about alive." On being assured of which he had heard so much. The success and protection by Shri request was simple enough and Bhagwan, Narad left once again was easily granted. No sooner on his divine quest. Narad saw the colt, it expired at Narad approached the king the very sight of him. The patel who happened to be a lover of was greatly upset at the loss but saints, and was received right took it philosophically, as due to royally. After entertaining the just a stroke of ill luck or sage sumptuously the king accident. Narad, escaping himself inquired as to what more he as best as he could from the could do to please the saintly awkward situation by uttering a guest. Narad expressed his desire few words of sympathy and to see the newly born prince, at solace to the patel, retraced his which the king felt very much steps hurriedly to the Master. flattered and honoured. Bhagwan Vishnu, who knew Immediately the king escorted everything, offered comfort and the sage into his harem and encouragement to Narad by showed the baby lying in the saying, "You have attempted golden cradle suckling the toes of thrice but failed, for no fault of the feet. yours. Try once again by going to Narad felt much relieved to the newly born child of a find the baby alive at the sight of particular king of a neighbouring him and put him the question he kingdom. This child will furnish was out to seek an answer for. you the answer you seek." Narad The baby in the cradle only felt very much frightened at the looked at him listlessly and possible outcome of this new smiled. He repeated the question venture, and made bold to say, thrice and every time he was "Sire, it was easy enough for me answered by a nonchalant smile. to extricate myself from previous Getting exasperated Narad predicaments; if the baby were to addressed the baby thus, "Why die at the sight of me, the king is do you smile? Can't you understand 48 MEHER BABA JOURNAL me? Why don't you reply to my living the life of a parrot, and that question?" enabled me to be reborn On hearing this, the baby was immediately in the form of a colt. miraculously endowed with the While I was a colt, you again power of speech. At first, the appeared before me, and the baby indulged in a hearty laugh, blessed meeting has resulted in and then said to Narad, "Your my attaining the present human question has already been form that you now see. Such is answered by me." On being the effect and spiritual benefit of further pressed to explain, the Sant-darshana!" baby said, "The explanation is so If mere Sant-darshana (sight very simple. You yourself are a of saints ) means all that is stated saint, and luckily in my life on above and enables one to skip earth as a lizard I got your over numerous evolutionary darshana (sight) which enabled forms and stages, then what must me to avoid many forms and be the potency of Sat-sang rebirths in the course of my (company of saints)? Blessed evolutionary progress. I at once indeed are those who are assumed the form of a parrot. I voluntarily roughing life in the again was blessed with your company of the perfect Master of darshana while the time, Shri Meher Baba.

❃

THE SAYING OF SHRI MEHER BABA

A man becomes wise by practising, not by preaching virtue. Ability in advising others about virtue is no proof of saintliness, nor is it a mark of wisdom.

❃

Manzil - e - Meem* BY ABDUL KAREEM ABDULLA

In the sense that bhakti-yoga, The ghamela is an iron pan karma-yoga, dnyana-yoga and generally used by coolies to raja-yoga are a set of definite carry heavy loads of hard direct and continuous actions of substances over their heads, and a particular type for a particular since heaps of half-torn period towards the elimination buildings had either to be of the false and essentially non- removed or repaired and existing objectives occupying approaches prepared to the human consciousness and same through hills and fields, the utilizing the consciousness ghamela was the most promi- towards the realization of the nent tool in operation. As such it one and only Truth in existence, travelled hundreds of times those who lived with Baba at every day with full load on the Ahmednagar in the year 1924 neatly brushed heads of the remember the months of April intellectuals including the one and May of that year as a period who owned both the land and of "ghamela-yoga”. the ghamelas. For them, this was a period of In this light, the life lead in intense physical labour for full the Manzil-e-Meem at Bombay eight hours everyday with the during 1922 can well be called a exactitude and punctuality of the spell of kitchen-yoga for R. M. He hard labour in jails. The casual was not only in charge of the use of this labour was made kitchen and held responsible for towards creating the colony proper supplies and mainten- which is now called "Meherabad" ance of all foodstuff, but he had near Ahmednagar. The work was also to cook single-handed for necessarily carried out with the group. If he succeeded in shovels and pick-axes in general providing the meals punctually, and the ghamela in particular. that merely showed that he carried out his honorary

*Continued from April 1939 issue. 50 MEHER BABA JOURNAL duty as well as the others living and result in surplus. in the Manzil. But when he stuck Compared with R. M., S. K. to the huge fire-places amidst the provided a distinct contrast. S. K. heat in Bombay to the end, for was probably the youngest nearly one year, in spite of being member in the group and the oldest member amongst the possibly the most care-free. He group which was mainly had just completed his school composed of young men, it can be career and was due to join a said that he did the duty to the college. But, instead of that, he extent of devotion. Since he also was ordered to serve as an succeeded in satisfying the apprentice in an automobile different and varied tastes and workshop. Although he did not evoked constant appreciation know at the time that this would from one and all, that showed lead him in the future to build an that the work was carried out by excellent automobile organiza- him with a sense of love and tion of his own, he dabbled regard for those whom he served cheerfully in oil and grease, and so well. did not mind making a mess of The fact that entitles him to himself under motor cars under these lines was the double "fire" repairs. Naturally inclined to live that he had had to face during in the "present" and not this period. The fire he cooked on interested in the deeper ques- paled into insignificance against tions of life and its consequences, the constant "fire" of a personal he was also apparently left much day and night supervision from alone by Baba, and thus the life in Baba who always insisted that the Manzil for him was compar- the food prepared had atively tame excepting for the necessarily to be fresh for each special order that he was not to meal, it had to be sufficient speak with and meet friends and enough to satisfy the ever relations outside the premises. fluctuating appetites of the This simple little rule soon inmates to the full, and at the proved for him to be a big task to same time it was not to exceed perform. the actual requirements One evening, a previous school chum happened to come MANZIL-E-MEEM 51 across S. K. in a railway train. impression that he had gone Naturally the friend greeted him stark mad ! very warmly, but it was enough R. A. was one of the married to freeze S. K. who remembered members in the group, and as the order and acted accordingly such he was occasionally allowed by avoiding a mutual to contact and communicate recognition. For a while the with his family members in the friend was silenced, perhaps moffusil. Once he received thinking that he had made a information that his only son mistake and that it was only a was laid ill at home and that he case of a remarkable remembered him too much. resemblance. But since under Knowing that his wife was also such circumstances even a in a delicate state of health at stranger is apt to respond in one that time, R. A. became all the way or the other, the friend could more anxious when he did not not help closely watching S. K. get further news for days who had necessarily to avoid together. He was naturally speaking to or looking squarely looking forward to the in the face of his friend. Within a permission to go home, and felt few minutes quite a scene was averse to take part in the usual created in the railway evening recreations. He used to compartment. To the amazement return to the Manzil in a listless of the other fellow passengers frame of mind after finishing the the friend burst into a sudden day's work. That particular appeal, "I am sure you are the evening a new game of marbles same S. K., but what is the matter was being played on the Manzil with you, old chap? Why don't playground under brilliant you speak with me? S. K., you electric lights specially arranged must recognize me, we were for the occasion, and everyone together in the school …" appeared to be enthusiastically Fortunately the train soon absorbed in the game. R.A. reached the destination, and S. K. turned up as usual by 7 p. m. and literally flew out of the carriage appeared unusually grave in the at the first possible opportunity, gay atmosphere. leaving the poor friend under the While reporting to Baba on 52 MEHER BABA JOURNAL return to the Manzil within the joined the field and mechanically specified hour in the evening, as began to handle the marbles. As a rule everyone met with a soon as he carried out the cheerful response. R. A. found instructions, he was recalled, Baba as usual in a cheerful mood and the fateful telegram was watching the newly introduced handed over to him to read. The game with great interest. But he message read that R. A. had got a mild shock when Baba another son and that all was well became grave on seeing him. with his family! Without the expected word or The special instruction for A. gesture of cheer, Baba turned to K. was to have no connection or D. G. and asked, "Shall we tell communication of any kind him now? " D. G. replied in an under any circumstances with equally serious tone that it was three certain members in the better to disclose the news after group without there being any dinner. Following a pause of apparent reason at all for this deep suspense, once again Baba unique restriction. But all the addressed D. G., "I think better same the instruction had to be let him know about the telegram carried out to the letter without now," and without waiting for an giving offence to the parties answer from D. G., R. A. was told concerned and without adopting point black that his son had any outward sign in connection passed away. Before R. A. could with this injunction. Conse- hardly recover from the shock, quently A. K. had necessarily to he was immediately ordered to mix with equal freedom with all join the game and play marbles. those who lived in the Manzil For a moment R. A. was too and at the same time maintain dazed even to move, but he was just that hair-breadth distance fortunate enough to obey the from the three persons concern- command forthwith. With the ed. electric lights swimming before In effect this order not only his eyes and the players meant for A. K. a question of appearing to be shadows in a physical restraint, but it also horrible nightmare, R. A. naturally proved to be a source of mental discipline HEART OF MY HEART 53 when carried out with mechan- could and would write all their ical precision. experiences, the Manzil-e-Meem For B. F. it was a life of would just appear to have been a complete renunciation. He had to stage on which each individual dispose of all his various played an entirely different role businesses lock, stock and from the other, simply because barrel, and join the Manzil with they all believed in Baba and his just clothes and personal belong- two great Masters, Hazrat ings. Babajan of Poona and Shri While R. K. provided another Upasni Maharaj of Sakori, both of contrast, inasmuch as he got whom gave but one prophetic engaged to marry during his stay injunction, "Follow Merwan, do in the Manzil. as he says, the time will come In spite of the same one when he will make the world collective life led in the Manzil, if dance to his tune." all those who lived there

Heart of my Heart TO SHRI SADGURU MEHER BABA BY MALCOLM SCHLOSS (Hollywood)

Heart of my heart ! Soul of my soul! Life of the life of the cosmic whole! Breath of my breath! Voice of my voice! Lover in whom all our hearts rejoice! Star of the evening! Sun of the day! Song in the heart that is happy and gay! Heart of my heart ! Soul of my soul! Know that I love Thee, what'er Thy role!

❃ Notes from my Diary F. H. DADACHANJI

BHOPAL STATE masts, observed and marked out From Ajmer, our party moved by Baba en-route and also eastward again and came to searched out from different parts Bhopal, near Central Provinces. of the country surrounding here, Here again, we lived the same were ordered to be brought here. life of activity in quiet and Emissaries of the Master's group seclusion, for about a week. Baba are sent out in different was mostly busy with the masts, directions on this hazardous searched out from the task. In the scorching heat of the surroundings. Our sojourn here summer season, they move was also kept strictly private, about in the places and and all mail, telegrams, cables, directions indicated by Baba, and etc. were received and delivered a number of these masts are care Station Master, Itarsi, a gathered and kept in special junction on the G. I. P. Railway, quarters rented for them in a 57 miles away. A member of the quiet locality and corner of the group was specially deputed on cantonment area in Jubbulpore. this duty to travel to and from For the world outside which Itarsi daily. has hardly any idea of spiritual CENTRAL PROVINCES Masters and their works, all this Seemingly, nothing of may seem so strangely particular importance trans- insignificant, and very naturally pired, and we moved on to our too! For while the world next station, Jubbulpore, to have conditions are in such turmoil another long stay there for the and every new day brings some Master's special work with the startling revelations of masts, as also for some aggression and oppression by important work in connection one power over another for with the establishment of a greed of self, when the seething Spiritual Centre. A number of masses of humanity the world over clamour for every penny or a piece of bread in NOTES FROM MY DIARY 55 desperation for the struggle of ious utterances and expressions existence, and when mankind of what they see and feel, naturally expects a Master like however faint, of the life beyond Baba to work up some wonders the gross, have a significance too or miracles to bring peace to the deep for our ordinary struggling humanity, his silent understanding. It must all be work in quiet corners of the seen to be believed. And the earth with these "derelicts of great importance Baba himself humanity " whose existence is of gives to this particular work, to practically no importance or the exclusion of other things, consideration for the world— adds much to its import. very naturally would not appeal I cannot, therefore, close this to those who cannot penetrate chapter without giving our the great spiritual import and readers an idea of the typical significance of works connected traits of these masts, searched with Masters. However, there are out and given personal care and in the world those who do attention by Baba in Ajmer, believe that whatever the Bhopal, Jubbulpore and the Masters of Spiritual Perfection country around. "I love these do, has great significance, as it is Lovers of God," he repeated always for the spiritual benefit remarkedly, "they know nothing and uplift of humanity, and this of the world; they are so particular work of the Master at blissfully indifferent even to the moment to such spiritually- their bodily needs...All for their dazed souls has a special Love of God, when the whole significance. To those of our world craves and cries for maya ( group who have actually lust, greed, etc. ) and rushes to witnessed and even participated each other's throats for its in these activities with the dear gratification." Master, all this is a revelation—a THE MASTER'S WORK WITH glimpse into the realm of Reality THE SPIRITUALLY ADVANCED where life has true and eternal THOUGH DAZED SOULS value. The surprisingly varying One of these "Lovers of God" traits of these masts, and the who lived in Ajmer for years child-like, innocent and myster- near the Khawja Saheb's dargah (tomb) was very far- 56 MEHER BABA JOURNAL advanced. Baba confirmed to drink and absolutely this, and said that he was nearest neglected and avoided by all who to the goal—in the sixth plane of knew him for his indifference consciousness. He was well- and negligence even in his known all over there and vocation of plying a hired cab. actually worshipped by But even such seemingly useless thousands residing in Ajmer and persons are also utilized by the others visiting this holy place of Master for his work, especially pilgrimage ( due to the Khawja where even his mandali found it Saheb's dargah and the highly difficult to manage. In fact this spiritual influence which the tongawalla himself seemed to us great ancient Saint still holds). It as a "half-mast", and we would may be interesting to note that have liked the Master to give him this particular mast was brought the bath, before all others! by our tongawalla (cabman), a When one morning, this notorious drunkard, but very typsy tongawalla brought this good of heart and quite the type mast to Baba hours later than of man required for our work. He the time he had himself given, he was the first to jump in with his explained that it took him a very cab when one of the mandali long time to go about in search (close group of the Master's of this particular one wanted by disciples) went to Ajmer for Baba, as he was not on the usual preliminary inquiries, and ever spot. Then again it was after two since was linked and called for hours of mild, loving talks and our work. His abrupt or chance persuasions and very tactful coming into contact with our handling that he could manage group and active participation in to bring the babasaheb (as they our campaign for the search of called the mast there) to Baba. the masts in Ajmer is again He was kept by the Master in his indicative of one of Baba's ways own room. "He is merged, not in of working---of finding the right God but in seeing God man for the work intended and (Divinity)—say lost in it,' having his work done through explained Baba. He is tall, rather persons like this one, addicted slender in build, with a NOTES FROM MY DIARY 57 long face and a dazed expression, and lets them have their own but with eyes that sparkle and way when they are obdurate express so much. His smile until they are quiet and come which is constant is the smile of round again of their own accord. a soul lost in search of some- The mast, just brought in, at thing inexplicable, unattainable, first hesitated to come in and and having found it, feels dazed. even wanted to go away, but the Truly he is a mast, but of a very patient and loving persuasions of mild type, meek like a lamb, the Master and his faithful band mechanically following the of workers and, above all, his words or directions of those own personal touch eventually around him, resisting or reconciled him to the hesitating only at times in surroundings, and he submits to certain moods, when the the Master's directions. After the reconciliation of the higher bath, he is given a new white consciousness in which he is kafni (robe) which transforms with the normal consciousness, him physically into quite a is difficult. Lost in the ecstasies different being. Not only is his they enjoy of the higher physical appearance thus consciousness of the planes, they altered, but his mental outlook feel greatly disturbed, and often also seems to have undergone a cry when told to do certain great change. After the things by men of earth—which beneficent bath, the blankness in pulls them down and brings his look and eyes is replaced by about a conflict of the higher an awareness of being in the consciousness with the lower. presence of someone who, he That is why Baba repeatedly feels, is divine beyond concept- orders and sees that there is no tion. It seems to be more than coercion or force brought on the fulfilment of life's desire and them by any of his mandali who years of longing, and the search are assigned various duties to for the Beloved seems now to wait and watch on them and have ended. Although he can serve them in various ways neither speak, much less explain, under his directions. He himself in his state of mental blankness is so infinitely patient with them, of the 58 MEHER BABA JOURNAL physical plane, his eyes and welcome to him as these, who, in expression speak volumes. the spiritual intoxication of their Later Baba personally feeds advanced state, are lost to the him with rice, dal and bread, in world outside and even to their his own room. At such times, physical selves. That is why Baba when Baba feeds these masts, no remarked in the presence of this one else is allowed to remain in mast, “Nothing makes me so the room. He does it all alone. He happy as the sight of these real is, through this food that he puts heroes." How true! He never into their mouths, feeding them feels as happy when surrounded with the Divine nectar, filling by thousands who worship him their souls with the Divinity that devotedly than in the presence of the Master radiates! these masts. Certainly a world of A few days after this mast riches is worth nothing if it be arrived, once while he was not utilized towards the resting, Baba sat near him to give amelioration of the needy. his spiritual touch by gently Nothing gives one such sublime trying to press his feet. What a happiness as spontaneous giving humble gesture by a Master of to those who truly need, and no Perfection! But for true lovers of doubt Baba feels so happy, God, he does it and feels very sharing his divine life with these happy doing it! Although true "lovers" who need it and eternally happy himself in His could be benefitted. Crowds in supreme state, seldom is that Jubbulpore during the tour did happy expression as visible as on not interest him as much as did such occasions when he so these select few lovers of God. lovingly stoops to serve these "These are very useful medium "derelicts of humanity " and for me to work through on administers his divine treatment higher planes," he explained. and touch to those who truly When we, on our ordinary need and are helped and pushed human plane of consciousness, forward. The Divine Beloved feel such delight at the always likes lovers of Divinity, recognition of Baba's Divinity by and none such would be so these masts, how happy must they themselves feel in his NOTES FROM MY DIARY 59

Divine Presence! And how happy something sublime and divine does the Master feel when such that he sees and feels in him! an one recognises him, however And when the Master is out or faintly! away or otherwise engaged Asked as to whom he had elsewhere, sitting all alone in the come, the mast replies at once, Master's room, in his ecstatic "Malik ke pas aya," meaning "I mood, he chants some mystical came near the Malik (Master)." lines or sings some divine songs Again when Baba tried to to give vent to his inner feelings. press his feet tenderly, he had a One of the typical lines of these smile on his face and murmured mystical verses will give our very gently, "Malik, ayasa mat readers an idea of his true state: karo," " Master, pray don't do Jisne diya hai derd-e-dil, this." Even from his planetory Uska Khuda bhala kare; heights of subtle regions, the meaning, may God bless him struggling soul's consciousness who has given this pain of the feels disturbed at the Perfect heart (pangs of separation), i. e., Master humbling before him in even the One (Beloved) who has this gesture! From such dizzy made my heart bleed with heights of consciousness (of the suffering (for separation) may be sixth plane) to be conscious of blessed by the Almighty! the ordinary worldly formalities, Once during the beneficial and to possess a sense of bath, he abruptly touched Baba's reverence for One higher than feet with his right hand and oneself, is wonderful indeed! hurriedly raised it to his Like a patient in a delicate forehead as a gesture and mark condition, he is tenderly of worship. This seemed simply nourished and kindled. His mechanical, since, the very next reticence disappears gradually, moment, he appeared to forget. and he meekly submits to stay But the fact of his making this with the Master, eat and drink gesture, though unconsciously, from the Master's own hands, indicates a sign of recognition, and feels strangely conscious of however dim or faint, even on the higher planes, by souls so 60 MEHER BABA JOURNAL far-advanced as this, of the dekho, Shankar aya—bhago, Master's state of Perfection and Bhagwanka darshan ker lo"— super-consciousness which only meaning, "Oh Look! Shankar highly evolved consciousness (one of the Hindu gods) is could fully understand and here! Run, hurry up! Have grasp. And the fact of this Bhagwan's (God's) darshana!" recognition of a Spiritual All eyes were on Baba instant- Master's perfection rather than aneously. Some stared at him in the daily recognition of things on blank gaze; others made typical the physical plane, all the more gestures or expressions as a mark proves the true heights which of recognition of a higher they have attained. being worthy of respect or Nowhere does Baba's Divinity reverence which they gave in reveal itself as more inspiring their own way. The whole than in these acts of service to scene was enacted in a few the truly needy Lovers of God seconds, and Baba proceeded whom the world of maya, in its further with the party taking ignorance, has mercilessly rounds in certain quarters. neglected. These are sights only Another whom Baba parti- to be seen to be believed—a cularly pointed to one of his regular feast for the eye of a mandali to be brought over to devotee to see the beloved him, when told by the disciple, Master work and play his divine "Baba has sent for you and game of give-and-take with the wants you to go to him," he true Lovers of God I cried out, " Dhanya hai ham FURTHER INCIDENTS OF THE ko," meaning, " Hail myself! " i. e., MASTER WITH THE MASTS I am the most fortunate to have Once, when Baba and two of the rare privilege of being his mandali went out in search of invited in the presence of a these masts in a tonga (cab) in Perfect Master. Baba order- the streets and locality around ed a silver coin to be given to the Khawja Saheb's dargah in him, which he accepted blankly. Ajmer, one of these masts, all of a This is symbolic of Baba's sudden in an ecstatic mood, preliminary contact. He was began to shout aloud— "Are subsequently brought over to Baba, washed, clothed, NOTES FROM MY DIARY 61 fed and then sent on like some are heroes, who have courage, others. patience, who could One of these masts, traced suffer....Love is the real thing ! " during the search in Ajmer, when These spontaneous outbursts asked to come to Baba, said at of a true lover of God who has first, "Love is the best and practically lost himself in it and sublimest thing of all." He knows nothing but that, speaks of repeated this a number of times, the true qualities of Love Divine. almost after every other sentence Those who talk of Love he spoke. In one of those gay superficially and want it cheap moods, typical of these spiritually- and easy may learn much from intoxicated souls, he went on one who has an actual experience uttering something which was of this kind. eloquent and full of spiritual The peculiar characteristics of import, on the subject of Ishk-e- some of the masts gathered and Hakiki (the Love Divine ): brought over to Baba in Bhopal "I gave my heart (love) away to were quite in contrast with the One, but that One (Beloved) above—at times blissfully happy, disappeared ever since I saw at other times quite frantic and him first……I searched for him, even aggressive to the men all these years, but he couldn't around. One of these, named be traced…..Eventually, how- "Lettuce ", a regular visitor, would ever, I found him…I found him, come and go when he liked any here, today !" time during the day and even Here, he stopped for a while. during late hours of the night. He Then raising his head again, as if would lie down at ease for hours, ready to deliver another sermon, murmur or chant something too continued: sweet for words, but when out of "To love is no easy task…… mood, would become quite Those who are used to another person, and would not easygoing life or fond of hesitate even to make assaults or luxuries, should not go in for it. go to the extent of throwing Love is not meant for such. missiles or whatever came to Love is meant for those who hands. In one of these frantic moods, hearing some persons discuss 62 MEHER BABA JOURNAL the present-day world conditions, moment this "self" creeps in. Lust especially the European crisis, he and greed for power or for name blurted out in no equivocal terms, and fame rule supreme, and the "Ye sabko ukhad denge—sidha kar very moment a noble aim with the denge," meaning, "all these life is started, it is thwarted. It is mischief-mongers and miscreants the same all over the world in all will be eventually wiped off and the spheres of life, whether in everything will be set right "— religion or in politics. It seems a words too significant for world wave of personal selfish element crisis that are ahead. These in every branch of life activities pungent remarks are full of has come over, sweeping in its import, which mean to convey, in surge all the best that human clear and precise terms, that the character could give—those noble great powers that have been characteristics of human nature working behind all this apparent that go to make man divine. chaos, which is but the external Explaining the various phenomena of the internal expressions of ecstasy as working of the Powers that be, are demonstrated by these masts, now up to destroy all the Baba once said, "They feel so undesired elements that tend to happy with Baba, because they see mar the progress of human Baba and know who Baba truly evolution towards a higher is—a thing which you, with your destiny. These impurities of self- human eye, cannot see. The interest, lust and greed must be special eye that sees this Divine removed before things could be Form of Baba is quite another. set right. With these eyes of yours, you see Baba has always been stressing these playthings of maya —these this most vital point that the root “toys ", table, chair, etc. The of all unhappiness throughout the internal eye that sees through all world is self-interest. A life or these and sees God alone is movement, started with the best altogether different." of motives and interests for the NEWS IN GENERAL service of humanity, is spoiled the Baba's long absence fromhis headquarters at "Mehera- NOTES FROM MY DIARY 63 bad'', Ahmednagar, ever since he the person not even accepting embarked on the present tour in drinking water for eighteen long India, November last, has been a days at a stretch, the condition cause of no small anxiety for his eventually went to a climax. The numerous disciples and devotees. person is reduced to a living They are craving for just a skeleton unable even to lift the darshana or meeting even for a hand, the whole body became moment. Many a difficult problem entirely stiff and rigid, like a solid in life has been kept pending his piece of lifeless framework. The arrival and advice. Those whose Master had to intervene. The call longing for a personal meeting of love had to be responded. have been too keen and deep are Leaving all the group and even his in a state of continuous agony as important work with the masts in known only to themselves. One of Jubbulpore, the Master has to go, these, for the love of the Beloved undertaking a long journey in Master and suffering acutely these hot summer days. He sees owing to separation for such a the person. His august presence long time, voluntarily took to a and loving persuasions eventually "fast unto death", causing grave succeed. He personally admini- anxiety to all around in the family. sters a few drops of fruit-juice, the A regular series of telegrams has first liquid food to enter the been exchanged daily between person's throat after eighteen days Baba and the family of the person of a severe fast! The poor family is fasting, whose persistent efforts relieved of a severe tension after and loving persuasions to pour in days of anxiety, and although even liquid food for days have resistence was offered again in the proved futile, until they have been beginning after the Master had left eventually compelled to seek to accept any food, the person Baba's advice and help. And even came round quick1y. The Master Baba's orders to take at least had set the ball rolling, and the liquid food have been resolutely person now takes even solid food. refused. The fast being too severe, Incidentally, Baba took this opportunity to visit Nasik, 64 MEHER BABA JOURNAL

Ahmednagar, Meherabad, Poona, Various plans are suggested, and Talegaon and Bombay, to meet his the Master's final decision is disciples and devotees anxiously anxiously awaited by all awaiting for his darshana for so concerned, whether to establish long. It was a hurried trip—all this Centre at Mandla as originally these places being visited within proposed, or at Jubbulpore, or at five days. both these places, separately. The question of establishing a Some interesting talks and Spiritual Centre on this side has discourses are given by Baba still been under consideration. during this period, which we propose to publish later.

❃

THE SAYING OF SHRI MEHER BABA

Do not get disheartened and alarmed when adversity, calamity, or misfortunes pour in upon you. Thank God, for He has thereby given you the opportunity of acquiring forbearance and fortitude. Those who have acquired the power of bearing with adversities can easily enter the Spiritual Path.

❃ MEHER BABA JOURNAL A MONTHLY PUBLICATION

Elizabeth C. Patterson, Managing Editor and Publisher for the "Meher Editorial Committee" "Meherabad", Ahmednagar, India MEHER EDITORIAL COMMITTEE C. V. Sampath Aiyangar, (Late of Madras Judicial Service) Dr. Abdul Ghani Munsiff, Princess Norina Matchabelli, Adi K. Irani, Elizabeth C. Patterson, Estelle Gayley, F. H. Dadachanji, Abdul Kareem Abdulla. Contributions of manuscripts will be welcomed, and it is requested that they should be typed. No manuscript will be returned unless accompanied by a self- addressed stamped envelope. All communications regarding same should be addressed to Princess Norina Matchabelli, Literary Manager, Meher Baba Journal, "Meherabad", Ahmednagar, India. Enquiries concerning subscriptions and notice of change of address should he addressed to Estelle Gayley, Secretary. Meher Baba Journal, "Meherabad ", Ahmednagar, India. Postal Money Orders and cheques should be made payable to Adi K. Irani, Treasurer, Meher Baba Journal, " “Meherabad", Ahmednagar, India. SUBSCRIPTION RATES Twelve months (including Inland or Foreign postage ) India Rs. 3; England sh. 8; U. S. A. $ 2. (Single copies ; 6 annas, or 1 shilling, or 25 cents. ) Register of Editorial Alterations

Contents page, column 2, entry 1, change “RanoGayley” to “Rano Gayley” Contents page, column 2, entry 9, change “Aiyanar” to “Aiyangar” Page 4, para 2, line 10. vaccuity to vaucity Page 7, para 2, line 12, change “in” to “in” Page 26, column 2, para 1, line 9, “unbiassed” to unbiased Page 40, column 2, para 1, line 14, change “surroundings” to “surroundings.” Page 57, column 1, para 1, line 15, “reconcilliation” Page 59, column 1, para 1, line 3, change “.an” to “an” Page 59, column 1, para 3, line 14, “wordly” should be “worldly” Page 64, last section, change “adversity’ ” to “adversity,”