Norwood said, "Yes, it is true. At first, I was active in a church, but because I was in search of a religion of the heart, I left it. Now religion and sectarianism do not appeal to me. I have always been sure that if there is anything higher than religion as it is preached and practiced today, it is love for others."
"Exactly." Baba continued, "I frequently repeat the same thing. I am preparing a way for people so that they will be able to live a life of Truth. There is no religion higher than love. Love is the only way leading to Truth and God-realization. Mind and intellect provide only superficial understanding; it is dry knowledge. One must see God and experience Him. That is real; then Union can be experienced. It takes a long time; it is a long way off. The shortest, quickest way to the realization of Truth is through love."
"I am glad we agree," said Norwood. "May I ask a few more questions?"
"Certainly."
"What do you think of Gandhi?"
"A fine man and a very good soul. He has promised to come and stay with me for spiritual progress after he retires from politics."
"That is what Gandhi needs," Norwood concurred. "He has labored hard and suffered much for the Indian people. He is too simple and trustworthy a man for politics.
"What is your opinion of the Theosophists, Annie Besant and Charles Leadbeater?" Norwood asked.
"They have done some good work, but there is still much to be done. They are [somewhat] advanced souls; but at a certain stage of advancement without the guidance and help of a Master, hostile forces are created, resulting in delusion. It all becomes a jumble and there is confusion."
"They write and speak too much," said Norwood. "But you, Baba, are the epitome of beauty."
When he came out of his interview Norwood remarked to Chanji, "I felt that I was in the presence of a powerful Being, and my vanity was affected."
A few days later, Baba dictated this message to be conveyed to Robert Norwood:
Tell him that I have said that he will know me. That I have seen many, all of whom were deeply impressed, but that in him I found one who could do my work to a great extent.
Tell him that he should not misunderstand me now. He was frankly told the present need for money, and as the work is for the upliftment of humanity — for their spiritual illumination — he, being already spiritually advanced, should be the first to do all he could.