Evariste asked Baba, "How can I find happiness?"
In reply, Baba explained:
Everyone in the world, consciously or unconsciously, seeks happiness in one form or another. Even a murderer seeks happiness, which he hopes to find in murder, and this is why he commits murder. Why and when does a man murder? Either through hatred or jealousy and because he thinks he will find happiness if he commits murder and takes revenge.
Why does a man commit suicide? Because he expects to find happiness in death. Why does another man drink? It is because of the happiness he expects to derive. But what happiness is derived and how long does it last? So long as the effect of intoxication lasts. No sooner does it cool down than he feels broken, dejected and miserable.
It is the same with lust. A person does it all for the happiness he or she derives, but it is only for the time being that one derives happiness; and when it is over, the person is miserable again.
Real happiness is different. It never changes, nor ceases. It is permanent, everlasting, and it lies there within you. It is sleeping (latent) and might be opened (unlocked). Once it is opened, one is always happy.
I am the source of all happiness — the Sun of Bliss — but there is a cover [curtain] that veils you from the Sun. The Sun is there, shining, spreading its luster all over the world. But you do not allow its rays to approach you; you obstruct them with a veil. Remove that and you will see the Sun.
I will help you open the curtain and enable you to feel happiness within. I love you. I love all.
The young man then asked, "Who do you love more — my mother or Hedi?"
Reassuring Evariste, Baba replied, "I love both. I love all. I have no hatred. Even if you hit me, slap me or spit on me, I would still love you. Your mother is good. Hedi is good, too. Walter is best. I love all.
"I know you think that Hedi deprived your mother of happiness. It is not so; it is not her fault. It is nobody's fault. You must love Hedi equally, as you love your mother. You must also love your mother, not taunt her, prick her. She suffers much.
"Just do this for me: love your mother, love Hedi, love all. Be big-hearted, generous, forgiving, and you will find happiness soon. I will help you."