All this is in accordance with certain pet ideals and prejudices preliminarily formed by each individual from what he has been taught and brought up with from the beginning. It is all from what he has formed after reading a certain type of literature, or after coming in contact with certain saints or Masters or cults with a very narrow margin for other ideals — however better or greater — to creep in and prejudice or affect these already formed and rigidly established.
This is all right and not very difficult for those of the spiritually advanced saints, yogis, swamis, walis, pirs and even Sadgurus who have to work in a certain circle or sphere and prepare their own circle of following according to the ideals and teachings formed by their surroundings. But where a great Avatar has to work, on a worldwide scale, for bringing on a spiritual revival and upheaval all over the world, the scope and dimension of work is very wide, full of "varieties" according to the people, place and circumstances. Sometimes [with an Avatar], one work is quite at variance with another, although leading toward the same spiritual ideal and goal of humanity.
While doing such work for the world as a whole, the Master, even the Avatar — although God-realized and having Infinite Knowledge and Power — has to succumb to the weaknesses and prejudices of those of his disciples and followers whom he tries to bring out of these very weaknesses and prejudices, and also to utilize them to help in his work for the spiritual upliftment of humanity. That is why all this persuading business on my part, so often marked and misunderstood by you.
That is also why I have to regulate my life and work physically according to the laws of the human body (physics), to maintain this medium or vehicle for the work I have to do, and also according to social or religious customs and laws in different places among various people. It is because of the work I have to do for the world. Otherwise, if I had no worldwide duty, why should I care to tolerate and put up with your hundred-and-one weaknesses and prejudices, and keep pampering one or the other almost continually which causes the annoyance of others around, and to the greatest annoyance and suffering to myself?
That is the reason why with a Hindu, I have to be and act as a Hindu (Brahmin or even Untouchable); with a Muslim, I act as a Muslim; with a Parsi, as a Parsi; with a Christian, I act as a Christian, and so forth.