In short, religion, as a living force, has become obsolete! The urgent need of today, to resuscitate religion, is to dig it out of its narrow and dark hidings and coverings, and let the spirit of man shine out once again in its pristine glory.
The most practical thing to do in the world is to be spiritually minded. It needs no special time, place or circumstances. It is not necessarily concerned with anything out of the way of anyone's daily life and day-to-day routine. It is never too late or too early to be spiritual. It is just a simple question of having a right attitude of mind toward lasting values, changing circumstances, avoidable eventualities and a sense of the inevitable.
Spirituality is neither restricted to, nor can it be restricted by, anyone or anything anywhere at any time. It covers all life for all time, yet it can very easily be achieved with selfless service and pure love that know no bondage and seek no boundaries. A mighty surge of this spirituality is about to sweep over the world ...
My blessings to you all.
Although Baba did not meet the public during his stay in Madras, he did have interviews with his intimate lovers. One was with Nana Kher of Nagpur. A few years before, in 1945 at the Damania and Jessawala wedding in Ahmednagar, Nana had asked Baba about his own possible marriage, and Baba had informed him he would instruct him after two years.
Now, in Madras, Baba broached the subject again, reassuring Nana, "If you want to marry, then marry. I give you my permission and blessings."
"I will do as you say," Nana replied.
"Have you ever committed any sexual act with anyone?" Baba asked.
"Never!" Nana answered.
"Then why don't you marry me?" Baba advised. "If you have sexual thoughts, don't worry; but do not put these thoughts into action."
Despite the ardent desire of his parents, Nana never did enter into wedlock and devoted himself entirely to Baba's service.
During this occasion, Baba highly praised Manek Mehta in front of his Bombay group. Three or four early lovers had also come from Bombay. One of them, Homai Merchant, was wondering, "Why is Baba praising Manek so much? He wears long hair and thinks he has become a guru himself, doing as he pleases!"