I wish Parsis would try to think of me and know me. Their jovial nature, and "who-knows-what-may-happen-tomorrow" attitude, I like. But, if from among them, even a few out of love for me and my cause, boldly come out and do my work, it would really be splendid. Let them work and enjoy, and do their duty by their family; but, at the same time, their good luck should help them to have a thought about me once in a while.
Messages, discourses, worship, devotional music will not make anyone reach the Goal. They have no value in themselves. What is wanted is jigar [heart, courage].
As Hafiz says: "He who does not lose his life [in love for God] will not find it."
What is the meaning of laying down one's life? Soldiers by the millions lose their life in battle; others by committing suicide. But this is not what is meant. Here the meaning is that one has to carry out the wish of the Master and die at every step! I have explained about obedience and love to and for me. If followed implicitly, that would really make you lose yourselves in me.
Baba had Gustadji narrate a story illustrating how mischievous Parsi boys could be. Gustadji began with his silent hand gestures, "Two Parsi boys were arguing in front of God above ..."
Interrupting, Baba gestured, "There is no 'above' and 'below.' Everything is here in the Divine Ocean itself. God alone exists everywhere. The sun, moon, stars, planets, solar systems, innumerable universes — all are mere bubbles in this Ocean."
Gustadji continued, describing how the boys outwitted the Devil himself.1 Baba then stated:
If Parsi lads are so daring as to fight and outsmart the very Devil — how great it would be for you, if you would love me, obey me, and not leave me on any account!
Think of me continuously, and you will see me and find me everywhere. Although born in the Parsi community, to me all religions are one. I wish that no one would breathe his last without at least having a glimpse of me. Do read God Speaks . I would like every one of you to possess a copy.
Footnotes
- 1.The gist of Gustadji's tale was as follows: Parsi boys have a notorious reputation of being terribly mischievous, so much so that it was said that even the Devil would be scared to accost them. The rumor of this dubious reputation somehow spread and eventually reached the ears of the Devil himself. Sensing a challenge, the Devil decided to verify the situation. One fine day, some of these boys gathered and decided to have a game of cricket. They went to an open ground to play. The Devil sensed this as an opportunity to confront them and frighten them. Assuming the form of an ass, he slinked onto the corner of the ground and started to graze on the grass, waiting for an opportunity to scare the wits out of the boys. For some time nothing happened. The boys continued playing their rough and tumble type of cricket. One of the boys, while fielding in the deep outfield, happened to notice the donkey grazing. He abandoned the game, rushed to the animal and jumped on its back. Seeing him, the rest of the gang followed suit and there was a mad rush and scramble to get on the donkey's back. Since there was no room left for the hindmost, the last boy ran back to the middle of the ground and returned with one of the stumps. Pushing it into the rectum of the donkey, the boy jumped on to the protruding stump and they all began to goad the animal to run. Sensing fatal danger to his life, the Devil panicked. Instead of trying to frighten the boys, he thought it best to beat a hasty retreat. Shrugging off all those terrible fellows from his back, he simply vanished. Such was the reputation of Parsi boys!