When I tell you I forgive you, what happens? Then your bindings in duality become loose, and it does not take time to forgive. Suppose there is a stack of hay. A single lighted match can set it aflame in no time at all. What is this pile? Mere scraps of straw [sanskaras]! So for me, whatever your accumulated dirt and refuse of sins, it takes me no time to burn them. Divine forgiveness burns them away in no time.
So, I forgive you, Shastriji. Don't worry about thoughts. Always take my name. Let any thought come; don't worry, but continue repeating my name.
I have explained this to the mandali two or three times before; I tell it to you today. It is a good example. When mosquitoes bite you, you come down with malaria. As a preventative, you use a mosquito net. Despite it, the mosquitoes buzz outside and are ready to bite you. But the mosquito net saves you from being bitten, and consequently, you do not suffer from malaria. Now, mosquitoes are your thoughts, and the mosquito net, either old or new, good or bad, is my name, contact and company. When you are within the mosquito net [Baba's name] even hoards of mosquitoes buzzing outside [your thoughts, good or bad] will not touch you and you will be saved from malaria [bindings]. So always think of Baba's name, and whatever thoughts you might have, don't worry about them.
Shastri had had a passing doubt about Meher Baba's Avatarhood, which disturbed his mind. Without telling Baba about it, he had prayed for his forgiveness, and Baba resolved everything without asking for any explanation. This incident made Shastri's faith in Baba firm.
After this, Baba was quiet, just smiling for a while. Then he said:
Now I will tell you in five minutes about the gift of love which I want to give you. I again remembered it at 2:00 A.M. this morning. Don't immediately stand up moved by emotion, but first ask your conscience if you can live the life I wish you to live. If honestly you think you can do it, then lead such a life. But let not your ego make you say it.