See the horror done in the name of religion. Look at the recent riots in Delhi born out of ignorance and cruelty occurring between Hindus and Muslims over such childish and trivial causes, all for the sake of religion. At the same time, many false prophets have appeared and hypocrisy is rampant. People nowadays want religious doctrines to suit their own tastes and ideas of life, and the crafty leaders who observe all this and preach accordingly find thousands of followers, while the real workers and sincere believers in Truth and "religion" in the real sense of the word have a hard time impressing their high ideals on the minds of their listeners and turning them towards the same. Such is the 20th century, with all its so-called "civilization," its daily advances and inventions in the sciences.
Baba mentioned Aurobindo Ghose, saying he was an example of an educated, well-read person who was on the Path.1
On 28 June 1926, a Hindu devotee came to see Baba. Usually Baba would permit the man darshan, answer his questions, and give him some instructions. But that day, Baba refused to see him. It turned out that the person had come to speak to Baba about some financial matter. The man's nature was good, Baba explained, "When he first came to Meherabad I asked him which he preferred, God or the world? He answered God, so by coming to ask for my help to solve his financial difficulties, he was shirking from his word. Since he is sincere of heart, to prevent him from doing so, I refused to see him."
The man also wanted to marry and was anxious to have the Master's encouragement. But Baba did not approve, explaining, "For you, marriage would be a great stumbling block in the path to God-realization. But for you to have connection with a woman outside of marriage would be the worst thing imaginable; yet, even marriage will turn out to be a hindrance and a barrier in the Path."
Baba did not encourage him to marry as he had hoped. On other occasions, however, Baba would recommend that certain persons marry.
Baba spoke about marriage on the 28th:
The fact is that if one is not lucky enough to get Realization, or has not surrendered to a Sadguru, or has not married by a special order of his Master, then [ordinary] marriage is nothing but the greatest possible check in his path, let alone [sex] outside of marriage.
Footnotes
- 1.Aurobindo Ghose (1872–1950) contributed to the spread of Eastern religious thought in Europe and America with his prolific writings, which were influenced by Western humanistic philosophy due to the university education he received in England. Baba revealed that Aurobindo was on the sixth plane.