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TriE CHILDREN'S PAGE THE LADIES' PAGE THE HARIJAN PAGE MEHER ASRAMAM, SAIDAPE'f MEHER LEAGUE MEMBERS OF MEHER LEAGUE
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OUR EXCHANGE
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SAYINGS OF MASTER SRI SADGURU MEHER BABA SRI BABA'S 8TH TOUR TO THE WEST ••• BIOGHAPHY OF H. H. SRI MEHER BABA EDITORIAL MEETING THE MASTER-POEM BY PROFESSOR DE.;HMUKH, M.A., PH.D. PRACTICA. L LESSONS ON YOGA THE MUNDAKA UPANISHAD A NATION'S STRENGTH-POEM BY 0MAR THE FAITHFUL
R. W.
EMERSO!"
1
~1 8:
21
Editor: C. V. Sam{:ath ·Aiyangar (Late of Madras Judicial Service.)
RATES OF ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION Inland: Foreign :
Re. 1 (inclusive of postge) Two shillings (inclusive of postge) Single Copy 3 as
Subscriptions should be remitted i" advance to
C. V. RAMANUJACHARLU, Treaaurer, Meher Aaramam,
SAIDAPET. (Madras) Editor's Address :
66, 3rd Cross Road, SANKARAPURAM, Bangalore City,
0
"r.HE
MEHER GAZETTE A Bi-monthly review devoted to the Propagation of Sri Babaji's Message and of Universal Brotherhood Through Meher 1League. VoL. IV]
[No. 1
MARCH- APRIL
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26. Realization of Truth is solei y the concern of the individual. 27. One who has attained Infinite Bliss can make himself.
thou ~ ands
perfect like
28. Materialism and spirituality must go hand in hand. 29. The balance of bead and heart must be maintained (the head for discrimination, the heart fc.r feeling). 30. The book of the heart holds the key to the mystery of life.
SRI BABA'S 8th TOUR TO TI:IE WEST~ November 1934- February 1935. [This diary of Bro. Chanji, which is given in full in this issue, will conc)u. sively prove in what great respect the. Master is held in the \Vest. As the Gita observes. "One, perchance, in thousands of men, strives for perfection; and one perchance, among the blessed ones, striving thus, knows Me in reality". ·, Tne minority gutter press, steeped in materialism, and incliped to sensatio.n alism merely for the purpose of earning a few cowdies more, publish unwarrant£d statement s, which, no doubt, cause temporary excitement among the foolish majorit y• The Master "would rather wish to ignore " these passing event s, but something has to be done by His disci ples. \Ve have therefore the greatest pleasure in publishing the whole diary. Ed.] During the three months of the Master's stay in India, a number of cables and a Jot of corres pondence by Air were exchanged, mainly for the picture In Him the noblest glories meet.
2
THE MEHER GAZETTE
[1935
project. Due to the sudden illness of the principal story writer Dr. K· V, the writing of the first script was delayed, which subsequently delayed the whole project. The work in the other departments however went on, and after certain preliminary arrangements were made at that end, the executives there cabled to the Master," Your coming Now would help every angle". This was due to the Master's express instructions repeatedly given that He should not be called unless it was absolutely essential. But the West needed Him, and they cabled again:,,Need your · presence now (for) creating confidence (in) others (and) certainty (in} artistic (and} financial decisions". This was also followed by another long cable, in which, among other things, it was repeated," ............ Your presence invaluable to quicken results ............ ". And the Master had to go, He left Bombay on the 15th November last by the Anchor linerS. S. Tuscania for Mur~eilles. As usual a number of messages of a loving welcome fia!'hed through the wireless on board. Both from England and Switzerland His devotees wanted to have Him with them during His short stay in Europe this time. The devoted Mertens fclmily of Zurich (Switzerland) were prepared to arrange for a party of twelve with the Master ( 4 accompanying Him from India and other 8 from England) if the Master would go there. They also wired that " there were many waiting" in Zurich - old devotees as well as new ones-all eager to see Him. London, on the other hand, was as enthusiastic and anxious to have Him there. To the Master, all were equal as He loved all, but considering the importance of the work and the facilities of travellmg across the Atlantic to the States, London, of course, was more suitable, and hence preferred. It was indeed a disappointment to those on the coatinent, France, Italy, Switzerland, Germany and Austria, -- for all of whom Zurich in Switzerland would have been the most suitable centre to meet the Master, but if London suited Him better, they submitted lovingly, though much disappointed for missing His personal contact, and conveyed their Jove and greetings through cables and letters. A few however came over to London, and stayed with the Master till He left England. The Master's stay in London, this time, was very short, only 5 days, during which He was busy making arrangements for the American visas for Himself and His party, as also for passage, etc., for the voyage across the Atlantic, and a rail journey further across the States from New York to Holly· wood. He had practically very little time left to see people. A few however were interviewed, and a reception was also arranged at the office of the Circle God's grace dispels ignorance.
1935]
SRI BABA'S 8TH TOUR TO THE WEST
3
Editorial Committee, where some seventy of His devotees and admirers met Him to shake hands, and to have a few words of Love and advice from Him that they needed and sought. The disappointment, for the very short time tho~e who met Him in London had, this time, and also of those who missed Him, due to His very short stay, was great indeed. And when the Master told them that it would be long before they could see Him again, at least a year, since He wished to retire in .seclusion for a long time seeing none, it was heartbreaking! Those alone who love and are loved divinely could realise the deep and intense feeling a Master and His devotees have for each other, and the separat\on they feel and suffer. If two hearts united in a love that is temporal and physical, like Sharin and Fernad, like Leyla and Majnun, like Romeo and Juliet that made their names immortal, what could be the depth and intensity of a love that is Divine, pure and knows no 'sex'. To see these hundreds of hearts, crying out for the love of the Master, especially at the time of separation, is a sight that would make angels weep ! Such love, awakened in hearts of hundreds, who know no bonds or prejudices of different nationalities and races and religions, could be awakened and fed continually through spiritual internal aid and feeling, only by one who is Himself the Purest of the Pure, Divine and above and beyond Sex. A Master, such as the Holy Beloved Baba could alone do it. It is a spiritual phenomenon, without parallel in human history, except during the eras when perfect Masters and Avatars like Budha, Mohamad, Zoroaster, Krir.hna, or Jesus, who lived for the spiritual upheaval of humanity in their times, and inflamed the hearts of thousands in their times and millions afterwards for ages, with a love that is pure, self-less and divine. I write this not from hear-say talks of others, but from actual experience of having witnessed this marvellous phenomenon for years during my intimate contact with the Master. The Master left London on the 5th December for Southampton to embark the 'Majestic' in which He sailed for New York. A large party of His London devotees ac~ompanied Him all the way to Southampton to see Him off. During the two hours in train, they all sat around Him, crowded close together to have the last few moments of His August presence, to be warmed with His' Divine touch and feel, all the while in silence, that throbbed every beat of love, and that bled at the very thought of tht:. separation that was soon coming. They all looked at the Beloved face of the Master whom they all adored, through eyes that were filled with tears that told their own tale. Love such as this could hardly be carnal, selfish or temporal. It was indeed a Divine gift given to the dear ones who alone could appreciate and cherish it. And when the moment arrived to say the last good-bye, the bhaktas separated from Him feeling as if a piece of flesh cut off. They all had to go away taking the frail frame of their body with them, but leaving their hearts with one from whom¡ it could never be taken away, much less separated. Standit¡g on Fear of Gqd must be converted. to Love of God.
4
THE MEHER GAZETTE
[1953
the wharf, and waving their hands anu handkerchiefs at the Beloved Master while the stately ship moved majestically away every moment, they all could not move until the face of the Beloved was out of sight. The five days passed so swiftly like a dream. Messages expressing their love and sense of separation they all felt, as also of a hearty welcome and love from the other end, flashed across the Atlantic through the Wireless of the ' Majestic'. A number of messages was also exchanged for business and other arrangements in New York and Holywood. From Cherburg three of the Master's devotees joined to accompany Him to New York and then to Holywood. The Atlantic is very rough this part of the year, and the huge waves tossed this 56,000 tons gigantic liner, which is said to be the largest in the world like a toy in their bosom. The opposing winds and 'the currents checketl the speed of the boat, and it was delayed one day, arriving in New York on the 12th instead of llth. The two days in New York were extremely busy, when the Master saw people only to talk and discuss about the film business, and very few private interviews were given. But in order to give hundreds of His devotees and admirers who had been anxiously awaiting Him for two years and a half, an opportunity to see Him, a gener,d reception was arranged on the 13th, when about 200 specially selected ladies and gentlemeq saw Him- just to shake hands with Him for a moment, one after the other. There was no time to talk, and even this took about three hours. And although they all would ha ve been delighted to be with Him for sometime, they were satisfied even with this opportunity of seeing Him but for a moment, which they considered a privilege and an honour. The Master left New York on the 14th, and after four days of a rail journey across the country, via Santa Fe, arrived in Hollywood on the 18th Decembt r .
THE STAY IN HOLYWOOD. He was visiting Holl J;wood after two years and a half, during which period, His ardent clevotees awaited Hi s coming, with eagerness, and their joy could b) better imagined than described. The following cable messages of a warm and loving welcon:e speak for therp sel\'es: H'wood
6th December:
Losangeles 11th 17th
" Loving welcome". "Our hearts sing with joy at your coming. dearest love".
,
' All arranged to-morrow morning Pasadena. Awaiting Beloved with eager hearts".
As in London and New York, the Master's visit was to be kept strictly private only with a view to devote all atten~ion to the work of fhe film, for God is near and easy.
Only we have to understand Him.
r
1935]
SRI BABA'S 8TH TOUR TO THE WEST
5
which He was specially invited and He had to go from such a distance. For otherwise, if his presence was made known, visitors would come in numbers, and his whole time would be occupied in seeing them, and the real work for which He had gone there would be considerably delayed, incurring heavy standing expenses of retaining artists, who would not wait indefinitely. )
Hence, during His stay in Hollywood for three weeks, the Master had a very busy time. He had long discussions and talks with his devotees and admirers, who handle the work of producing this spiritual picture. A number of film executives and persons well-versed in various departments of film production, viz, story and scenario writers, artists directors, producers, managers, and others were interviewed, and discussions on various issues of a picture production of this special type were carried on for days. For, it was no easy task to bring about a blending of the material aspect of the picture with th~ spiritual, and present it to the public in an interesting, instructive and appealing manner. Most of these visitors saw the Master for the first time, yet their firsr impression of Him was wonderful, as they themselves declared, and even though they had come to see Him, to talk and discuss the picture project as a business proposition, they were all deeply impressed with His Divine personality, with His masterly and tactful way of handling all the difficult situations that arose during discussions, and His amazing insight in finding solutions on such intricate and difficult problems quite new and foreign to Him, and which baffled their expert heads. Some of them were spiritual too. They at once saw in Him the light of Divinity and pure love which attracted them to Him as if they knew Him and belonged to Him for years. And they readily made a clean breast of their difficulties, and a desire for spiritual enlightenment, and sought His advice, grace and guidance in their aspirations towards the attainment of higher and inner experience of the life beyond the gross. And the Master was graciously pleased to instruct them as He thought fit in each case. And even those who admitted that they didn' t understand a deep and difficult subject like spirituality, saw in Him something charming, superhuman and divine, and felt therllselves drawn towards Him with a love they themseh¡es could not realize. They acknowledged how deeply they were impressed, delighted and honoured to have the privilege of meeting such a charming sweet and loving personality like Baba. They also invited the Holy Master and party to tea at their own residence, and He had been to a few of these, and was very warmly welcomed and lovingly entertained. Baba also visited the Paramount, Universal, Fox, and . Warner Brothers • studios with a party of His devotees. He was also invited by His devotees of the 'SanJ Dunes ' near Oceania, and He paid a visit there with a big party. An interesting account of this visit, Gqd is love.
6
THE MEHER GAZETTE
[1935
and the most exemplary and simple life the inmates of this colony led, their welcome, love and devotion to the Master will be given in the next issue. I shall now proceed with the subject in hand-the picture. The Master, as stated above, worked day and night after this project, interviewing writers, directors, producers, managers and others, discussing with them various issues involved, suggesting ways and means, and guiding them onwards, And eventually, after bringing this project to a practical working basis, He expressed His intention to return to India¡ At first, it gave them all a shock. They said that it was impossible for them to '~ork in this picture without Him. His presence they all said, was quite necessary to inspire and instruct them at every stage. The Master knew it and appreciated their feeling and love for him. Yet, He had decided to return. He therefore explained to them the situation thus: "This picture may take months to produce, or even a year or more, and I can't stay here indefinitely. I have to look to my work outside too--especially in the East, more particularly in India. This picture project is a side work , though important. That is why I came over all this di:;tance in response to your requests and repeated calls, and worked with you to bring it to this practical stage. Now you work it out, as instructed, adhering mainly to the points and the spiritual theme I have dictated. And wherever I am, I will always guide yozt and help you internally. This is my work, and my guiding spirit in this will always enable you to tackle the difficult issue that may arise. So don't at all worry, and proceed with it, all in co-operation, each in his or her individual way, and remember, I am always with you ............ ". They all loved the Master too well to.need further explanation, and although they would feel his separation very keenly, they submitted, though with breaking hearts, and the Master left. All hearts cried out in love and devotion for the One who was to them their 'all-in-all '. A number of messages, seut by His devotees by cables, by post and by wireless speak for themselves: Tney are given below. They give an idea how the \Vest loves and adores our Master. The Master left Los Angelos on the 7th of January by train for Vancouver, where He arrived on the lOth. During the three days H~ received at different stations e1~ route 12 cable messages from His devotees. And at Vancouver a huge mail, sent by Air was awaiting Him. He embarked the " Empress of Canada" on the 12th and &'1iled from Vancouver the same day, arriving at Hongkong on the 1st February. Here he had to change boat. He was received in Hongkong by Mr. R. E. Desai and Mr. S. Pestonj.i, and was invited and entertained by Mr. Desai and his family at their residence. He left Hongkong the same day by the" Fushimi Maru" arriving at Colombo on the 13th. All along the voyage accross the Pacific, messages of love and devotion from His devotees in America, England and on t!la Continent, flashed on the wireless. From Colombo He took train for India. Enroute, He was received and weiGod is supreme.
1935]
SRI BABA'S 8TH TOUR TO THE WEST
7
corned by His dear devotees of Madras at the Egmore station, from where they accompanied Him to the Central, and had talks with Him for over an hour before the train left. The Master arrived at Meherabad on the 16th of February, which was His birthday.
SOME LETTERS AND CABLES REFERRED TO ABOVE. (1)
London, 15th January 1935. Dear Master, Your mission in the physical earthly life has appealed to my soul through the medium of your heavenly countenance. I will follow wheresoever you lead ... .. .... ......... . ... ..
R. (Artiste) (2) Beloved Master .
Bath, 2nd January 1935.
...... Give me strength and tact, and help me to do the right thing ........... . Yours most gratefully, M. T. (3) Dear Mr. B.
Worthing (Eng). 21st January 1935.
I am so glad to have the books which arrived this morning. I agree with every word of them because my mind did not contain a single thought or conviction at variance with Sri Meher Baba's teaching. I am now anxious to meet him. useful work for him ................. .
I feel sure that I could do some sort of
H.K. [N.B.-This was written to a disciple of Sri Baba.] (4) Kent, 28th January 1935. Dear Master, Again I send you loving greetings on the occasion of your birthday. When at our last meeting I confessed to you my arrogance at a previous meeting, and you so lovingly and forgivingly shook your head, it was then that All things are full of God.
8
THE MEHER GAZETTE
[1935
my heart turned in full allegiance to you. I feel indeed that it is divine love that stretches out to us burdened and sad humanity, and I thank you for it with all my heart. Please help that my understanding grows, and may I be permitted to meet you again .......... .. Your devoted follower.
E.R. Hollywood, 17th January 1935. (5)
My beloved Baba .
•
... .. .. .. ... 1 do miss you so very much and think of you constantly ........... . your name is constantly on our lips ......... I hope the day may come when I shall never be parted from you again ........... . (6)
X
London, February 1st. This is just to send a little birthday love, and best wishes for a very happy time ............ All my love, sweetest flower in all the world .......... .'.
z (7)
London, February 1st. This is your birthday letter. I wish you could come over and have tea and dinner with us ............... vVe spent the evening with some friends, and you were the topic of conversation ......... Lots of love. Ph. (8)
London, February 1st. ............ All my love, dearest Baba, and I hope you have a very happy birthday .......... ..
z I
FROM LONDON GROUP. (9)
Glad birthday greetings to the dear Master who has encircled, inspired and uplifted me.
H. T. H. (10)
My love to you
P. S. (11)
AI ways thinking of you ... All things tell us of God.
A. R.
1935]
SRI BABA'S 8TH TOUR TO THE WEST (12)
My love, and thanks
9
, 1
(13)
Thank you, very much, dear Master. You have helped us.
V. D.
(14)
My love, I think of you every day
... V. V.D.
(15) Alllove ... ...... heart and soul.. ...... to-day is the meeting} Countess at my house . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. K. P. (16)
To Baba, with L0ve for His birthday
D
(17)
G. B.
With gratitude and love (18)
Thank you for your help, with all my love
V. G.
(19)
T. P.
Best wishes
(20) With the hope of an early meeting
L. B.
(21)
]. E.
And I hope to meet you soon (22)
I am exceedingly anxious to meet you
P. E.
(23) VVith all my kindest wishes and love
c. s.
(24)
Many happy returns of our birthday
N.C.
(25)
A lovely evening with you here
St.
(26) All my love
R. (27)
L.
Lots of love God is the ever-appetizing nectar.
THE MEHER GAZETTE
10
[1935
CABLE MESSAGES. 28. London. · 19th February 1935. Loving greetings Wilmar, two-kits, Goldsmith, Wincom,-London .. group; 29.
Lond01~.
17th February 1935:
Love.
Kimco.
30 . .Ileldmei}en. (Switzerland). 15th February 1935. Swiss celebrating send love. 31. Hollywood.
16th February .1935.
Remembrance and adoration.
Minta Trinity.
32. Holl:ywood. 17th February 1935: Elinorina, Erojay, Nadia. 33. Milan.
(Italy).
Happy voyage. Love
Love our beloved One.
11th January 1935. Looking forward joyful reunion. M. E.
34. H'wood 11th January • ... . .. ... Farewell beloved
E. N.
35. West Losangales (Calif) 12th January. I send you deep love and much gratitude for all your beautiful help,. Stop. I wish you were still here that I might again hold your hand. Stop..... ... -... I remember the days you told me to wait but somehow my heart is sad. Will you send me strength.
M.
36. H' wood 18th January. Love
R.N.
...
37. H'wood 29.th January. Sent American Exp.ress. 38. H'wcod 31st January.
Love
a~I.
OKay 3,9. H'wood 8th February. Eternal love
M. R.N.
40. H'wood Sth February. Please send ............ care Banktru.st N. Y· Love
...
N
41. H'wood 8th February.
Approve Lederer for David Reply.
Longing
M.
4'2. L' Angeles 15th February. Work progressing favo111rably , Need Your help now. Love GQd is bent on saving us.
G ..
~ 1935]
11
BIOGRAPHY OF SRI MEHER· BABA
43. · New York 17th February. lAm in New York discussing d ............... which I do not want. Please send spiritual help-stop. Re~ur ning Hollywood soon to work on your story. No wo.r d from Garbo which m.akes me very sad and empty. Stop. Beautiful Baba I hope YC!U receive this on your birthday. I send you my heart which is full of love for you '
M.
44. H'wood 21st February. Eternal Love . ..
G.
BIOGRAPHY OF HIS HOLINESS SRI MEHER BABA. CHAPTER X. We shall give a short account of H. H. Sadguru Upasni Maharaj. Sadgurus take upon themselves the burden of saving persons who approach · them with reverence and do not cavil. They can also save the worst sinners. This truth is illustrated by the episode of the King-Saint Uparicharavasu, told in the Mahabharata (Santi Parva, Moksha Dharma). By the curse of a Rishi · he had to spend his time in the Patala (nether regions) , the land of the demons. As he was a devotee of the one God, those demons began to harass him with · their weapons, but without success. Tney then sought the advice of their preceptor Sukracharya, who told them that he would be invulnerable as long as he was devoted to the One God. They disguised as brahmans, went to him and advised him to give up the one God, who had neglected him. But the Saint, who was steadfast in his love to his own God, pitied the unfortunate demons, and prayed that these might become good mim. His prayer had immediate effect. Thus the power of salvation manifested in our King ·Saint, who was a member of His Holy Church. All the . saviours of the world have done this service to God. His Holiness Sadguru Upasni Maharaj is such a Saint. Kashinath Govindrao Upasni was born on 15th May 1870 at Satana in the district of Nasik of the Bombay Presidency. Even as a child he took much delight in offering prayers to God, and hearing religious sermons. The child was father of the man in his case; that is, the character of the future saint was developed from what he had when he was a child. He was courteous, modes t, generous and devout. His grandfather Gopalrao was invited to attend a marriage ceremony. The aged gentleman could not attend it personally,. and so he sent Kashinath with his mother Rakhmabai, as his representative. The learned Gopalrao was always held in high esteem, and a seat was always reserved f9r him in all public and private functions. In the marriage function ' God's grace is Free.
12
THE MEHER GAZETTE
[1935
Kashinath was requested by the host to occupy the seat reserved for his grandfather. But Kasinath declined to accept the honour saying " I am not as great as my grandfather. I do not deserve the honour which is his due." All who heard him say so were surprised at the modesty of the young lad, and one of them, an aged gentleman said to him. "You are the cub of a lion. You will yourself become a lion". (To be continued).
Editorial.] Sri Baba's birthday was celebrated on the 16th February in His Asramam at Saidapet (Madras). What is the relation, between Him and us, who follow Him ? It is the relationship of Lord and Leige as described by Lakshmana in KishkindhaKanda of the Ramayana. To the question of Hanuman. " What are thy motives in following Rama ? " Lakshmana answered : " I follow Him, because I am not mine but His; and this union (as of subject and predicate) is further confirmed by the Divine perfections of His character captivating me to Himself. From the relation of this love of union, of esteem and of admiration, proceeds my service to Him,-service such that the natural rights Rama has of buying and selling me, demand". It is time that there are some unfortunate people-they are only a fewwhe have not understood Him. Self-esteem, vanity, and ignorance mark these men. There is little of divinity in them, much less reverence for Divine Saints. We pity them, and warn them in the words of Butler, "Egoism or the itch of speaking always of a man's self shows he is intoxicated with the poison of selflove, refers everything to himself, and is his own centre, than which scarce anything can be more odious and offensive to others". Grateful submission to spiritual discipline is the only panacea for this disease.
MEETING THE MASTER. (1)
(3)
My heart yearns To meet the Beloved. With eagerness It longs for Baba.
He stands still Effulgent and radiant With the splendour Of Holy perfection. (4)
(2) Seeing that longing Of one forlorn He comes to me With steady steps.
0, for words to sing Of His transcendent Beauty Which chases away All traces of impurity. God is the Guru in the heart.
1935]
13
PRACTICAL LESSONS ON YOGA (5)
(9)
My eyes behold That Divine Revelation Of Peace and Holiness Love and Insight.
But His gracious eyes Which do not chide Give to me the assurance Of a Love Divine.
(10)
(6}
Like a piece of camphor Sending up a golden flame My heart pours its devotion At His Sacred feet.
And so my heart Takes courage to pray : "Good or bad, Take me up into You."
(7)
(11)
And I am oblivious Of the entire world When He looks at me, As from the windows of Eternity.
And like the moon's rays Flowing from the blue sky In peace-imparting ripples, His Love Divine engulfs me.
(8) In that moment I feel very small Through the percepion Of my dark failings.
Prof. Deshmukh.
PRACTICAL LESSONS ON YOGA. (BY SWAMI SRI SIVANANDAJI).
[Continued from page 126 of the last issue.]
10. When you are deeply engaged in solving a mathematical problem, you do not hear any sound though your friends shout loudly by your side. Tram cars and motor cars roll down the street. If you are deeply engaged in something, you do not hear them-Why ? Because your mind was not linked with the organ of hearing. The indriyas cannot do anything by themselves. They need the help of their Master, the Mind, at every moment. It is the mind that sees, hears, tastes, smells and feels. The indriyas simply trasmit the sense vibrations from outside to the mind.
il. If Satva predominates in the mind, thoughts of God, Brahma Vichara (enquiry into Truth) will manifest. The mind will be one pointed. Tne meditative mood will come by itself without any exertion. 12. 1n spiritual neophytes the Satvic state of mind wiil not last for a long time. Rajas and Tamas will try to rush in. You will have to be very vigi lant. You will have to watch the mind through thoughtful introspection. 13. Your important duty is to increase the Satva in the mind. man will be ever virtuous, god-loving, dispassionate and powerful. God is all-absorbing Love.
A satvic
14
THE MEHER GAZETTE
[1935
14. A rajasic man will be ever eng~ged in worldly activities. He wants to lord over people. He has a domineering attitude. He wants powers. He is much attached to wife, children and property. Rajas, Pandits and rich people are full of rajas. 15. Just as you squeeze out the tooth paste from the collapsible tube, you will have to squeeze out all rajas from this bodily tube and fill it with sattwa. Then you will become a Dhyana Yogin. 16. The doors or impurities of the mind-Rajas and Tamas, should be removed by heating. the mind with the fire of Vairagya and Abhyasa (dispassion and spir.itual practices- Sadhana). (To be continued).
THE MUNDAKA UPANISHAD. (Continued). 3. He whose Agnihotra is devoid of Darsa, Pournamasa, and Chathurmasya Yagnas, is not done in proper time, where no guests are invited, is devoid of VaiswadeYa Yagna, or is not properly offered,-such a person destroys his seven worlds. [This is a very important mantra. Every day in the year a man on the Path has to perform Yagna. In short his whole life is a sacrifice. He should be hospitable to his guests, he should reverence learned men, and he should do everything properly. If he doeÂť not do so, he cannot understand the seven worlds which are !n him-Bhuh, Bhuvha, Swab, Maha, Jaua, Tapah and Satya. Such an unselfish Yagna or sacrifice is the real sacrifice ,to the one God Parabrahmam-and so it is called Agnihotra sacrifice.] 4. Kali, Karali, Manojava, Sudhumravarna, Sulohita Sphulingini and the brilliant Visvarupi are the seYen flickering tongues. [Kali = the black one ; Karali = the terrific one; Manojava = as swift as the mind; Sulohita=the very red one; Sudhumtavarma =of purple colour; sphulingini = sending forth sparks ; Visvarupi = Omni-present. The One God is described thus. The Omnipresent God has all these characteristics, Vide 8th Mantra: 1st Chapter: 2nd Mundaka. 5. If a person performs Yagna in proper time into these respendent things -they, in the form of the rays of the Lord, will take him to the world of the One God, who is the lord of all shining ones. (This important Mantra .tells us that when a person works in the name of the Lord, by His Grace he will attain Godhead). God's Love radiates through Saints.
1935]
OMAR THE FAITHFUL
15
6. These resplendent offerings welcome him saying, "come, come, this is the holy Brahman-world obtained by your good deeds". Thus praising the Yajaman (sacrificer) with sweet words carry him by the grace of the Aimighty {rays of Surya or God). [The Santi says poetically that the disinterested Yogi attains Godhead by His grace]. {To be continued).
A ¡ NATION'S STRENGTH. {1) Not gold, but only man can make A people great and strongMer. who, for truth and honour's sake, Stand fast and suffer long. (2) Brave men who work while others sleep, \Vho dare while others flyThey build a nation's pillar deep, And lift them to the sky.
R. W.
EMERSON¡
OMAR THE FAITHFUL. It is absurd to say that Islam preac'1ed religious bigotry and nothing else. Just as Vaishnavaism of Sri Ramanujacharya was misunderstood and misused by His senseless followers, so was the Islam of the Prophet Muhammad. The Prophet was all kindness and purity. Let us for a moment read the life of the f:J.mous Caliph Omar Ibn Al-Khattab, who sacceeded the first Caliph Abu Bekr. During the reign of Omar, Islam, in its pristine glory, spread far and wide. He founded great cities like Bassora, and gave an impetus to trade and industry. He was so kind that he supplied food for the wearied travellers wl o had to cross deserts in those days. He was very simple in his habits but brave. He commanded his soldiers victoriously on the battle-field, and also said his prayers along with the poor people. He lived like a poor man. He would not take a pie from the public coffer. He used to say: " Everything belongs to the Lord. I am only His servant. I need no costly 'clothes. I require only two garments, one for the summer and one for the winter. 1 have no right to take any money from the public funds. I can take a little of the public money only when I have not enough of my own to visit holy places and to support my family'. This is Vedanta. Once an ambassador from Greece visited the great Omar, the Caliph. The former was dressed in costly robes. The latter was sleeping under a date-tree in his plain dress. The Caliph woke up and spoke words of wisdom to the ambassador. The visitor immediately embraced the faith of Islam. We can enjoy the Omnipresent God.
16
THE MEHER GAZETTE
[1935
The great Caliph was so kind to his servants that he often asked them to ride his camel, and he himself led the animal ! He used to say that he wished to be as humble as a straw. He said that his best friend was he who showed him his faults. Such was this great and noble Caliph, one of the first exponents of Islam. True Islam and True Hinduism and True Christianity are the same. Then why. should we fight over non-essentials and cut one another's throats? With much pleasure we publish the fo!lowing information sent to us by the Assistant Secretary of Bombay Humanitarian League:All-India Humanitarian Day. To be celebrated on 16th April 19 35, South Lallubhai Dipchand )haveri's Appeal. Sadhu T. L. Visvani, the great Humanitarian oi India, in his address as President, All-India Humanitarian Conference (7th Sessions) held in Bombay on 21- 22-23rd October 1934, suggested as under:"I wished we celebrated every year a Pashu- Pakshi day. This day may be associated with the birthday of Mahavir. We may also celebrate a Dumb Friends' Day on October 4, sacred as the anniversary of St. Francis. He, after Jesus, more than any one else, brought into the West .the Faith regarding kinship of all sentient life. He was a lover of brother bird and beast_ To us of India this Faith is as ancient as the hills-the Faith of the Buddha and Mahavir and of the Vedic Rishis who said, "Look upon all sentient beings with friendly eyes". The All-India Humanitarian Conference took up the suggestion and unanimously resolved as under :" Resolved that Chaitra Sudi 13th be observed as the ]iva Daya Day_ The Day be celebrated on a wide scale and that the schools, colleges, youth leagues, and religious socities throughout India be requested to observe the Day with a view to strengthen the }Iumanitarian sentiment", As per above resolution the first " All-India Humanitarian Day" falls on 16th April 1935, the day on which Sri Mahavir, the apostle of Ahimsa, was born. Ever since his birth the creed of Aimsa began to be popu[ar in India, and Sri Mahavira's life proved to be an ideal for the same. The people of other countries look to it with reverence: and to the world Sri Mahavir's life is Ah imsa incarnate.
Programme: It therefore beloves all humanitarians to commemorate this noble principle, so nobly exemplified by Sri Mahavir, by celebrating His Anniversary Day as AU-India Humanitarian Day in all enthusiasm in the following manner: Absence of God is pain and sickness.
17
THF CHILDREN'S PAGE
1935] 1.
To hold public meetings and arrange lectures on "Ahimsa ".
ii. To arrange debates, lectures, mcitations etc., in schools. iii. To feed the helpless dumb creatures and poor men as a token of love and sympathy. iv. To do practical acts of kindness, prevent cruelty, save animals from slaughter and diffuse knowledge of Ahimsa by lectures or literature. v. The editors of newspapers should be good enough to publish articles and write editorials in favour of the noble creed of Ahimsa. vi. Humanitarian societies or public bodies should appeal to Municipalities, Native Princes or the Government to prohibit all cruelty and slaughter on this pious day of' Non-Destruction' and arrange such other items of humanitarian interest. I trust, the Humanitarian Societies, including cow protection societies and others will organise celebrations of the" All-India Humanitarian Day" on the above lines in their respective districts and thus respect the resolution of the All-India Humanitarian Conference. Samples of literature and other particulars can be obtained from: Lallubhai Dipchand ]haveri. March 1935, ( 149, Shroff Bazar, Bombay 2.
f
President, The Bombay Humanitarian League.
THE CHILDREN'S PAGE "How sharper than a serpant's tooth it is To have a thankless child". Shakespeare. According to Manu, father, mother and Acharya go together. "The suffering which the mother and father endure in the birth of children cannot be compensated, even in a hundred years. "Let him do always what is pleasant to these two, and also to the Acharya; in the satisfaction of these three all the fruit of austerity is obtained. "The services of these three is called the highest austerity; without the permission of these let him not perform other duties. "For verily these are the 1hree worlds and the three Ashra~as; these also are said to be the three Vedas and the three fires. "The householder _who neglets not these three will conquer the three worlds, and in a shining body he will rejoice, as a Deva in heaven. Do not misuse the God-given body.
18
[1935
THE MEHER GAZETTE
"As long as .these three live, so long let him not do ought else; let him ever do service to them, intent on what is pleasant and beneficial. "In honouring these three all is achieved that should be done by man; this is plainly the highest duty; all other is called a lesser duty". Arrogance and haughtiness are qualities which increase the distance between children and their parents, whereas humility creates the love¡emotion between them. The former destroy the peace of families, whereas the latter strengthen their happiness. Says a great writer in connection with the duties of a young man or woman. "His parents are given to him by his {>rambdha Karma ............ therefore the duty of reverence and trust and submission without reserve, short of what involves the commission of a positive sin, is desirable towards parents, even if they are not as loving and considerate as parents ought to be ... . .. " I am afraid children do not understand this important point for the simple reason that their parents or teachers do not know their duties. Modern education given to our children is no 'education' but merely ' learning' given to them to earn a few rupees. Children are becoming impertinent and domestic felicity is slowly disappearing. It is true we are manufacturing 'learned' young men, but an 'educated' young man or woman, who understands the object of life, is a rara avis. Dear children, be obedient to your parents. Love them, Let not a few rupees you may eam metamorphose you into ungrateful children. Let Sri Rama be your ideal. His father asked him to go to the forest. But his peerless son loved his father all the more and would not allow him break his vow. What shall we say of his love even to the inhuman Kaikeyi, his step-mother ? Let your love to your parents spring from your hearts: Do not be Pecksniffs I repeat. " How sharper than a serpent's tooth it is To have a thankless ch~ld? ".
THE
LADIES~
PAGE.
Sutrakara Harita, who was a contemporary of Apastamba, lays dowiJ rules in respect of the early traintng of girls:-
~hese
" ......... All sacramental rites for women be conducted with Vedic mantras (Chandasa). Among them there are two classes. Brahmavadi.ns .(those who study the Vedas), and those who marry. So far as Brahmavadins are concerned. Upanayana, Agni Samskara, Vedic study at home, and poverty are enjoined"It is therefore clear that Brahmavadinis studied the Vedas and became scholars like Maitreyi and others. Educated mothers alone can produce educated children. Eternal service to God must be our prayer.
'
1935]
HARIJAN PAGE
19
Education on the line of ancient Brahmacharya is absolutely necessary for both boys and girls. Neglect of this discipline is the cause of our present unfortunate condition. Apastamba gives us a timely warning in his dharma· sutras :"To the vows of brahmacharya is applied the term Tapas. By transgression thereof, knowledge, energy, and spirituality flow away from him (the student) as well as his progeny, followed by a fall into the abyss and a shortened life; so that no Rishis are born among the modern people because of the transgression of the vows (of brahmacharya). If any are born again as a result of their past acts, they become Rishis by learning, like Shewetaketu ". The vows of brahmacharya apply both to boys ar.d gitls. As was observed by one of our great men, "It should be borne in mind that without improving the physical, intellectual as well as moral and spiritual culture of women we can never hope to win back the ancient vigour of our race".
HARIJAN PAGE. Monier Williams in his" fndian Wisdom" observes;- " Caste, a social institution, meaning thereby conventional rules which separate the grades of society, exists, of course, in all countries. In England, caste in this sense exerts no slight authority. But with us caste is not a religious institution." "On the contrary, our religi on, though it permits differences of rank, teaches us that such differences are to be laid aside in the worship of God, and that in His sight all men are equal. Very different is the caste of the Hindus. The Hindu believes that the Deity regards men as unequal, that he created distinct kinds of men as he created varieties of birds or beasts; that I3rahmanas, Kshatriya«, Vaishyas and Shudras are born and must remain distinct from each other ............ ". This professor may be a very learned Sanscrit scholar. But a person who had the audacity to characterise the three chief religion ~ , Is lam, Buddhism and Brahmanism (perhaps he meant ' Hinduism ') as " false" cannot be expec ted to give usa true account of these great religions. Paudita Gu tu Datta Vtdyarthi has shown in his " Wisdom ol the Rishis " that the Professor was quite wrong in his assertions. The 2nd Mantra of the 26th Adhyaya of the Yajur Veda is: "I (God} have g·iven word (Revelation} which is the word of salvation for aU peopie, Brah manas, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, Shudras, and even Ati Shudras. Therefore, regard no one as unequal among yourselves, but try to be Jo .: ed by all wise people, to distribute gifts among all, and always desire the well -being of all". Lord Sri Krishna said so in many places in the Gi ta. The assertion of the Professor that the HinduDeity regards men as unequal is stupid. To know God, love God and serve God.
20
THE MEHER GAZETTE
[1935
Manu says that " All people are born sudras, but by samskara or by virtue of their acquisitions and accomplishments (guna karma swabhava) they become Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, etc.-When the oldest and noblest of all religions (no religion is ' false') teaches that God treats every created being equally, why should ignorant man treat his own brother and sister inhumanly ? There is nothing like ' untouchability • in the Hindu religion.
MEHER ASRAMAM. Saidapet: (Madras) 1, Members of Meher League assemble here, and spend sometime in meditation. They medidate and practice the virtue of " Perseverance" in March and ' " Contentment" in April. 2, Earnest spiritual aspirants may go to the Asramam at any time and meditate in that quiet place. 3. Arrangement is being made for opening a Municipal library for poor people in the Asramam. 4. Our dear Master's birthday was celebrated this year on the 16th February in the Asramam. He is now in Nasik (Bombay Presidency). 5. The B hagvatgita class is now being regularly held in the residence of the Vice-President, Vadivelu Mudaliar.
MEHER LEAGUE. When His Holiness Sri Sadguru Meher Babaji graced Saidapet with His Presence the following resolutions, among others, were passed in His immediate presence:i. That a League called " Meher League" be formed with the object of promoting Universal Brotherhood. ii. That ali persons, who are aged 15 and above might become members of the League. iii. That the only condition for becoming a member is that he or she should undertal\e in writing to promote Universal Brotherhood in thought, word ~nd deed. iv. That the League should spread the message of our Divine Lord, Meher Babaji viz., Universal Brotherhood. His Holiness Sri Meher Babaji is the patron of the League. God desires our heart.
1935]
21
OUR EXCHANGE
President: Mudaliar.
C. V. Sampath Aiyangar,
Vice-President;
M. Vadivelu
Treasurer: C. V. Ramanujacharlu. Secretaries : Sister V. T. Lakshmi M.A., L.T., M.R.A.s. K. S. Srinivasan. (N.B.-Those who wish to join Meher League may apply to:C. V. Sampath Aiyangar, 66, 3rd Cross Road, Sankarapuram, Bangalore City, or V. T. Lakshmi, M.A., L.T., M.R.A.S. (same address as above).
"MEMBERS OF MEHER LEAGUE.'' BROTHERS:
341. 342. 343. 344. 345. 346. 347. 348.
S. V. V. N. C. A. S. T.
Ramaswami. Lakshman. K. Padmanabhachari. Purushothaman. Rajamannar. R. Loganadham. V. Thiagarajan. S. Narayana Rao.
SISTER.
349. Esther E. Ross. BROTHER.
350. Kozippurath Veerappa Menon.
OUR EXCHANGE. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16.
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~~~"'~~rt.:::r1'!~~~®1!®lltt®!I!®DI!®ll{)~ P rinted at The Sola r P rinti ng Works. 64, J een is Road , &idapet a nd Published by . C. y, Sampath Aiyangar, the P res ident of 1\feher L eague, Meher Asram a m , Saidapet , {1\'bdras) E di tor: C. V. Sampath Aiyangar.