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"MEHER ASRAMAM " : (Saidapet, Madras)

A Bi monthly review devoted to · the Propagation of Sri Babaji's Message and of Universal Brotherhood Through Meher League.

Vol. VI ]

No 2

MAY-JUNE

\Vhere is ignorance : vV here sorrow for him who bas seen the One in Many?- Yaj u r Veda. ~

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T hat is real service \ Vhere the re is no thought of self at a ll.

SRI MEH ER BAI3A. [ Sri Baba : Born February 25. 1894 : became Sadguru before 1921.]

Subscription : Annual, Inland Re . I . Foreign 2 sh. or 50 cents with postage.

Single copy 3 as. or 6 cents .

CONTENTE PAGE 49

About the Master Diary by F. H. Dadachanji

49

Welcome

52 l

With my God-man and His God-mad by Princess Norina Matchabelli 53 ;

His aspect .of Love by Delia DeleC}n

58

Life in the ashram at Nasik bv kitty davy

59

Brahmacharya is a precious J ewe ] by Swami S ivanandji

63

Editorial

64

Our New Publication

66

In the Book man's note book of the Illustrated weekly of India

67

The ' ' Vision" (Anandashram Anniversary Number,

68

Thoughts for the months

68

Meher League

69

Our Exchange

69

THE MEHER GAZETTE Editor : C. V. Sa111path Aiyangar, (Late of Madras Judic ial Serv ice)

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C. V . SAMPATH AIYANGAR, 6, Meher Asramam, Brahmin Street, SAIDAPET, (Madras .

THE

MEHER GAZETTE A Bi-monthly review devoted to the Propagation of Sri Babaji's Message and of Universal Brotherhood Through Meher League.

Vol, VI ]

MAY-JUNE 1937

No 2

About the Master.

Sri Baba is now in Meherabad. He spends some days in Nasik also, where some of His ardent Western disciples stay in a temporary asramam or retreat-- Five of them left India in ] une by S. S. Rawalpindi.

Diary]

[By F. H. Dadachanji OF THE MOVEMENTS AND ACTIVITIES OF THE MASTER.

Since the publication of the last diary, an important shift has occurred in connection with one of the Ashrams conducted by Shri Baba- The Mad Ashram run at Rahuri for the God-intoxicated and spiritually-dazed souls, and also conducting a free dispensary, has been removed to Meherabad, Ahmednagar, in the beginning of May. The true reason for this sudden change at the present moment is known only to the Master who, we all know, has always a purpose in establishing or demolishing Ashrams or such other institutions of public utility and service. Yet, the apparent reason. as explained, is the approaching mon!\oon season when the river at Rahuri is flooded and makes the crossing impossible, with- holding all vehicular traffic.

And Work is a great blessing-

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MEHER GAZETTE

Shri Baba, as we know, has to move between Meherabad, Rahuri and Nasik every week. If he is stuck up at Rahuri during the flood in the river, his two Ashrams at Meherabad and Nasik would suffer through his absence which , for the Western group residing at the Nasik Retreat> would mean something unbearable. These dear devotees have come here all the way from the West to have the benefit of his "sahavas" (company) and be tr1lined under his personal guidance and instructions. How they long always to be with him, under all conditions of hardships and anywhere he may choose to have them, is known only to those who have seen ample evidence and proofs of their love and devotion for him and his company. And none knows it better than Baba himself.

Besides, the Mandali at Meherabad too would seriously miss him, and his work there would suffer in his absence. As the only remedy to avoid all these complications, Baba thought of having the two Ashrams at one place, so that the working of these both could be managed smoothly and more effic iently.

It should however be remembered that this is merely a removal from one phce to another of the entire Ashram at Rahuri with all its inmates and the Mandali. None of these have been sent away. The work of feeding and bath ing and other personal treatment by Shri Baba to all these God-mad men continues as before in the new and separate colony established for them at Meherabad at a little distance from the old colony already in ex isten ce there.

This is nothing new to the Mandali and those who know Babaone of his ine xplicable moves in the pattern of his great work for humanity, in anticipation of the coming events into which the move fits.

The shifting of his abode and Ashram fr:om Rahuri, and more especially the free dispensary which served over 150 patients daily have quite naturaliy caused no small concern and grief to the hundreds .of the patients who had been benefitted by having their ailments treated ' quite free of charge during the ~~~J three months of the ¡ opening of the new dispensary. Many of these poor people shed tears when they knew of the shift. Apart from the question of the marvellous cures effected at the dispensary, the disappointment at the prospect of missing the Master's regular "dar!'han" and " sahavas" (company) to which they bad been accu!:itomed all these months, and which they bad cherished with love and devotion almost broke their hearts, and many have expressed

¡ppor

The guard of virtue is labor.

DIARY

51

their willingness to visit the Master even at Meherabad , which is at a distance of about 30 miles, very difficult to cover dur ing the monsoon season.

It may be asked or argued, why did Shri Bab1 deprive these poor people of the benefits they had been having through his grace and why did he start it at all if he knew it was to be sh ifted so shortly ? Although the Master is not bound to offer any e xplanation for his actions and movements, those who have been with him for years and have watched his movements and act ivities, might explain from 0bservations made during their years of experience of a life with and under him that in all B aba's movements and activities, the present alone exists with anticipation, in smaller or greater degree, of the future, i.e., in all his moves and actions, Baba gives greatest importan ce to the incidents of th路e moment, with some consideration to future events.

The past seldom or never exists. If he launches upon a new scheme or plan at a place, he never pauses to consider that his stay at the spot is temporary or short; but he goes on, with full fer vour, during that period, however short, working for the good of all coming in contact with him directly or indirectly. Neither money nor labour for all the preparations of the plan on hand are spared to brin g it about for the new life which he With the wishes to create for the momen t on the part icular spot. magic speed of an Alladin's lamp, he transform s the entire environment of a quiet, lonely place into one full of activity and life, g iving the bene路 fit of his Love and Wisdom to the humanity living in that place a nd its surroundings. Then, when Hi s work is finished, He clears off from the spot with the same speed as He came, lea vin[l behind an atmosphere of Love and Divinity never before e xperienced by the inhabitants路 In all such mo 路;es and ac tivities, He always looks to the greate st good of the greatest majority. In the infinite pattern of His great work for the good of humanity as a whole, ind ividuals and groups, or even communities and nations have no preference. He moves here and there, wherever the need is more acute and the call more imperative, indifferent to the In short, the lesser commotion which his sudden changes may creace. needs and demands are subordinated to the greater and graver ones as His Infinite Wisdom sees them.

Certain developments and trend of events seem to have necessitated this shift to M eherabad where the oldest and fi rst of His Ashrams will now work side by side with the newest and the latest Ashram of the God-man men-a combination significant of the touches of the Master in His design of universal work.

Genius begins great works.

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MEHER GAZETTE

Mr. Garret-Fort of Hollywood, who had come to India in December last with the Western group aud whom we introduced in our last article with the other members of the "Me her Retreat'' ai N asik, went round India during March, visiting Bhopal, Ujjain, Gwalior, Agra, Delhi and Benares, and hJ.s been snb;equently sent to Hollywood for the Master's work over there, under special instructions.

Two more new-comers are now residing in the Meher Retreat whom we have now the pleasure to },n troduce to the Master's devotees in India in these columns.

Some interesting contributions by three of the Western group at Nasik are published in this 'issue. Princess Norina Matchabelli narrates her inspiring impressions of her visits to the Rahuri Ashram of the Godmad. Mis£ K. Davy's graphic description of the life of the western group at this (Nasik) retreat will give our readers an idea of the Master's work with them here. Another interesting article by Miss Delia Deleon on "His Aspect of Love" presents the¡ Master in one of His phases of work as seen and understood so well by a Westerner.

WELCOME. (Continued from page 17 of the last issue.)

We now introduce the two new-comers at the Meher Retreat, Nasik, who arrived recently16. SAM COHAN-of Brooklyn, New York. his father in business.

Worked with

Before meeting Shri Baba, he had bean very interested in all He had also esoteric literature peHaining to Masters and the Path. been in close contact with the devotees of Ram Krishna, and since then India and all that it stood for became his only goal.

He has been a theosophist, and also interested in Krishna Murti, and went to California to hear his lectures in 1931.

It was then that he beard of Shri Baba, and came to meet him at Hollywood. Shri Meher Baba was the first real, living Master he had ever contacted, and that, as he says, was the end of all his search.

The same year, he went to the sand dunes, in Oceania, California, where he attempted a life of meditation, and spent a long time in a life of severe austirities and hardships.

Labour alone finishes them.

DIARY

53

In 193-5, when Shri Baba visited California a second time, he had the priv.ilege of meeting him again in Hollywood, and invited Shri Baba to the dunes, which he visited.

Six months later, through B~ba's grace, he was given the profound experience of knowing Baba to be God. An interesting account of his experiences will appear in the next issue.

Being used to hard life and able to stand it even under changed conditions in India, he has been given a separate hut to live in, quite apart from the others in the Retreat, which he considers a privilege and fully enjoys.

17. MALYA RUDHYAR-The newest and latest member of the Nasik retreat, is a writer and poetess born an Italian Countess, now married to DANE RUDHYAR, a gifted composer, pianist, writer and astrologer from America.

From early childhood, she has had wonderful inner expariences, which, in later years, have culminated in the search for the Supreme One who dwells behind all experienÂŁesâ&#x20AC;˘ Her search has finally led her to Shri Baba, whom she sees to be an expression of that Supreme one.

Together with her husband, she wrote, edited and published a magazine 'Hamsa' which had, as its objective, the spread of the doctrine of 'operative wholeness' or the constructive working together of spritually motivated individuals for universal ends.

See has also done educational and dramatic work with children.

The readers of this magazine may feel confident of having some interesting contributions from her pen.

WITH MY GOD-MAN AND HIS GOD-MAD. By (Princess) Norina Matchabelli.

On January 5, 1937, we went to visit Shri Baba's Ashram at Rahuri. We left Nasik early dawn and arrived Rahuri by about eight in the morning.

The gates flung open, 1\lmost automatically at the sound of the horn.

Love, therefore, labor

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MEHER GAZETTE

There stood Baba, surrounded by His crew of men.

Among these viking types with weather-beaten faces, we recognised Dr- Ghani, Vishnu, Pendu, Padri ..• .•....... Others of whom we had heard-Pleader, Ravsaheb, Baidul, Dr. Nilkanth-gave us a strong hand-shake. These well-proven types of devotees who were familiar with the ten labours of Hercules that the Perfect Master requires them to go through with unflinching courage, had each the soft look of a child.

Baba had apparently timed the programme of onr visit to Rahuri \Vith His usual sparklike way of motion, precise and concise as He knows no waste, He showed us at o~ce to His "God-mad" men.

Rahuri is the Spiritual Insane Asylum of a "human God''. This "garden of benign grace", modern in its practical outlay, is the finite machinery where 'He who knows all' makes it outwardly function. and inwardly marks the sign of spiritual unfoldment.

Here, "His magic lay'' works into the deep order of things, where no one has access to but One like He who is in it and above it ! This Ashram is one of the three where Baba works a few days a week among the "God-mad" men, "These are not mad in the ordinary way", He says.

They are born on the Path-aspirants of greater destiny-with down -trodden physical mechanism, in deep march for the "One Way Out".

They so often come to a point of obscure confusion, which is difficult to cure unless the ''God given chance" in life lures them on to One like ~aha, who is Wisdom, Truth and the Divine Love Incarnatethe Omniscient Scientist working within the apparently incomprehensible game of effects ! This Master has all keys to loosen and unlock the knots caused throughout many lives. He makes clear the Path. He discloses the "Porta Magna'' thad leads into the ''Divine Abode" whence everything comes and whereto everything returns.

In this spiritual workshop at Rahuri, we watched the work of a God. Here He plays with broken mechanisms-broken brains : This "out-of-door" state we call ''madness,'' seems in its intuitive, invisible state a "happy· adjustment". We saw that these benighted, unconscious instruments do ''know". Most of us, with our thinking minds . need long strives to go before acquiring this super-faculty, In their apparent sacrificed state of living was mercy.

"One of them", Baba said, "is always happy;" ............. ..

Labor is life

WITH MY GOD'-MAN AND HIS GOD-MAN

55

So be is happy-without mind.

A blank mind within a knowing being ! Is it not that we all have to come to ? Is it not that finite mind's mechanism has to disc01tti"n ue its self. conscious delight of experience ?

Has that not to make place for the anonymous "Glorious Necessity" ?

Baba called forth one by one these strange form!", bundled up in clean cloth-to demonstrate their uncanny spectacle. · Underneath a huge shady mango tree around its secular stem, is a well-paved platform of asphalt where these "feeling things" do spend their timeless hours.

"Through some blows a breeze", says Baba, "the breeze of at longing for God".

"This one is on the third plane", explained He, pointing to the other-Lightly moved, feeling Baba's presence, we saw that one weep !

"They come along in blindness!" said Dr. Ghani .....•...... Is it no so with most of us ? Did we consciously know where we were going when suddenly Baba stood before us ? The Time- keeper comes for us who have a mind, as surely in time, · as for these far-feeling benighted objects !

These God's children, with no name, with no apparent destination are searched for by some of Baba's men disciples. They are found along roads, in market-places, where they vegetate, disputing their own rights of living with policemen, errand- dogs, curious pa~sers· by, or crue1 cbildren,-these derelicts of humanity, thirsty for God and hungry for bread. Covered with mud they stroll along to the "Time of Rescue".

Baba's sensitive hounds, whose job is hard and bold indeed, have to bunt for these poor birds, led astray on all shores of life! They have to fight them out of their misery ! TIH:se poor "heavenly fools"' fear ·these anonymous friends, they puf ' up a terrible resistence with their ignorant senss of self-preservation ! It is almost a herculean test for these brave, obedient men to lure these down-trodden selves, with a cup ·of tea or a piece ef toast, at first. Then with the warmth of tlieir under' ~tanding eyes, with patience and with the gentle selfless motives in their hearts, they firfa'lly succeed in laying their-· victims before·~ the Master's feet, who knows every movement of the ignora~t . constant dispute between the beast and its God. Via good or bad roads! ·No · one is forlorn: or forgotten! The Once these God-mad men have touched the. Holy wire, they stay, and resist. no longer!

After Baba has

",Light Signal" attracts unfailingly.

vVithout labor :nothing prospers.

56

ME-HER GEZETTE

washed their bodies with water filtered through His Love Diviae. they cling-they long and long for more. They gradually learn to recognise Him. I saw them worship Him, weeping tears out of their empty, dull and senseless-looking eyes! He a,'fakens in them the 'knowing sense' that marks its own wise way, regarqless of the physical conditions of the ' human mechanism'. Th.rl!lugh them, the 'Grace of Love Divine' grows and sublimates its matter.

Some of these weird yet unworried lives linger on some stage on the Path and will be pushed on further. To some, that supreme Magician may restore the shattered human consiousness and return them into life, ~nabling them to do some goo~ . and some bad! Apparently, some Others do not need to may leave Him, but He will not leave them! return to the gross plane of consciousness--Grace may be bestowed to them· They may ju!llp a few schooling lives in evolution! Good God is constantly in search for our soul!

Poor unconscious human,-reS>isting its own need of God. Baba introduced us to 'Goofy' -the typical village idiot -a poor thing causing nobe but the disturbance of having an ugly face! 'Dear thing' to Baba responded, immediately to His order to dance for us, Beating an old can, he started moving between the indifferent audience of bis mad brothers and ourselves, who felt that strange fun with restrained pain in the heart. There he went, whirling within himself and the outer world, havinl!: its own rhythm-a slow gentle rhythm prompted by the beats of his 'Wise Hidden Heart' which, no doubt, once it is awakened, gives men who Jove through it that same Graciousness we call Divine. Baba loves this ugly bird very dearly. He showed it on every occasion. Goofy was called"tO follow like the dear old mongrel.

He. too shall make progress with the ·others and find 'The One' and he too will be made useful! In time, he may be returned to life to practise reliability, patience, kindness, forgiveness, sharing with any one, consol· iug and becoming. one of those rare friends to men endowed with that benign faculty~to he close to one in moments of great need; Baba suddenly stopped Goofy danCing, and pointed to another one of them· 'This is a case of perfect madness---'very rare'.

There stood a mim playing with two stones.

He had eyes filled with brill iance of unrecognizable phantasy!" A perfect" mad man ·! What Joys are_our: win.gs,;

Sor~ows

our spurs.

WITH MY GOD-MAN AND HIS GOD-MAN

57

mysterious fun he must be sensing when seeing the work of that same God who keeps us all equally stirred !

These creatures looking at us without minds seemed sad and cold.

We; too, were still under the ignorant illusion of separateness from them ! Little by little, Baba will repair the broken link within and restore in us the sense of "Belongingness."

We will then commune without misunderstandings. We now consciously carry within ourselves that "Benign Presage" that in time will enable us to realize divine union through Him, the "Awakener" !

Suddenly Baba changed His' conrse and led us away. We followed Him along the F.hady path of the garden down the . very end of the property. There stood His 'Refuge', a small house -the smallest any human being would ever choose to live in!

I was allowed to look into it through tiny windows.

I f!ilt its four inner walls expand into uoJathomable dimensions-its space seemed to vibrate breath-the Divine Force that moves the usiver!'e!

Kalingar is the name of the boy who built the Mad-ashram sheds for Baba. He is one of the early Prem Ashram b)ys, one of those fearless adventurers capable to endure any hard test, and wait without worry throughout any lapse of time before reaching the Goal !

He is one of those who had been punished many a time by his own father for having run away from home, craving to follow the "Daring Motive" of all our lives-our Beloved B;~.ba !

He was asked to greet us. Whilst holding our hand, he turned his face toward Baba, offering with his intuitive movement the most perfect welcome in the abode of Love-Baba!

Within all this external world works Baba's omniscient science of adjustment-the adjustment of old into new, new values into Eternal Value!

These few hours at Rahuri have been to me of deep significance.

My old life failed and fell off. This took place in its unfathomable way, bringing to clear experience that constant, newly re-ordered longing for Unconscious Beingness-beingness devoid of life, with its show of emotions and thoughts !

"Give me your head, heart and soul, and you will receive Me," says Baba.

And we surrender ourselves, lovingly, willingly, ¡ unconditionally ; That is why we are here!

Mind is the great lever of all things.

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MEHER GAZETTE

HIS ASPECT OF LOVE.

by Delia Deleon.

"\Vhen the cry of the disciple has reached a certain pitch, the master comes to answer it." These words of Inayat Khan apply not only to the disciple in particular, but to the world in general.

It is the lack of spiritual leadership that is causing the apparent chaos in the world to-day. "\:Vhere there is no vision, the people perish". Everywhere, there is a breaking up of old customs and conditions. And in this twentieth century when man 5hould enjoy the fruit of his great achievements are being gathered up for destructi\¡e use. We see arround us the extraordinary spectacle of religions persecutions, remini3cent of the Middle Ages, civil wars and rumours of wars, and economic crisis of unparalleled severity. Greed and a terrible fear haunt and trouble all the nations. They do not know where to turn for solace. It is only One who manifests in His person the Christ-love that can inspire mankind to arise from the depths of this materialism.

At the psychological ~oment when humanity is ready, they will realize that there is such a One in the world and that His love is for all,~ the same love that in past ages was manifested by Buddha, Krishna, Mahomed, Zoroaster and Jesus, according to the needs of mankind at that historic moment, -is now expressed in the person of Shri Meher Baba.

And it is India, with her great spiritual heritage that once again gives a Perfect One to the world. He is already known and loved by thousands in the East, and the west is beginning to know Him and lay their love and deovtion at his feet. His first message to the West was, "I have not come to teach, but to awaken"--to awaken us to the love that lies dormant in each. A~ individuals experience this inner transmutation, the world will be changed in consciousness, for, through this re-awakened love which he can inspire (aod has already been experienced by many), he wil~ unite in bonds of harmony, East and 'vVest, and bring peace to a much-troubled world¡ It is towards this ideal that he works and directs all his energies. 1-Io..:Vever much we may try to escape that overwhelming love, it is always there, ready, waiting, pursuing.

As Francis Thompson says so beautifully in his mystical poem, The Hound of Heaven-" ........ ,Now of that long pursuit Comes on at hand the bruit; That voice is round me like a bursting sea ......

Halts by me that foot-fall : Ingratitude is monstrous .

LIFE IN THE ASHRAM AT NASIK

59

Is my gloom, after all, Shade of His hand outstretched caressingly?

Ah! blindest, fondest, weakest, I am He Whom thou seekest!

Thou dravest Love from thee, who dravest Me" For the love of God is in us, through us and around us.

LIFE IN THE ASHRAM AT NASIK. ( Tbe " Me her Retreat" for the Western Group,)

( By Kitty Davy of the English Group,) Tbis is, I am told, the first time that a group of Westerners have come to live in India at an Ashram under the direction of a Sadguru or Perfect Master. It is therefore a unique event and carries with it a signific:mce which cannot yet be unfolded or understood.

With only one or two exceptions, those whom Shri Meher Baba has caJled to India at this time, have been already in contact with him f Jr a period of five years. Looking back over those five years, it is easy now to see how Shri Baba was preparing us for this second stage, or further five-year period for wbich he has called us. Without these five years of contact, it would not have been easy to have adapted oneself to the new life here with its discipline and necessary restrictions.

But because of our love for Baba, and the realisation that he has some specific purpose in having us live in group under the conditions he himself has so carefully and thoughtfully planned, even those who dislike restrictions most, are learning to settle down and are trying to understand the work Baba is doing, :both in them aud and in the world.

The Nasik Retreat is called the " Luxury Retreat", and is one of the three Retreats run by Sbri Baba-tbe other two being called '' 'the simple" and " the primitive" and both of which are in AhmedOlgar district. Baba, with his usual understanding, realised that Westerners could not easily plunge in to the simplicity of an " Indian Retreat" and that it was essential for the work he had to do, that we should, at the beginning of our training here, be allowed the comforts and amenities to which we had been accustomed.

To Baba, . it is not waste or superfluous. This is all a means to an end-the end being to teach us complete detachment from all these things. As Baba puts it, " It would affect the body and react on the Brutes leave ingratitude to man.

60

MEHER GAZETTE

mind if you were to face drastic changes suddenly. But gradually I will withdraw comforts from you, then again return them to you. The world is slave to needs. The needs must become your slaves. I don't want you to give up your needs, But I want you to be free from them."

These words of Baba explain our present surroundingsBaba, with his usual thoughtfulness, left us free from all duties and restrictions, during the first six weeks after our arrival so that we could first become climatized and aGcustomed to our new snrroundings,our only restrictions being not to leave the grounds until after his birthday. This we were only too gappy to do as it is so lovely here.

Our 22 acres is situated in the midst of a wide plateau, bordered on three sides bv hills which, in the brilliant colours of an eastern sunrise and sunset take on unearthly beauty ! Even now that this restriction has been removed, it is difficult to get some to move out of the grounds unless , with' Shri Baba himself. Being so happy just to be in the atmosphere of BJ.ba's retreat, they have no desire to see what lies outside.

Shri Baba is not here continuously. His time is divided between the two other Retreats, and with us, he usually spends three days in every week. During that period, he supervises duties which he has assigned to each one. He gives private interviews to many, he sits with the group as a whole -sometimes in silence-as we sit oo the floor at his , feet, sometimes giving us spiritual instruction. Sometimes he walks with us on the hills or plays games. At times, he takes us to places of interest; but whatever he does, one is always aware that he works with us and through us, for his great spiritual ends.

Before the weather became very hot, we were taken every week to see B:1ba at work in Ahmednagar ("Meher Ashram") and also at the Rahuri Ashram where he works a111ong the "God-mad men." Both these interested us greatly and were a source of in~piration to many of us.

We longed for the simplicity of the life lived in these Ashrams as we al~o longed to help in the work Baba was doing there.

Thi~, says Baba, we shall do when we are ready for it. It was interesting too to meet disciples who had been with Baba for so many years. One was most of all impressed by the absence of the personal element in them.

They seem a! ways to try to anticipate the slightest wish or need of Shri Baba.

Now a few words as to how Baba keeps us occupied. He has given to each detailed programme, comprising coth general and special duties. vVe start the ddly at 6 30 A. M. Early rising is a special feature Ingratitude; thou marble -hearted fiend.

LIFE IN THE ASHRAM AT NASIK

61

of Baba's training. Other general duties for all are one hour's meditation (according to Baba's instruction to meet the special needs of each) and one hour's lesson in Urdu. For special duties, Baba makes use of the different capacities of each, and has given just those individual duties to us that we can best do. 0Je loJks after the garden, another makes garments for the men at Rahuri, another devotes herself to writing on spiritual subjects, another to music and creative dancing ; another to the translation of Baba's publications into Russian, arid another to managing the domestic side of the Ashram . This is a most impJrtant part of the work as we have to keep fit for Baba.

All are artists in Some on the canvass, some in their love and devotion their own work. to Baba, and all in their desire to strive for the perfection which we see manifested in Baba.

Baba makes us feel that our individual work is essential to the working of his great plan, and we therefore work with zeal and enthu!>iasm. There is no waste of energy where Baba is. But all the time, He may never we feel, he is detached from the results of what we do. ask to see what we have done, but he will ask many times if we have done the task set.

All this activity serves a double purpose. Baba's aim is to make us detached from work. This is especially important for the West which places undue importance on activity, and rather belittles the contemplative life. To accomplish this, Baba explains we must work now according to his i~:;tructions that we may learn to be detached from the results of work.

Another important aspect of our life here is its discipline which restricts somewhat our freedom and requires strict obedience.

Up to thel present, during the five years we have known Baha, he has not restricted us to any great extent. He has asked us to refrain from eating meat, not to smoke or drink wine and to obey his orders.

Other than these simple instructions, he has asked us only "Love me, and think of me and don't worry. Be happy!" SJme of us were like children who had to be coaxed with sweet promises.

'N e are not likely to forget the infinite patience with which Baba won many of the West to him,-and how lenient he would be with those who thoughtlessly displeased him.

Now he expects more from us, and gradually he is drawing us into a closer communion and understanding with him, Perhaps this restriction We set so of freedom is more difficult for the West than for the East. much store by being free to do just as we like. But Baba is showing us daily that we cannot help him in his work without the harmony that Ungratefulness is the very poison of manhood.

62

MEHER GAZETTE

comes from following him implicitly and carrying out his orders to the letter.

Baba refers very seldom to our aiming or striving to love all.

He says, "L'lve me, and when you are one with me you will love all automatically." And we find, as we love and understand Baba better, that we are drawn, by his love, closer to each other.

So Baba says, the more we love him the sooner is the Egowhich separates and cannot love-eliminated.

Being privileged to live here, close to the one who is the ~ource of all love, we see dem:mstrated daily in His life that perfection of love Like a perpetual fountain, He pours which gives of itself unceasingly. out His life upon us and shows us in a thousand ways what real love is, for His is the life of love in action !

We see Him at work among the God -m'ld men-and what is He doing ? Giving love and more love, not only by directly awakening -their hearts to His love within them, but through His service and workamong them-one thinks of the words of Christ, "I am among you as one who serveth."

Or, we watch Him at work arnong the Western group, whatever our mood, whether bad or worried or upset, He feels it at once and draws it from us and helps us to see where we bave taken unimportant things seriously, or where the ego has been foolishly hurt at some per¡ sonal slight. Baba permits no brooding. Clashes of personalities are brought to the surface, faced and the dissenting par ties brought together and peace is established, with love as the balm which heals all wounds.

One of Baba's chief methods of teaching,-that is His method of eliminating the ego, and releasing the flow of love in the individual-is through these crises which be creates. If they happen when one is feeling physically and mentally below par, it is because at such times, one's subconscious resistence to Baba's work in us is lessened,--that one is humiliated and one's weaknesses displayed before the group-may seem cruel at times. But later, we realise that love only is at work. Because Baba loves us, He takes the trouble to keep us to see ourselves as we really are-to see our weaknesses as well as our strength.

So life here with Baba is never dull or at a standstill ; Baba It is not a bed of roses, nor yet is it a crown of never allows this. thorns. We experience both, and the roses are the sweeter as the thorns of the little self are plucked out.

Ingratitude is treason to mankind,

63 OM BRAHMACHARY A IS A PRECIOUS JEWEL (Swami Sivanandji) From food are manufactured fluid, blood, flesh, fat, bones, marrow and semen, one after another. Semen is again absorbed by the head, heart and the rest of the body. It suports them. So, if any of these parts remains without any work, the semen unabsorbed shall flow out. A person doing intellectual work only cannot but suffer the loss of the other two unabsorbed portions of semen. Similar will be the case with the man who is doing mere mental work or physical exertion only.

Thus the one means of preserving semen is using all these component parts-establishing right adjustment . of head, heart and hands. This is the theory of the Ayurvedic Science.

What is wanted is restraint but not suppression of sexual desire, In restraint no sexual thought will arisP- in the mind. There is perfect sublimation of the sex-energy in restraint. In suppression the aspirant is not safe. There are sexual thoughts. When favourable opportunities occur, when there is external stimulus, the repressed desire manifests with redoubled force and vengeance, and there is danger of downfall.

One should be very careful.

When one has taken the vow of celibacy, he must utilise the sex energy in higher channels viz., in vigorous selfless service, study of spiritual books, and divine contemplation. Then only there will be sublimation. Otherwise there will be deterioration.

Night pollution is of two kinds viz., physiological pollution and pathological pollution. In physiological pollution the subject will be refreshed. You should not be afraid of this act. You need not worry yourself. This is not a morbid condition. There is slight flushing of the apparatus or periodical cleansing through slight overflow from the reservoir in which semen is stored. This act will not be attended with evil thoughts. Whereas in pathological pollution the act is accompanied by sexual thoughts¡ Depression follows. There are irritability, languor, laziness, inability to work and concentrate.

This preservation of semen is the secret of health and longevity and of all success in physical, mental, intellectual or spiritual plane.

After Dhanvantri had taught all the details about Ayurveda to his disciples they inquired the key-note of this science, The master replied Influence is the exhalation of character.

64

MEHER GAZETTE

"I tell you that Brahmacharya is truly a precious jewel; it is the one most effective medicine, nectar indeed, which destroys disease, decay and death . For attaining peace, brightnP.ss, memory, knowledge, health and self-realisation one should observe Brahmacharya which is the highest dharma. BRAHMACHARYA is the highest knowledge; BRAHMA· CHARYA is the greatest stren!!'th.

Of the nature of BRAHMACHARYA is verily this Atma, and in Brahmacharya it resides. Saluting Brahmacharya first the cases beyond cure, I do cure.

Aye, Brahmacharya can undo all the inauspicious signs."

What is wanted for you is deep inner life. Silence the bubbling thoughts. Keep your mind cool and calm.

Open yourself to higher spiritual consciousness. Feel the Divine Presence and Divine guidance.

Be conscious of the Divine Help. Fix your mind at the lotus feet of the Lord. Open to His powers. Become like a child- Speak to Him freely, Open your heart very freely. Become absolutely candid.

Do not hide your thoughts. You cannot do so, because He is the Antarya· min (Inner Ruler). He watches all your thoughts. Pray for His mercy, light, purity, strength, p~ace and knowledge. You will get them surely.

You will be established in Brabmacharya.

Editorial.

(The Perfect Master Shri Meher Baba.)

by Mr. C. B. Purdom Illustrated: Published by Williams and Norgate Ltd.London. 1937 12sh. 6d. net, Price in India Rs. 5.)

This is a remarkable book. It is one of the "frankest of contemporary biographies." The learned author gives a faithful account of the Perfect Master, whose wonderful life he deline::ttes with enthusiastic venerat ion but impartially. The book is divided into three parts. The preparation, The period of World Travel, and the Perfect Master. ThP-re is a very useful appendix and an exhaustive index.

It would be very profitable if we read the third chapter first and then the first and second chapters.

The Gita says "know that supreme humility, sincere questioning and investigation, and service to humanity are conditions precedent to ------------~········· · ·········· · ·

No act falls fruitless.

EDITORIAL.

65

your knowing the Truth from those who have realised it: "The objects of sense, but not the taste for them, turn away from the abstemious dweller in the body ; and even taste turneth away from him after the supreme is seen''. The supreme is the One in the many, Yoga or San· yasa is the means by which the One is realised . ''Yoga is skill in action," and it is also "union with the Divine . So said Master Sri Krishna to His disciple Arjuna whom he exhorted thus, "Therefore fight, 0 Arjuna", fight the many and realize the One, It is such a MasterKarma-Yogin that is ueeded whene•;er there is decline in dharma and ri!>e of adharma, for the redemption of the world. It is He who could say to the distracted and selfish world "Do thou perform action as did the ancients in olden times": "I have nothing that I have not gained, and nothing that I have to gain : Yet I continue in action", There is no doubt that Sri Meher Baba is the greatest Karma-Yogin-Master of the age, It is He that emphasises the utmost importance of service,-"That is real service where there is no thought of self at all ." This impartial biography of the Master by a great scholar like Mr. Purdom, who has been studying and working His life for a long time, is very interesting and instructive.

.

Babaji was born in 1894The first period (Preparation) ends with December 1930.

The second period is that of world travel, In this the learned author relates the several tours of Baba to the west and His contact with important disciples there. He also refers to the defection of Mr. Dastur, the ex-editor of the defunct Meher Message. We know the whole truth of this unfortunate affair- As the learned author righty observes it is "an experience which all who have disciples know·" 'vVe say that Mr. Dastur unnecessarily and thoughtlessly maligned the greatest Karma- Yogin Master of the age and reaped very bad Karma.

Baba "remained unconcerned."

As the learned author truly observes those who are "in search nf signs and wonders" could not find any in Baba. \Ve have in this chapter an account of the "mad Asramam" at Rahuri, which has since been removed to Meherabad.

The third chapter is all about the Perfect Master. The question of 'miracles' is very ably dealt with on pp 270 and 271 of the book. It is a complete answer to persons like Mr· Dastur, who demanded miracles from Baba in proof of his claim of being a Perfect Master ! As a great Teacher said "The unde V'eloped mind is constantly eager for novelty because, not being good at thinking, it soon exhausts the obvious signifi. cance of commonplace things. This mind is the one that craves miracles in connection with its religious experience, as it is blind to the Influence never dies.

66

MEHER GAZETTE

countless miracles that surround i i all the .t ime ·" Masters "could work miracles by direct action on people, but it would unnecessarily use up a great amount of their force; so they work through the means which They have ·arranged," At the end of the chapter is Baba' s wonderful message, given in clear terms. It is this : Son of Man, stand upon thy feet ••.•.. All things are. possible. The ans~er is, Be ye perfect ..... I am wi~h you.

Says the learned writer: He unfolds no new system of thought, no new religion, no new philosophy, no new social order. What does he signify ? the wisdom of ages is stored in the libraries of the world and in the memory of mankind-What remains is action : to turn over, to change, to make a leap forward, rio f to wait any longer, not even for instruction, certainly not for permission, but to do it. Surely this is the only message for all time-action. We always felt that in the aura of this Great Master we could not think a wrong thought .or be selfish.

To this wonderful, readable book is added a very useful appendix.

The first pc:~rt of this contains instructive hints on meditation, and the second part describes the process of Evolution. There is an exhaustive index at the end.

This priceless biography writtEn by a sincere, but impartial disciple of the Master must be on the shelf of every thinking person.

Our New Publication THE PERFECT MASTER The "London Times" in its Literary ~upplement of April says." Probably no country but India could have produced so strange a character as the hero of this memoir.

Merwan Shereiarjii Irani, commonly called Meher Baba, is a Persian by birth but was born in Poona and has lived his life in India. His parents were poor and hi s early life was spent in the usual avocations. of a boy of his class who had to earn a living. At the ~ge of 19·; he met a remarkable woman who seems to have started him upon his spiritual career.

Meher Baha is an extraordinarily difficult ma n to live with in the daily intercourse of ordipary life. He exacts the mcst unquestioning obedience to any order he may choos.e to give, however incom·enient or difficult it may be. He roams about from place to place but changes his plans frequently and without notice. He will arrange to remain in a The more we do, the more we can do.

OUR NEW PUBLICATION

67

certain place for months and three days later he will leave it, perhaps for the place be has just left. If the whim takes him he will dema.nd such things as hot milk at almost impossible times. Yet his disciples are expected to procure him all he wants and when he wants it. He is, one might sav, an up-to-date ascetic. for while he retires on occasion into caves, in the old ascetic style, for meditation, he has founded several ashrams, where boys are educated, fed and clothed, he himself washing the clothes aft<! bodies, even of the untouchables, for he is no respecter of persons and creeds, and welcomes all alike. It says much for the devotion of his followers and for his own personality that he could induce one of them-apparently a European to-find him a cave associated with St. Francis of Assisi- It cost the unfortunate disciple much trouble and not a little anxiety to carry out the order but the thing was done.

His mission is to lead the world into a better recognition of spirituality¡ He has no special creed and founds himself upon a gospel of love. Regarding the Self as One with the Infinite, all wordly considerations are of no account to him, and that seems to be the reason for his seeming perversity in the treatment of his followers. He claims to have attained to what he calls" Christ Consciousness",-a state which is eternal. Mr. Purdom, who has spent some years over the book, has evidently under-taken it as a labour of love, for like many others, he has found a kind of magnetir. attraction in his hero."

IN THE BOOKMAN'S NOTE-BOOK OF THE "ILLUSTRATED WEEKLY OF INDIA" Dated 4th April, 1937 ......

Mr. Douglas Goulding says,¡"Of' THE PERFECT MASTER', the life of Shri Meher Baba, written by C. B. Purdom, t Wtlliams and N orgate), I hardly fee! competent to express an optnton. Hts followers consider him a Messiah, and be apparently exert<; a great spiritual influence. although he has not uttered a word for eleven and a h llf years and has written nothing except his signature for t~n years. It seems to me rather a pity that this book was illustrated.-There is no donbt that photgraphs of the Master, particularly the one taken at Hollywood with the fashionable actress Talluliah BankheaG, will create projudice against him in the minds of many \Vestern readers which is probably quite unjustifie.d ... " The more busy we are, the more leisure we have.

68 THE' VISION' (ANANDASHRAM ANNIVERSARY NUMBER) We heartily thank th"l learned Editor of the Vision for sending us the Anandashram Anniversary nu rnber which is replete with spiritual manoa. The 'Vision' is dedicated to Univers1l Love and Service. and this is t'1e â&#x20AC;˘true basis of spirituality. Swami Ramdasji is a Messiah who has been exerting a great spiritual influence on humanity. An ardent disciple of H1s Sjt Pandit Jankinath Bakshi gives his ~xperieoce of Swamiji in" My Swarr.iji."

S\vamiji says "Love is not Love if it does not serve and sacrifice."

Anandashrarn was first inaugurated in May 1931, and its ideal is the realization that we are the manifestations of the one underlying and overruling eternal spirit who is all power, glory, goodness and love.

This anniversary number contains most inspiring messages of great spiritual souls who have been doing splendid work in this great land of Rishis ¡ As Prof. Nicholas de Roe:.rich says, the human heart wants a real peace. As is stated in th"l article 'Religion', 'Service 'Of fellowmen is the highest rule of life', This is real religion that takes us to the goal--Oneness. Rev. Arthur E. Massey sums up his 'Message' thus: Real service is L')ve and Love is service and love cannot abide with self. The twenty hints on meditation by Swamy Sivananda Sarac;wati will be found very useful by spiritual aspirants. There are many other very interesting articles.

'Vision' will ceaselessly carry its s:Jiritual message and purify minds for the vision of God.

THOUGHTS FOR THE MONTHS (May June) 1. Forsaking egoism, power, pride, lust, wrath and property, freed from the notion of 'mine', and being tranquil one is fit for becoming Brahman : Gita.

2. As into the Ocean-brimful and still-flow the waters, even so the Muni into whom eater all desires, he, and not the desirer of desires, attains to peace : Gita Employment is natnre' s physician.

69 MEHER ASRAMAM. Saidapet (Madras.)

I. Members of Meher League may meet here and spend some time in meditation. They meditate on and nractise the virtue of Courtesy in May, and Compassion in June.

2. Earnel't spiritual aspirants may go there and spend some time in that quiet place under the tree planted by the Master.

3. At present the branch office of the ' people's party', Saidapet Rate-pavers' association, and young men's civic association are located here.

Meher League.

When His Holiness Sri Sadguru Meher Babaji graced Saidapet with His Presence the followiug resolutions, among others, were passed in His immediate presence:That a League called "Meher League" be formed with the object of promoting Universal Brotherhood.

1.

ii. That all 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 undertake in writing to promote Universal Brotherhood in thought, word and 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.

President: C. V. Sampath Aiyangar.

Vice-President: M. Vadivelu Mudaliar.

Secretaries : Sister V. T. Lakshmi, M,A.L.T., M.R.A s .

K¡ S. Srinivasan.

N. B. These who wis;h to join Meher League may apply to:C. V, Sam path Aiyangar, 27, Brahmin Street, Saidapet, Madras.

Indolence is the parent of misery.

70

MEHER GAZETTE

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THE PERFECT MASTER (The life of Sri Meher Baba) BY CHARLES ' B. PURDOM (Late Editor of "Everymanu) with a fore·word BY Dr. FREDERICK KETTNER (Founder of BiO!;ophy and Director of the Biosophical Institute of New York) _

330 Pages with 12 Photos of the Master Published by:WILLlAMS & NORGATE Ud.,

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For "What others Say" about the book, please see pp. 67 & 68. · · Can be had of THE NEW BOOK Co. - The Manager, Kitab Mabal OR Circle publications, 188-90, Hornby Road, MEHER RETREAT, Fort-BOMBAY NASIK· (G· I · P · Ry .)

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THE MESSAGE. A MONTHLY jOURNAL "FUR THE NEW AGE. Contains inspiring articles by the Editor, Swami Ramdas, T. L. Visvani and others; sonl stirring poems by Herbert Porter; Yoga by Swami Sivananda; Religion of the ancient · woi-ld by Miss Hoon Clark etc- Special Feature : Sri Aurohindo Ghose's commentary on the Gita (an unique opportunity.; Annm\1 Subscription ...

R'i 1 8 9 Apply to, The Manager , ''Message--, Gorakhpur,

Pt:.ace of mind.

Ha\·e you found Peace of mind or L'lsting Happiness? If not, read the work of Gurumaharaja Swami Bhola Nath• who calls himself Servant of the Earth, but is Avatar of modern times. Founder of Divine Love Society and Author of Rays of - Light (English or Hind, Rs. 1-8) Payam - i-Mohabhat (Urdu, Rs. 2) Zahur-1-Haqiquat (Urdu Rs. 3) wonderful for Peace of Mind- Priceless Jew~ ls for spiritual progress. Available frcm Mr. R . R. Khanna. Registrar, Lucknow University. Lucknow.

IMPORTANT SPIRITUAL BOOKS 1~

SRI MEHER BABA His philosophy and Teachings ( 120 pages with a Cliarming Art illustration)

By A. K. Abdulla.

(Price 12 annas only, postage extra.)

II SRI MEHER BABA The perfect Miister Questions and Answers (Published by the Circle E_gitorial Committee, London) Price 6 pence (6 annas), postage extra.

Ill THE SAYINGS OF SRI MEHER BABA (With notes and a glossary) Publif.:1ed by the Circle Editorial Committee•. L .o ndon.

Price 3 pence (3 annas), postage extra.

Apply toR. K. S- Irani.

Meher Asramam, Meherabad, Ahmeduagar, India· · or Meher Asramam. Saidapet, Madras, India

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~·-~~~~-**~~~-~·~~-~~-----~~ a-~~~~~~~.(!5.~~~~~ J$.~·~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Printed by Mr. B. C. Hanumaiya at the Vokkaligara Sangha Press, B. Citv .

Edited and Published by Me C . V . Sampath Aiyengar. the President of Meher Legue, 66, 3rd Cross Road, Sankarapuram, Bangalore City.