DISCOURSES & TALKS BY MEHER BABA

 

COL. IRANI'S ANTAGONISM AGAINST BABA

 

 

27 December, 1928

 

Baba explained at length about the current antagonism against him:

 

You should not hate him [Colonel Irani]; the man deserves to be pitied. We should not act in the same way as he does. We should harbor no bitterness for his criticism nor try to get the better of him. Instead we should patiently tolerate his obstructive tactics. How beautiful it was when Christ said, "If a person slaps you on one cheek, offer him the other." This is the real thing; otherwise, there is no difference between the Colonel and Baily.

 

If a man curses your father and you curse his mother, what is the difference between you? Such opponents are friends not enemies. They teach you the lesson of being calm, patient, and forbearing in every adverse circumstance — in the midst of all provocation. They thereby render you the greatest service. So forbear, forgive, and forget.

 

Your attitude should serve as an example of forbearance and patience to the world. Therefore, don't become like them. Tolerate everything, face every obstacle and learn to swallow anger. It is for this reason that Kabir has said, "If you want to gulp down anything, gulp down wrath."

 

You have a great lesson to learn from this opposition. Learn that those who spread deceitful lies about our actions and propagandize against us are thereby giving importance to our work without our asking. They publicize our cause, advertising it widely in a way which we could not have done. This is their service to us. Not only this, but by carrying on with all their propaganda, they are always thinking of me and giving me so much importance. This preoccupation of theirs is thus advantageous to them. You serve me in a favorable manner; they in an unfavorable manner, but it is service nevertheless. There is no doubt that in this way they are thinking of me and that is what matters. Their angle of vision is different, but they have the right to think and express their views and opinions. But while expressing their minds, too often they lose control over their tongues which leads them to ridicule and scandalize us.

 

You may resent it and say that this is their weakness. But if you believe this and still adopt the same vituperative attitude toward them, does this not expose your own weakness? There is then no difference between you and them! And it shows that my teachings, discourses, and instructions have had no effect upon you. Compared to them, your weakness is greater because you have stayed with me, heard my discourses, and know me, which they have not. So remain calm, put up with hardships, and be tolerant; forgive them and forget all.

 

 

 

Lord Meher On-line page 1001-2

Lord Meher Vol.3 p.1131