DISCOURSES & TALKS BY MEHER BABA

WORLDLY MINDED PEOPLE

Colonel Merwan Sohrab Irani

Colonel M. S. Irani was once the highest ranking Indian officer in the British army. He was known as the Master’s archenemy; Baba called him "His Ravanna", who was Rama’s arch-enemy. Due to his constant thinking of Meher Baba, even though it was in an opposing manner, it brought good fortune to the Colonel in his next lifetime, who reincarnated into a close Baba family.

Courtesy of Frank Davis - Baba's Words.

20th September 1926

After Colonel Irani's departure, Baba commented about worldly-minded people:

For those who are after wine, women, and wealth 24 hours a day, criticizing the Truth or speaking of the Truth is sheer hypocrisy. How could such people have any idea of Truth when they cannot spare even a moment to think of it and are always after material wealth and happiness?

The human mind is such that it makes a person adhere to his thoughts, to the extent that even in the field of religion each man thinks his is the best. The Parsis consider their religion the highest and call most other people doorvand [Untouchables]. The Muslims are also in the same category; to them only Islam and Muhammad are true and all other people are kafirs [unbelievers]. The Christians are no better. To them Christ is the only Savior of humanity and all other people heathens.

It is regrettable that the Colonel could not see me, else he would have had the lecture of his life. I would have given him a befitting reply, which would have driven out all the arrogance from his mind.

However, his waiting for me for three hours, despite his undesirable criticism and bad intentions, will not go in vain; he will be rewarded for his "unintentional" pilgrimage. He and the others will definitely be benefited. When he had been to Upasni Maharaj at Sakori, the bent of his mind being what it is, he was not even granted permission to taste a drop of water from that holy place, and Maharaj would not meet him. He left, mumbling all sorts of curses.

 LM O/L p. 708-9

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