DISCOURSES & TALKS BY MEHER BABA

 

CLEANLINESS  IN  ALL  MATTERS

 

 

Meher Baba at the Namada River, India. Image rendition by Anthony Zois.
Meher Baba at the Namada River, India. Image rendition by Anthony Zois.

 

30th November 1926

 

 

Throughout his life, Baba was rigorously hygienic and keenly observant that all his personal things be kept clean and in order. On 30 November, Baba was served tea from a kettle that was not properly soldered. Baba was furious about it. He had the tea thrown away and reprimanded the mandali at length:

 

You must always be extremely careful about cleanliness in all matters, especially about my food and drink. For me, cleanliness and uncleanliness are the same and make no difference, but one or the other should be observed perfectly. If you want me to remain clean, then you should pay the greatest possible attention in keeping my food, water, and clothes thoroughly clean. Otherwise, if I start appearing dirty, I will be so dirty that people would think twice before approaching me! I can live in the filthiest ways, in totally unhygienic surroundings, which you people would never be able to do. So remember this.

 

LM O/L p. 752

 

1940s : Meher Baba washing a 'Mast' with the help of his men Mandali.
1940s : Meher Baba washing a 'Mast' with the help of his men Mandali.