DISCOURSES & TALKS BY MEHER BABA

YOGI REQUESTED FROM A SADGURU

30th September, 1926

That day, Baba narrated this story:

A yogi once went before a Sadguru with a request to be shown something, such as God, the heavens or the planes. The Sadguru asked him to stay near him and take the name of Sitaram only for one hour. The yogi took this trial to be very trivial, thinking what possible great reward would such a small trial give (although it is very difficult, practically impossible to stay before a Sadguru even for a short time).

Reading his mind, the Sage said, "I have a still easier course, should you prefer. Go sit under a tree for twelve years observing strict fast and I will show you what you want."

This satisfied the yogi, who thought it would be a hard trial at least that would surely bring a good and substantial reward.

The story, in short, means that it is very hard to stay with a saint (who may be compared to fire!). Not only this, but in spite of a strong determination in the beginning to "stay" at all costs, one would feel [compelled] to go away at the first available opportunity, if the Sadguru turns the key internally, [despite] making an external show to keep one near.

LM O/L p. 718