..(In March 1930) The group’s conversation topic turned to wild animals, for there were tigers, lions and bears roaming the jungles surrounding Mysore. Meher Baba advised:
If you ever come across any such savage animals, or if you find yourselves in a perilous situation, cry out my name loudly. I will then save you. Even if you die, you should know that I have saved you, because my protection is real protection. I always protect my lover.
There is a difference between remembering my name and actually saying it out loud. In the eventuality of your body being overcome with fear in the presence of any wild animal or other creature (such as a snake), at such moments of danger you should loudly cry out my name so loud that the sound of my name falls on the creature’s ears which will immediately make it as meek as a lamb!
But before inanimate objects, during any serious mishap or accident – such as a car crash or train wreck – you will be saved by remembering me with full faith from the bottom of your heart.
Baba then touched on the various stages of development:
A person has to pass through three stages before Realization – evolution, reincarnation and advancement on the path. From stone to animal to human form is evolution; this is the first stage. With the human form, evolution ends and the cycle of rebirth begins; this is the second stage. The third stage is involution through the spiritual planes.
In Africa there is a full swing of evolution, as all types of animals, plants and metals are found there. In Europe and America, reincarnation is intensified with numerous people taking birth after birth entangled together. In Asia there is spiritual progress and advancement on the path. That is why saints and Masters are found in the East, particularly India.
Lord Meher, Original Publication, Bhau Kalchuri, Vol. 4, p. 1276.