On the afternoon of April 11th, (1942) Baba went to the studio of sculptor Edward Merrett to have a sitting from 2 to 3 P.M. This was the first time that Baba had ever permitted any sculptor to depict him. Merrett made some rough carvings, and two days later, Baba was to return for a final sitting…
“It is said that a woman is a drag on man in his attainment of divine grace. All the saints …”
Baba interrupted, emphatically spelling out, “No! A woman can play an important part in the development of divine grace. She is man’s equal. So long as she is true to herself, all will be well. But once she surrenders to her surroundings, the function of marriage fails. It is then you have divorces.”
“Then what about the vow of celibacy which the saints undertook?” the reporter asked.
‘”It is unimportant. Some men marry, others remain single; but a man is not more backward spiritually because he has married. A woman can inspire him by her love to know the Truth. But she must develop love and not lust. This is the key to happiness.”
The conversation was disturbing Edward Merrett’s work, who interrupted and said, “Please look up, Baba.” This abruptly stopped the interview from continuing. . .
Lord Meher, Bhau Kalchuri, Original Publicaton, Vol. 5, pp. 1564 – 1566.