(Oct. 1933) Some things in particular were bothering Herbert, and Baba discussed matters with him at considerable length. Herbert spoke out, “You promise to speak, but you do not do it. What will the world think of you?”
Baba’s reply to Herbert was very poignant:
It is good for mankind, rather essential, to adhere to religious and moral principles and observe religious bindings; but for the spiritual path, they are unnecessary. I am beyond all principles, bindings, laws and matters pertaining to worldly duties. I am perfect and there is no restraint or binding for me. I have broken all barriers and I have gone beyond all laws!
According to the moral code of the world, one’s word or promise is considered by mankind to be sacred. But he who has gone beyond time, space, cause and effect is not limited by anything. For him, there is no such thing as bondage. The infinite cannot be bound by anything finite, however sublime the aim may be. This means that one cannot limit the limitless!
For this reason and without your asking, I give you promises and your aim will be fulfilled at the proper time. But I also know that a promise can be a time-serving device. It is not meant for fulfillment, but necessitated by circumstances. It is a demand of the situation and so I do not care for its resultant reaction.
Therefore, I do not worry about the world’s criticism, or its terrible slander and harm to my work, for not keeping my promise. I purposely create and court such opposing reactions and nurture them. Such an opposition is required for my work to give it a great punch. I am beyond praise and slander, and they do not affect me in the least.
All those who care for name and fame and worldly success, fearing criticism and scandal, are only ordinary human beings. They want to preserve their prestige at any cost. Their “name” alone matters to them above money, life and everything else.
I am the Truth. No amount of voluminous praise will raise me higher, nor can any carping criticism pull me down. I am what I am and will ever be so. Whatever I do, I do for my work, which encompasses and sees to the welfare of all.
Lord Meher, Bhau Kalchuri, Original Publication, Vol. 5, pp. 1821 – 1822.