Hearts Like That

[Meher Praveen]

Jai Baba !!

[Reference: The Real Treasure - II, Author: Rustom B. Falahati]

Eruch had tremendous poise. The greatest tragedy could not affect him and yet the slightest problem affecting anyone would be of concern to him. His poise had a quality that belonged to the domain of saints--almost God-like. Yet this was the very thing that made some of us angry and irritated. For Eruch not only refused to react, but also refused to intervene or crack the whip. He refused to correct or discipline anyone, no matter how much that pilgrim misbehaved or disturbed everyone.

On one occasion, a pilgrim was caught drinking alcohol. Not only was he smelling of it, but he still had a half empty bottle with him when he was found. It was decided to ask the pilgrim to leave the Trust premises, which the pilgrim agreed to. Eruch felt it was not the correct thing to do. According to him, we should have confiscated the alcohol and given the pilgrim one more chance, after explaining to him the rules.

I commented, "Eruch, the rules are explained to everyone when they register on the first day." Eruch retorted, "So what? Explain to him again. Maybe he did not hear it correctly. He still deserved one more chance."

I took opportunity to probe further and asked, "Why do you refuse to discipline or correct the pilgrims?" Eruch was silent for a moment. Very slowly he replied, "What can we do? Our hearts have become like that. We see Baba in everyone. How can we hammer Baba?"

I persisted. "You hammer Baba in the residents who work with you, Eruch. You don't appear to have a problem doing that."

Eruch chuckled. "It is not Baba that I am hammering in the residents. It is the false self, the ego that I hammer when it starts to assert itself."

Still I persisted in a vain attempt to corner Eruch. "What about the false self of pilgrims? Why don't you hammer that, at least once in a while?"

Eruch sighed and said, "They are not ready for it, whereas those who are working and living here are ready. It is for Baba to draw souls that are ready. He is the one who works on the soul to help rid itseld of its falseness. We are only His medium."

I believe Eruch was speaking from his heart and not just throwing out words or giving excuses. This helped me understand his refusal to crack the whip.

Avatar Meher Baba Ki Jai !!

In His Love and Service,
Meher Praveen.