THREE TYPES OF SEEKERS

 
Years ago in India when Baba used to sometimes permit darshan, people used to come from the city and the neighbouring places. Among them were three different men who came to see Baba.

The first said that he did not want anything. This made Baba very happy. Then he said that he was not very well, and that if he had good health he would not want anything else. Then he told Baba about his big family that he had to look after, and he said how difficult it was. I do not want much Baba, it is such a small thing. I want God.

Baba said, "You want health and wealth for yourself and your family — all this and then lastly, God." The man departed.

The second man said, "I want to be with you always Baba, I want to serve you, and to be near you always. I have nothing to do with the world now and will remain and serve you."

Baba said that not all who come to Baba come asking for food and clothes and more; many come for love of Baba and God. Also others come seeking a mixture of God and worldly things. Baba told him to remain in a certain spot nearby, until he called him.

A little while later this man came to Baba and said, "I have one attachment. When I am free of this I will come back and stay with you until I drop this body." Baba said the attachment this man incurred was a debt, and he wanted to repay it. It was a great burden to him.

The third man, Pleader, came to Baba and said, "Baba I want God-realization." Baba asked him if he wanted any other things as well. He replied, "Nothing, but God-realization." Then Baba told him to lock himself in a room for three years. He was not to step out of the room for three years.

This man did this. He had the daring to do it, because Baba said so. This man did not even leave his room when he found a cobra in it one day. Pleader waited until the man who brought his milk came and killed it.

Baba said: "I want you all to know that love for me should not have any demands or wants. Wanting had its origin in the very first urge to know God — I want to know myself. I want to know who I am. The original want has expanded into so many different wants, illusory wants: I want to know myself; I want this; I want that; it is continuous.

"Life after life, evolution of the illusory want goes on, until one gets fed up and wants nothing. In that instant he gets the answer to his first question, 'Who am I?' with 'I am God.'"