CARNAL CRAVINGS

 
*In reply to a Baba-lover who asked about "carnal cravings"...

1978

My dear, coming to the point of your letter, Beloved Baba has given us to understand that our carnal cravings are the legacy derived from our animal ancestry; as such these cravings are inherent. If abstinence cannot be fully exercised to overcome them, at least exercise continence. To exercise continence is not repression. Repression is through fear and begets the experience of misery, while continence is through strength and results in giving confidence and joy.

Clean habits in life help keep a clean mind. Frequent remembrance of Beloved Meher Baba guards the mind and helps to "phase out" undesirable addictions. Eventually, as one ages, one gains more useful experiences and tires of the experiences of youth, and even ridicules them in one's old age.

At this stage it is best for us to leave everything in His Compassionate Hand and to always dedicate our weaknesses and our strength to our Beloved Avatar Meher Baba and to remember Him constantly. We should strive not to let Him down through our way of life, but to uphold the trust He has reposed in His lovers. It is up to us to try. While one cannot observe total 'fast' (over lust, anger, greed, etc.) one must observe 'strict diet'!