SINKING IN SAND, FLOATING IN AIR,
ESTABLISHED ON A FIRM FOUNDATION

 
Baba remarked that although in the eyes of the world, Bapi was a poor man, he and his family members were fortunate to be rich in Baba's love. Baba remarked that such love is rare and then added, "Even if such lovers were to forget Me, I would not forget them!"

Baba continued:

"I am the Avatar, I am the Perfect Master; I am whatever you take Me to be. I am what I am, and in fact, I am beyond that too! Those who love Baba may have to pass through a phase of suffering. But out of this barbadi [ruin] emerges the real abadi [prosperity]."

Gesturing at Bapi, Baba commented cryptically, "He is now sinking in sand, next he will be floating in air and finally he will find himself established on a firm foundation."

His fingers gesturing with grace yet rapidity, Baba expanded on this comment. The following is the gist of what I gathered from Baba's impromptu comments:

The average man of the world feels as if he has a stable position, but remains ignorant of the fact that his very "security" is like a pool of quicksand which will drag him down. Those who are comfortable in the world seek even more comfort and there is no end to this seeking to further solidify one's position.

But the only way to achieve permanent stability is to not depend on worldly security. Invariably lovers of God do not seek a worldly refuge. In their overwhelming love for their Beloved, these lovers are unmindful of all calamities or suffering; the only thing they can cling to is their love. Hence, they are like particles of dust floating in the air.

But as soon as this love for the Beloved blossoms in their heart, the love itself becomes their refuge. So they find themselves, before long, established on a rock-like foundation of unshakable faith, a profound conviction in the Beloved as Love Itself.