LONGING, PATIENCE AND ROCK-LIKE FAITH

 
Before Realisation the veil must be torn away and the mind must die. It is due to this veil that every individual mind functions in the gross and subtle bodies. Removing the veil would separate the gross from the subtle; when that occurs, in the subtle state you would be able to see internal things with as much clarity as you see gross objects.... When the gross is separated from the subtle, it is like killing two birds with the one stone.

But the veil must be ripped off. Though the veil is thin, at the same time it is very strong. It cannot be slit easily, but it can be rent in an instant by a Perfect Master. If it is torn, the consciousness of the soul at once enters the first plane....

But progress comes to a halt at the first plane if the rent in the veil is made through one's own efforts or with the help of a yogi or saint — an imperfect guru. Seekers advance of their own, but it is ultimately useless as they become inevitably entrapped. If a Perfect Master is there to help, He would not tear the veil unless the aspirant is fully ready; then the Master would take him straight to the goal.

Only a Sadguru can free one from the cage of illusion, but three conditions are required — longing, patience and rock-like faith.

Nothing is gained without longing. This is all that is needed, but the aspirant should remain restless. For instance, if a man is stung by a scorpion, he constantly thinks of how to overcome the burning, throbbing pain. He forgets about eating, drinking and worldly pursuits. He forgets everything and has only one thought: how to make the pain subside.

In the same way, there should be continual longing to be one with God. There should be no other thought except this: I must be one with God today — immediately, this moment! The mind and heart must be devoid of any other thought. Even though many years of suffering may pass, patience should never be forsaken.

At first, the longing is intense, but gradually it lessens and cools down. This should not be the case; patience must not be lost. It must be persistent. In the beginning there is great enthusiasm and a person is convinced he will soon gain Realisation. But with the passing of time, his enthusiasm wanes.

A person may be purposely snared by the Master and then thrown out! I, too, do such things. But a wise man silently puts up with everything that comes from the Master. One who is unwise becomes impatient and starts grumbling. But Masters always coax the aspirant along and gradually give him a push on the path. Masters always behave like this; it is their nature.

Crossing the path is like a pulling-pushing tug of war. But a wise man does not act in this way. A smart bird that is caught in a trap does not flap its wings to free itself. It remains quiet and unflustered, waiting for an opportunity to escape. An inexperienced bird flutters and squirms, becoming flustered and injuring itself more.

Think how patient Hafiz remained to have endured the treatment of His Master for forty years! Your steadfastness and determination should be like a steady flow of castor oil when poured.

Message given to Pleader. From the biography of Pleader by Kishore Mistry.