TELL THAT FOOL IT IS MY WILL

 
Confusion has to cease voluntarily. This requires grace, or call it what you may. Mere words on a verbal level do not quiet or slow down the mind. One in confusion gets steeped in it unless he gives up all effort of his own and lets God flood his being. The following anecdote, which Adi Sr. told me later, appealed to me very much.

One of Baba's closer ones was very earnest in trying to get over his weaknesses. In spite of his sincere efforts he failed to act according to his expectations. It was like the forgetful professor who, while drowning in a swimming pool, failed to remember that he could swim! When pulled out by his pupils standing nearby, he lectured on the importance of swimming!

Unlike the professor, this Baba lover was really keen to live what he believed to be true, but he became very disappointed and exasperated. In the end he requested Adi Sr. to ask Baba the reason for such repeated failings.

Adi related the question to Baba. Because of His intimate relationship with this person, Baba remarked, "Tell that fool it is my will."

This answer is as baffling as it is potent with spiritual significance. Does it not point out the limits of one's efforts and the necessity for deeper, unmotivated surrender to the Master?

Getting the opposite answer expected from the Master may shock one at first, but as it is quietly absorbed, without self-resistance, there is an awakening which enlightens the way of the seeker.