THE GOD-MAN The Life, Journeys and Work of Meher Baba with an ...

334 THE GOD-MANdon't worry; say, 'It is Baba's grace'. Then I am pleased with your love. Now, what do you want? Onemore discourse, or music or jokes? Personally, I want jokes, but let's keep your wish. I want you all to behappy. I say to you, remain happy under every illusory circumstance. Do you follow, Harry?"Harry nodded. After some records a third discourse on 'Maya' and one on 'Auras' were read, and Babaresumed:"You are all blind - unless you see me as I am. This is what I mean by this discourse on maya. Irene usedto tell me that Westerners were spiritual, that they have more spiritual understanding than the Easterners. Isaid she was right. Easterners have no understanding but they have more love. And of course Irene wasnot pleased; so I had to create an explanation for her, so she was pleased, and God remains pleased."Remember one point, try to follow it, it's so new and difficult. Why do I say, everything is here withinyou? It is not above or beneath; the difference is only in the state of consciousness. For example, an ant ishere on the bam floor; it is free, active. You also do actions here on the same floor. But the consciousnessof the ant when compared with yours is insignificant. You are conscious of planes flying over the bam.You also know about air flights and so many things. But the ant on the same floor with you is not aware ofplanes. The difference between the experience of the ant and your experience is very great, though you areboth on the same gross level. So similarly the difference between your experience and my experience islike that between you and the ant; we are here together in the same room and on the same floor, but to meyou appear as the ants appear to you!"That afternoon a performance was given by the men in the barn. Harry Florsheim was master ofceremonies and gave Baba a toy alligator that beat a drum. Then all the men sang, 'He's Got the WholeWorld in His Hands'. The performance entertained everyone and at the end Baba commented, 'Today'sperformance is one of the few things I shall miss in my next advent!' He embraced all the performers.Suddenly, as he was about to leave the bam, Baba's mood changed. A look of intense suffering cameover him, and his eyes were far away. He remained in his chair, as all fell silent. He did not allow himselfto be moved for some time. When taken back to the Lagoon Cabin he remained seated outside, with a lookof compassion and suffering as many of the group stood silently about. He continued for ten minutes,