Page 53 - Path to Perfection

Method of Offering Prayer
1. “I am telling an easy principle for his (M1) benefit, which he is to follow at a fixed time daily without fail. That is prayer. His defects that come to his view in the form of thoughts are to be placed before God, with the prayer to be rid of them. The usual practice (Abhyas) is to be carried along with. Can fire not be created in sandalwood, which is a cool object? Can dried wood not be straightened through a warming process? He (M1) should structure himself in such a manner as may inspire people to be attracted to him. For the rest, he may consult me anytime, about whatever he likes to know in this regard. I shall reply. I am afraid, this poison may spread among his disciples: I am warning and instructing specially on that account. Mere spirituality does not work: very few persons are capable of comprehending it. In general people discover the inner (capacity) on the basis of outer expression. There should be attractiveness, sublime flexibility and softness in speech. This I am addressing to everybody. If somebody has nothing lacking in him as regards spirituality, but its expression is not up to the mark, I cannot call him perfect. Serving one’s purpose (successfully) is another matter. However, now I am coming to a second (important) point: I am prepared to designate a person as selfish, if he serves his own purpose and does not structure himself capable of structuring others. These words may possibly seem harsh; but these alone contain the best sweetness, if he gets impelled to readiness (through these words). This dictation which I have given for M1 is to be noted down by you (Ram Chandra) also; and it is to be read often and on most occasions so as to keep it fresh (in memory).”
[04-02-1945: pg. 151 (A.B.II - II)]
2. Revered Master: “I do not ask you to be away from the world, but only to live with God, in whatever job you have to remain. (Famous Persian couplet). If somebody has brought up such state in oneself, it means that he/she is (permanently residing) in the very state of prayer. The intent of remaining oriented all the time is that one has taken one’s master as Master and oneself as His personal (slave). Thus the relation of personnel ship (slavery) has got established. That person has comprehended God as God and arrived at the real maxim of personnel ship (slavery). Can this state be arrived at by everybody? Yes, but after a lot of habituation, one who has attained to this state, is in the sphere of prayer (Ibid). He/she has the right to submit anything humbly to his/her Master. Everybody has to come in this very form (garb / posture) at the time of prayer: only then prayer gets accepted (granted). This is the relationship