Meanwhile, in Panchgani, the men and women mandali had been instructed to meditate according to Baba’s order. Some were having thoughts as to why they had not yet realized God, despite serving Baba for so many years.
Baba narrated to them a story about a Sadguru in answer to their unspoken question:
A disciple used to always ask his Master why he could not realize God, in view of the fact that he had served him so faithfully for so long. The Sadguru continued telling him to have patience, and the disciple, in his eagerness, kept pestering him.
One day, a fair was held in a nearby village. The Sadguru told his disciple, “Go to the fair with a cup of milk in your hand, and return with the cup still full. Then you will be One with God!”
So the disciple, thinking it an easy thing, did as he was told. But when he reached the fair he was so engrossed with the alluring sights around him, he forgot about God-Realization. He pushed through the crowds, so as not to miss seeing anything, all the while spilling the milk. When he came back to his Master’s residence, no milk was left in the cup.
Seeing him approach, the Master said, “Now, according to my promise, I will give you God-Realization; but let me first see the cup.” The disciple was ashamed, and confessed that all the milk was lost amidst the wonderful carnival.
The Sadguru said, “What can I do now? You were attracted by worldly allurements and forgot my order. Had you real desire for attaining God, you would not have been caught napping, and tried your best to save the milk. But you were ensnared by filthy things of the world which bind you, so how could you long for God?”
The disciple then realized that, despite years of service to the Master, as long as worldly attractions last, there is no hope!
www.lordmeher.org, p2733