Otherwise, these so-called “sadhus” and “sanyasis” of the present day are generally mere idlers (dhongi, haramkhor) who wander here and there with no higher aim than obtaining food and clothing for free, without strife or strain on the body, without labor or exertion. Worse still, they are continually engrossed and engaged in talk about “wine and women”—which above all should be avoided. Worldly people (sansari loko) are far better than these hypocrites.-these sham sadhus and sanyasis.
Nonetheless, the fact remains that the world and its environments and surroundings are like chains and bindings (janjir, bandhan) in every connection and every way—whether the actions in question are good or bad. For all actions, whatever they be, are apt to the production of sanskaras. Now he who, having renounced everything, remains in the company and sahavas of a Sadguru, is far better and abides on a loftier level than these hypocritical sadhus and sanyasis. Yet higher still is he who, renouncing everything and keeping the company of the Sadguru, performs karma in the form of the duties entrusted to him by his Guru. This constitutes service to the world indeed.
By contrast, what is called service to the country, service to relatives and friends, even “service to the world” through acts of charity and the like—all of these embroil one in the bindings of sanskaras. For all actions, good and bad, are liable to the creation of sanskaras. There is no remedy to this other than complete renunciation. Hence the saying “Let go thy hold, sanyasi bold”: that is, keep your hands open so as to allow actions to escape; in other words, avoid actions, do nothing. “Eat, drink, and lie at rest”: in other words, remain at ease and free from anxiety in the company of the Sadguru, for this constitutes real karma yoga. Don’t mind if worldly people call you cowards and eunuchs incapable and afraid of facing the difficulties that the world presents. Care not for their taunts and insults; for they know not what they say.
– “Meher Baba’s Tiffin lectures”, p247
21-September-1926; Meherabad