FROM THE DIVINE PARENT

Dear, Dear Loved One,
You ask:
How will you know when I am near you?

When on a sultry night
Everything is hot and still
The first cool breeze
Brushes your cheeks
I am caressing you
THINK OF ME.

When the pangs of hunger are satisfied
And loneliness is pierced by happiness
THINK OF ME

When your mouth is parched
And you can hardly speak
The first sip of cool water
I am soothing you
THINK OF ME.

When the cloud of death disappears
First on the opening of a baby’s smiling eyes
THINK OF ME.

When I sprinkle your face with rain
And wash the earth, the dry brown leaves
The first smell of clean rain
I am cleansing you
THINK OF ME.

When pain dissolves
And fears disappear
THINK OF ME

When steadfast eyes are horrified
By the cruelties of life
The first glance of the silent setting sun
I am comforting you
THINK OF ME

Then you ask:
How will you know when you are near Me?

When the burning sun
Has scorched you and the earth
The sand and dust fill your eyes
Not a sliver of shade about
AND YOU LOVE ME.

When loneliness is accompanied by hunger
And not one can be satisfied
AND YOU LOVE ME.

When your lips are cracked
Your tongue feels like clay
Your throat seals up
There is no water about
Not even a mirage in sight
AND YOU LOVE ME.

When you hold a dying child
With eyes pleading
AND YOU LOVE ME.

When I stir the ocean to a crescent
You flounder in its depth like a leaf
AND YOU LOVE ME.

When pain becomes unbearable
You smile
AND YOU LOVE ME.

When I take from you
Your most cherished possession
On the first loss of your sight
Darkness envelopes you
AND YOU LOVE ME.

For everything you see, hear, smell, taste or touch belongs to me. So, how can you give to me what I already Am but your love? And THAT I gave to you before time began as your sole possession. When you return it to ME, then I will know you are truly mine and I will dissolve your sorrow and happiness into ME. That…being ME, I will place you in Bliss forever. For, I love you and think of you constantly.

From your most loving,
Father.

(A letter written by Swami many years ago
to students of His Institute)

(From Prema Dhara, a collection of Swami's letters)