Entering the Path, Part Two

"Before Realization, the veil must be torn away and the mind must die. It is due to this veil that every individual mind functions in the gross and subtle bodies. Removing the veil would separate the gross from the subtle; when that occurs, in the subtle state you would be able to see internal things with as much clarity as you see gross objects. While doing all physical activities such as eating, drinking, sitting, standing – while your body is functioning – there is simultaneous progress into the subtle world. When the gross is separated from the subtle, it is like killing two birds with one stone.

But the veil must be ripped off. Though this veil is thin, at the same time it is very strong. It cannot be slit easily, but it can be rent in an instant by a Perfect Master. If it is torn, the consciousness of the soul at once enters the first plane. When a parrot escapes from its cage, it flies straight into the air without looking back.

But progress comes to a halt at the first plane if the rent in the veil is made through one's own efforts or with the help of a yogi or saint – an imperfect guru. Seekers advance on their own, but it is ultimately useless, as they inevitably become entrapped. If a Perfect Master is there to help, he would not tear the veil unless the aspirant is fully ready; then the Master would take him straight to the goal."

This passage from Lord Meher seems to take a different angle: that the act of personal will that is involved in "tearing the veil" and entering the path is not as salient or useful as the act of the Sadguru. Of course Baba said he left that veil in place, generally, for his mandali, to allow them to support his Avataric work, and then, rather than letting them climb, plane by plane, to the goal, he became the express train. Obviously there are mysteries in this area that are incomprehensible, especially for those of us who see with gross eyes.