DISCOURSES & TALKS BY MEHER BABA

SADGURU RESTING

14th July, 1929

A Sadguru never sleeps in the ordinary sense of the word, but "rests" at a resting place between the sixth and seventh planes. Even though people may find him snoring, he is not asleep. It is next to impossible to come down from that state. A Sadguru alone can manage it; no one else can. That is the reason almost all Masters select a quiet, separate and aloof place for resting — which you call sleeping — where they will not be disturbed. For who knows, a kick from a Master during his rest to one who disturbs him would be fatal — the person would be doomed!

But apart from the different places of resting, the Perfect Master's modes of resting also differ. All Sadgurus do not act alike. Sai Baba would rest on a hanging platform high above the floor to avoid disturbance by anyone. While resting, Babajan and Upasni Maharaj would get up suddenly at even the slightest touch of a finger. Hence, they all rest at different solitary places to their liking in different ways. I am the same, avoiding the slightest cause of disturbance.

Therefore, I advise you never to touch a Perfect Master when he or she is resting. I may and do tolerate disturbances occasionally, but other Masters may not and generally speaking do not. And their one kick in that state would finish you forever [end your life]!