This is one of the first pieces of spiritual literature I ever learned by heart, some 50 years ago, and I have never forgotten it. I never met Meher Baba. Well, maybe I really should not say that: for I feel a person can meet a great teacher or saint in a dream, and receive from them as much or maybe even more, than many who actually met a truly enlightened one. Some meetings with a Great Sage in a dream could be like coming into physical contact with a divine sun, and of course be life changing.

The below quote was presented in my book, The Purity of Desire, 100 Poems of Rumi, on page xxv. One can see how it easily fits— and belongs— in that book. And I do feel I met someone, a living person who did indeed penetrate into the essence of all being and significance. 

His name was Eruch Byramshaw Jessawala, and he was the principal male disciple of Meher Baba, and the person who I feel was and is, so much a part of anything I have ever published, or ever will. 

Eruch and I walked together alone, hundreds of times, very early in the morning in the countryside of India over a 12 year stretch, when I was invited to stay with him. Often, we spoke about Hafiz & Rumi. I recited my renderings to him for feedback, and sometimes then, it became a direct collaboration. 

For those who are interested, I say the most I ever have about Eruch— and how my Hafiz and Rumi work began— in my book: The Purity of Desire, 100 Poems of Rumi, in the introduction: The Wing Comes Alive In His Presence.

Sending ya a hug. And remember: 

Consciously walking Buddha tickles feet.

THE GAME

To penetrate into the essence of all being and significance and to release the fragrance of that inner attainment for the guidance and benefit of others— by expressing in the world of forms, truth, love, purity, and beauty—this is the sole game which has intrinsic and absolute worth. All other happenings, incidents and attainments in themselves can have no lasting importance. 

                             —MEHER BABA, from the book Discourses