A Letter to Reno Sirrine
Bibi Hardevi explains why a portion of the Master’s ashes were sent to this country
18 October 1974
Dear Reno Ji
I am in receipt of your loving letters of 2nd and 6th October 1974, with enclosures, and noted their contents.
It gives me great pain to read …’s letter of 28th September 1974, which generally shows lack of respect toward the physical form of the Master. The physical body of a Master is due respect not only while the God-Power is residing within it, but even after that Power has left; it is still the form which once housed that Power. To have a glimpse of even a single hair of His precious body is an invaluable thing. The Master Himself used to remind us of the one hair from the moustache of Mohammed Sahib which after so many years is yet revered in Mecca. This is not an idol worship but a gesture of love, respect and sweet remembrance by thousands. Here and now have we such little respect that within a month’s time after His leaving we can forget Him so quickly, and write in such terms?
The purpose of sending some of the Master’s ashes out of India was in due consideration for those of His children who had no opportunity to be here and pay their last respects. It may not be exactly according to the strictest lndian customs, but as He Himself was above all customs, even whilst outwardly keeping them, I am sure He would not disapprove our giving this chance to His children everywhere. After all, the Master lived mostly in India, but His children are all over the world and that must have some consideration. After the initiates have had this opportunity to pay their last respects, that portion of the ashes may be immersed in some peaceful river in the United States, which will give the additional blessings to that country, and will also make the river holy, as the River Beas became through Baba Sawan Singh Ji Maharaj.
I hope these brief few words will clarify what was intended to be a simple and helpful gesture with good intentions, coming from a painful heart. That which I have suffered myself I could feel on behalf of others. If you so wish, dear Reno Ji, you may send a copy of this letter to Khanna Ji and any others who have similar misunderstandings.
If you find that the majority of the American Satsangis do not understand this gesture and it is therefore causing only controversy, then it is suggested that the immersion in some peaceful river be done earlier. I acknowledge, with thanks, the receipt of the tape and circular sent by you. With all Love and best wishes, in the Master’s Love.
Cordially yours,
Hardevi
*****
Sant Maulana Shamas-i-Tabrez once said, ‘When I die and my body is burnt and my ashes are used as manure in a wheat field, and that wheat is made into flour and bread is made of it, and that bread is served to be eaten, then not only the eater but the server of the bread will be intoxicated – with the love of Him – to an extent beyond expression.
Sant: The Master –
Satsang by Kirpal Singh, 1894–1974