Stress on Positive Values

My dear Hislop,

Accept my blessings. Your letter and the circular sent for the direction of devotees reached me. I am very happy that things are progressing well. I am glad that you are healthy and active.

Hislop! It is not advisable to publicize defects by mentioning them specifically. These are subjects that can be dealt with indirectly, rather than directly. We must encourage people to correct themselves by highlighting the good points; for the very goodness will shame the others into giving up their vices. When others develop their faith in the right path, those who are in the wrong will also try to fall in line. When we write about a certain defect in character and draw attention to it, undue importance is thereby given to the individuals. We are also likely to be misunderstood and maligned as prejudiced. Let us lay stress more on positive virtues and positive ideas among devotees in our Organization – like love, service, brotherhood. Let these be the distinctive marks of our Organization, making it distinct from the rest. Let us keep away from the undesirable and ignore it, steadily and silently. Discussing it and publicly condemning it will only soil us. Maintain the atmosphere of purity and divinity; there, evil cannot sprout or thrive.

I am happy that even at this old age, you are so earnest and active in serving the Organization. The Organization in America is your responsibility. Sai devotees have to give support to each other and share the labour. They must infuse into their groups love, courage, confidence, and a sense of sacrifice so that the Message can transform more and more into seekers and sadhaks of the Truth.

Dear Hislop! I bless that you carry on your program of directing and developing the Organization with success. I am highly satisfied with what you have done and are doing in this respect. Of course, such success always attracts obstacles, opposition and even vilification. But, do not pay them any attention. The diamond becomes brighter with the cutting of more facets. One’s duty is to continue along one’s chosen path and fulfill the task, with undiminished enthusiasm. Truth cannot fail to be valued and appreciated, one day or other. Be as happy as ever, whatever happens.

My blessings to your wife. Convey my love and blessings to Goldstein, Krystal, Sandweiss and others. Also to the Centres.

With love and blessings,

Baba