Another story about Baba-a beautiful demonstration of equanimity and unconditional love.

Baba had just landed at JFK airport, after more than year of absence. A group of disciples from New York were gathered at the gate, eagerly waiting for him with garlands and flowers, love and smiles. They could already see him through the glass partition of the customs office, slowly being pushed in his wheelchair and coming towards them.

But before they could bow at his feet, a Bible-waving religious zealot jumped in front of them and, thinking he would tear down this unassuming-looking old Hindu monk in no time, yelled at the top of his voice, "JESUS IS THE ONLY WAY!!!" Without missing a beat, Baba immediately roared back "CORRRRRRRRECT!!!" The man, confused, left without another word.

The disciples rushed to Baba and apologized profusely for the outrageous behavior of the stranger towards him. But Baba just smiled and declared, "Why sorry? At least he loves Jesus!"

The master knows that whatever love we may have for the Divine will eventually save us. However fanatical our love may begin with, it will eventually transmute into a purer love, a love that elevates all instead of putting others down.

But the deeper question is, why did Baba agree with the man that Jesus is "the only way"?

Jesus Christ Himself said "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. If you really knew Me, you would know my Father as well." (John 14:6-7). Fanatical Christian sects interpret this passage to mean that only by converting to Christinaity will we be saved, and that all other religions are basically "flawed." However Baba taught that the meaning of Lord Jesus' words is vastly deeper than this superficial interpretation. This essential statement conveys the idea that only through living a Christ-like life ("if you really knew Me") can one enter the kingdom of God. It is no a matter of religious affiliation, but of spiritual behavior. As a Catholic priest once remarked, "Our greatest mistake was to become Christians instead of Christ-like."