bodies consciously, because their consciousness is wholly directed toward God and is not turned toward the bodies or the universe. For them, their own bodies as well as the world of forms have no existence; so there can be no question of their using the bodies in relation to the world of forms. However, though the Majzubs do not use their bodies consciously, their bodies are necessarily the centers for the radiation of the unpremeditated and constant overflow of the Infinite Bliss, Knowledge and Love, which they enjoy; and those who worship their bodies derive great spiritual benefit from this spontaneous radiation of Divinity.

Some God-realized persons have, in addition to the consciousness of God, the awareness of the existence of other souls, who are in bondage. But they know these souls to be all really forms of the Paramatman and also know that they are all one day destined to have emancipation and God-realization; and being established in this knowledge, they remain indifferent to the provisional and changing lot of the souls who are in bondage. These God-realized souls know that, just as they themselves have realized God, others will also realize God at some time. They are in no hurry to speed up the God-realization of those who are in bondage; and they do not take any active interest in the time-process of the creation.

Some God-realized souls not only possess God-consciousness, but are also conscious of the creation and their own bodies. They take active interest in the souls who are in bondage; and they use their own bodies consciously, for working in the creation, in order to help other souls in their Godward march. Such a God-realized soul is called a Salik, Sadguru or a God-man. The Salik or Sadguru finds himself in the center of the entire universe; and every one, high or low, good or bad, is at the same distance from him. In the Sufi tradition, this center is called Qutub. Qutub controls the whole universe, through its spiritual agents.

The Sadguru who first emerged through evolution as a God-man, and helped and helps other souls in bondage, is known as the Avatar. There is another difference between Sadgurus and the Avatar. *When a Sadguru is not working for the universe, his mind is inclined towards the Infinite again; and he finds it very difficult to "keep down." At such times, he has to compel his mind to come down towards material things and activities. On such occasions, some Sadgurus ask for food or pull their hair or

*Mani says in Vol 3, No. 1, pg 45,   "This is absolutely incorrect. The correct explanation is (given with Baba's full approval and his dear guidance): Both the Sadguru and the Avatar, who have complete God-consciousness, plus full consciousness of the gross, subtle, and mental worlds simultaneously, and who do universal work, have no difficulty in retaining normal human consciousness. Unlike the Sadguru and Avatar, however, the Paramhansa and Jivanmukta, who have no duty to perform, have, at times, great difficulty in keeping their consciousness down to normal, and have to compel their minds to come towards material things and activities. On such occasions they (the Paramhansas and Jivanmuktas) may ask for food, or pull their hair, or slap themselves in order to remain in the body—some such physical activity is necessary to keep them down.'" webmaster-JK