Shri Babaji Maharaj often told this story to illustrate how the feelings within us affected the world around us.
Raabiya Basri was a legendary Persian saint and prophetess who lived in the forest. She was always surrounded by a host of birds that loved her and fluttered around her. One day a Faqueer of renown came for her darshan – deedaar. He came and sat down beside her.
The moment the birds spotted the man they all flew away chattering loudly with fear.
The Faqueer was greatly surprised and he said to Raabiya Basri: It shocks me that the birds should have flown away the moment I came. They were playing with you only a moment before. Please tell me why this has happened. After all, I too am a Faqueer like yourself, and was not their enemy.
Raabiya Basri asked the Faqeer: Tell me, do you eat meat?
The Faqeer said: Yes, I do.
And Raabiya Basri said: “Ah, that is the reason why the birds have flown away from you! This is so, because in your inherent nature there is enmity for them. Even though there is no antagonism in your mind against these birds, yet within your body there is something that goes against them!
Shri Babaji Maharaj elucidated: If in the depths of our hearts we have a genuine love for the world we shall receive love in return. This principle is as apparent as the light of the sun or the heights of the Himalayas.
Shri Babaji Maharaj would often say: Aap jo kuchh duniyaan ko banaana chaahate hain paihle vo aap ban jaayiye. If you want to convert the world into something then you must first become like that yourselves!