Baba went to see the Pandu Lena Caves in Nasik that evening.
Liking the place very much, he remarked, "This place is most suitable for the boys' meditation."
Baba asked Rustom to seek the Collector's permission to use the spot. But when Rustom inquired, he found out that the place was outside the Collector's jurisdiction.
The next day, Baba visited two more shrines in the hills some distance from Nasik. One was a Jain temple, and since it was under a trust, it too was not available for the purpose of meditation. The other shrine connected with Lord Ram was on a very steep hill. Legend had it that Ram had stayed at this place during his advent. Finding that no steps led up to it, however, it was thought to be too hazardous to climb.
That evening Rustom took Baba to see the Gangapur Waterfalls. There Rustom confided to Baba his desire to make a movie. "The idea of a film has been in my mind for a long time," he said. "I've met Dadasaheb Phalke [a director] and he is willing to help with the financing.1 My idea is to portray spiritual themes through films, something the public has never been exposed to before. It will also be the best medium for spreading your teachings throughout the world." Baba liked the idea and permitted him to pursue it. Rustom was greatly encouraged and the mandali were excited about the plan.
After staying in Nasik for two days, Baba returned to Meherabad by train on 11 June. Immediately upon his arrival, he was informed that Ardeshir Irani had left for Persia.
"I had thought of putting him on the Path," Baba remarked, "but he left. What a fate! He was not destined for the Path."
Baba then visited the four boys in the new Prem Ashram. Finding Raosaheb quite depressed, he asked the reason. Raosaheb explained, "I do not like the attitude of the boys toward you. Those among them who had love before have now turned into mischievous devils! Ali [Akbar] is their ringleader and corrupts the other three. The boys who loved you so much, now disobey your orders. It is so disappointing after all your efforts on their behalf."
Baba consoled Raosaheb, "This is the second state of love. Don't let it trouble you. It is meant to teach you tolerance. This stage of love will come to an end. Have patience."
Footnotes
- 1.Dadasaheb G. Phalke (1870–1944), who was living in Nasik, was an early pioneer in the Indian film industry and is acknowledged as "the father of Indian cinema." Baba had seen Phalke's film Bhasmasur Mohini at Meherabad in 1925. Two other of Phalke's early films depicted the lives of Ram and Krishna.