He is so energetic that he will! He is puffed up [prideful], but after all, he is only a boy. Whatever habit he may develop, be it good or bad, he will stick to it with the energy that abounds in him. And the chances of him turning bad are great, for there are many attractions. I am trying to keep Ali out of such habits in my own way. You don't need to think about it in the least, but listen to me and obey what I say.
On 19 July, a man named Dhotiwala had seen Baba taking a walk the previous day and came in the morning for darshan. He complained about the scanty rainfall in the area and the farmers' plight and probable heavy financial losses and famine. He requested that Baba bring rain.
Just as he was stating his plea, a heavy shower began to fall and Baba humorously rhymed, "You have got the neer [water] and I have got the teer [arrow]!"
Due to the downpour, they could not leave Guna as early as planned and left around 11:15, reaching Shivpuri in about two hours. In Shivpuri, they went to see Sakhya Sagar Lake, and Raosaheb took out a pair of binoculars and began scanning the scenery. Baba snatched the binoculars away and ordered Padri to throw them into the lake.
Upset, Baba slapped Raosaheb so soundly that Raosaheb's face turned red and he began shaking. Baba directed him to abandon the journey and leave the group. Raosaheb was overcome and he momentarily lost his temper.
Baba rebuked him, "Despite my warning, you have allowed your langoti to slip." Then winking, Baba joked, "Better pull it up; if it slips any further, people will laugh at you!"
Raosaheb forgot his anguish and burst into laughter.
Returning, all left for Gwalior, which they reached at quarter to nine at night, and stayed at the Park Hotel. On Saturday morning, 20 July 1929, Baba took a stroll with most of the mandali. Meanwhile, Vishnu and Gustadji went to the market, and Chhagan was busy cooking their meal in the hotel. At ten o'clock, Baba took a guided tour of Gwalior Fort and paid a flying visit to the Archeological Museum there. He admired the panoramic view from the top of the fort.1
After spending an hour there, Baba went around the city, visiting the shrine of the late Maharaja Madhavrao Scindia and the zoo, where Bengal tigers and lions were kept free and open in natural surroundings, encircled by deep trenches.
"Tigers take lakhs of years to take a human birth," Baba remarked. "Bears are the most lustful among animals. Monkeys and gorillas are most advanced. They incarnate as human beings, first as savages."
Footnotes
- 1.Gwalior Fort, the city's most renowned landmark, stands on a steep mass of sandstone dominating the surroundings. Its history dates back more than a thousand years. and it has been a scene of momentous events, battles, and imprisonments.