But she was soon to learn an important lesson. One evening, after dinner, Baba asked Dina to accompany him on a drive to get some ice cream. Rushing to join him, she forgot to put some of his food aside. After Baba and she departed, the mandali ate their meal without knowing that Dina had not saved some portion for Baba. They ate all the food, and put the pots and pans away after washing up.
On the way back from their drive, Baba told Dina, "I couldn't eat properly before and now I am feeling very hungry. In fact, I am ravenous!"
Dina said, "The food is kept for you, Baba. I do so every day. I will serve you the moment we reach home." However, when they returned, she found to her dismay that there was nothing left. She began weeping. Meanwhile, Baba sent Vishnu to inquire why he had not yet been served.
Vishnu found Dina crying in the kitchen and told Baba. Baba came and asked Dina what was wrong.
When she told Baba, he exclaimed, "You don't even have this much respect for me? Are you so inattentive that you forget to save something for me? You lied to me. You only think of yourself."
Pointing to his stomach, he repeated how hungry he felt. Dina was in tears over her mistake and pleaded to be allowed to prepare something for him to eat in five minutes.
But Baba replied, "I've lost my appetite now. I'm not hungry anymore."
Dina, however, insisted that Baba eat. He reluctantly agreed and had a little bread and butter.
Baba's expression softened as he consoled her, "Don't worry about it. I forgive you. I have used you for some special, inner work of mine. My work is done; forget all about it."
The incident taught Dina a great lesson: Never take pride in serving the Master. What could one do for he who serves the universe?
Another incident involving food made Dina keenly aware of the folly of such thoughts. One day Baba instructed Dina to cook for him as well as for the mandali, but the men were to help her. When it was ready, Dina informed Baba and he came to the dining room with everyone who had come for darshan that day. Seeing the numerous guests, Dina was taken aback. She took Baba aside and whispered, "There is not enough food to feed everyone . I didn't realize you wished me to cook for so many persons."