Baba gave him his mattress and the man departed. Baba revealed that the man was a wali on the fifth plane.
Meanwhile that day, for the first time since he was a teenager, Buasaheb shaved off his mustache, which dramatically changed his appearance.
Baba commented, "The evil is removed!"
Baba then mentioned the programs at Yezd and the love of the people there. Baba praised Rustom Khushrav, the merchant who had arranged those events. The whole town was excited to meet Baba and it was the only place in Persia where the Master would give mass darshans, coming out of seclusion to make public appearances.
In Baam, a general of the Persian Army came to Baba's residence in full uniform with a sword hanging by his side. He asked the mandali about Meher Baba, but was told that no one by that name lived there. The general requested, "Please go tell your Master that a beggar is standing on his threshold." When informed, Baba permitted the soldier to enter. The moment he came into Baba's presence, he folded his hands reverently on his chest (a mark of respect in Persia). He saluted Baba in grand Persian military style and then, taking out his sword, placed it on the floor. Falling at Baba's feet, he kissed his hands.
"Who are you?" Baba inquired.
"Your humble slave!" he replied.
"What is your rank?"
"It is nothing before your venerable self," the man replied.
"I asked about your rank in the army."
"I am a general in the army of Persia."
Baba lovingly patted him on the head and back and remarked, "To die in the service of one's country is indeed great, but to die for love of God is greater!"
The general nodded, saying, "I understand, your Holiness. I implore you to grant me the grace that my devotion to God may increase."
"I will help you," Baba promised.
In adoration, the general closed his eyes and bowed down, saying, "If I am permitted, your Holiness, I would like to say that the salvation of my country does not lie in its military strength, but in its spiritual rebirth through an inner understanding of life brought about by the grace of great Buzurgs [Masters] like yourself. My humble prayer is that you might be pleased to shower your grace on my unfortunate country and its illiterate people."
Baba smiled, gesturing, "That is why you see me here."