Smiling, Baba dictated, "Very good. But will you invite me to this school again after you are so highly educated?"
"Won't you come uninvited, Baba?"
"Since you ask that, I will personally come for you next time."1
Baba was on his way to the Nilgiris Hills and possibly Madras, where he had been invited by a disciple named Sampath Aiyangar, whose entire family was dedicated to the Master. The staff of the school entreated Baba to visit the institution again on his way back to Nasik. Baba replied that if it were possible, he would.
Before departing, Baba emphasized to Vinayak's roommate, an artist who was interested in spirituality, "In this Path, the heart counts more than the head. If both are good, that is best, but the heart should predominate. I will explain further when I come back."
The boys paraded before Baba, recited a prayer, and took his darshan. Baba was much pleased with the spirit of love, dedication, and self-sacrifice of all those connected with the school. He and the mandali enjoyed a splendid lunch at the school and left Kolhapur near noon headed toward Dharwar.
The mandali could not help but wonder at the turn of events, and once again it illustrated to them the unseen workings of the Master. As Chanji noted at the time, "It was good that the boy locked the door from inside last night, at which Baba showed so much displeasure. That was the cause [excuse] which he created to come over [to the school] where so many eager hearts were ready to welcome him and deserving of his darshan."
After they left Kolhapur, Baba surprised those traveling with him by asking, "Where should we go? Should we go to Madras or not? If we don't, Sampath Aiyangar and his family will be extremely disappointed."
Baba decided to proceed to Madras. A telegram was sent to Aiyangar, informing him that Baba was willing to postpone his visit to the Nilgiris Hills and come to Madras if arrangements could be made for him. At the same time, Aiyangar was instructed not to detain Baba for more than one day. He was told that Baba would grant private interviews only to a few close ones and give a general darshan to all. Ramjoo was cabled to inform Vishnu to meet them in Madras.
On the way, the inevitable bus trouble occurred.
Footnotes
- 1.Vinayak Karnataki later changed careers and, became a well-known actor and film director, working under the name Master Vinayak.