And if you don't do that, no one else will. So let there be some workable outcome. If not, you will have to offer civil disobedience [as an alternative]. Considering the present political climate and atmosphere, violence may erupt, which would be quite hard to control. If the youth adopt violence, it will be most disastrous and harm the essence of spirituality in India.
In case you return empty-handed and have to conduct non-violent civil disobedience, it would be the best. It would not harm India just now to undergo more suffering. These agonies will result in more preparedness. Really speaking, the root cause of every good result is suffering. India is considered to be the land of spiritual greatness — of Avatars and saints. To sustain this spiritual greatness, there must be the strength to bear these miseries. Europe has material greatness, but it must go.
Another major difficulty is the Untouchability problem [prejudice against the Harijans] in India. It is the greatest evil. With the Brahmins it is sheer wickedness; they have deep-rooted past sanskaras which cannot be easily wiped out. The main cause of the ruination of any community in India is the priest class who, to serve their own selfish ends, have become the props to perpetuate religious rites and rituals.
These comments by Baba concluded their meeting. Before leaving, Gandhi reminded Baba that he was invited to stay with him in London, and Baba agreed to see him one day while there. Gandhi said, "I will arrange for your stay in a serai [dharamshala], as wherever I go, I stay with my people; two or four more won't matter. At least I will have the benefit of passing one night in your company. Will that day ever dawn?"
Baba gestured, "Of course."
At ten that night, their second meeting came to an end.
The next day, Thursday, 10 September 1931, Baba sent Chanji back and forth to Gandhi's cabin. Baba sent him some additional writings and messages, inviting Gandhi's opinion about them. However, Gandhi had no opportunity to meet Baba during the day.
After dinner and a discussion with the mandali, Baba retired for the night. Soon after, there was a sudden knock on the door. Gandhi had come again to see Baba. "Forgive me; today I am somewhat late. If you are resting, I will leave," he said.
"Come in and sit down," Baba gestured. "But what about yourself; do you have the time?"