"What do you think about the West from your experiences and tours?" Gandhi asked.
"In America, the spiritual hunger is intense. That is why I went and stayed there for a month. There is everything there materially. There is wealth; there are brains; there is heart. In other words, there is sufficient preparedness for spiritual growth and development."
Chanji then narrated the details of Baba's tours, his meetings with people from all denominations and walks of life, their sincere aspirations for Truth, and the formation of a group to spread Baba's cause.
Gandhi asked, "Then there is an awakening and interest about spirituality in America?"
"Yes, there is much," Baba answered. "But the Americans have not had proper light and guidance [by a Master] in this direction. If they get these, they will respond wonderfully."
"And what about England?"
"In England, there is also an interest and longing, but not as intense as in America. The response that Americans gave was so splendid that, even now, I am [debating] whether to go there again or stay here. They would not let me go and have extracted a promise from me to return soon; only then did they let me leave. I came back [to India], because there is much work to do here. I have left behind instructions there [with my followers in the West] about what to do in my absence. I now have to look into all affairs on this side."
"There is a greater need for you to be here in India, looking to all the situations," Gandhi stated. "If I am arrested, you will have to take care of affairs here."
"That will be seen to and done," Baba promised. "I undertake to settle all this self-government struggle, but on one condition: After all this is settled, you are to come with me to America."
Gandhi immediately stretched his hand to Baba and said, "I promise."
A group of Gandhi's close associates were standing at a distance listening to this conversation. Hearing Gandhi's promise to Baba, Vallabhbhai Patel asserted himself into the conversation:1
"But Bapuji, while you are giving promises, did you think of us and ask our advice in these matters?"
Gandhi replied, "Once the struggle for independence is settled, who will care for you or me? Then, it is a question between him [Baba] and me. I have already promised! [Turning to Baba] Haven't I?"
Footnotes
- 1.Sardar Patel was the President of the Congress Party and later became the first Deputy Prime Minister of India.