High-class Hindus would not even allow the shadow of an Untouchable to cross them. Baba motioned to Aiyangar to tell the couple in a friendly manner not to be afraid and to pass alongside them on the path. Thus, these unfortunates who thought themselves outcasts and the lowest of the low, unknowingly had the Avatar's darshan and received his blessing without seeking it.
Aiyangar had arranged for their stay on the hill in the Cunningham's bungalow called Oaklands .1 They moved in, but Baba did not like it. Although it was a comfortable house, it was at the edge of the path and passersby could see inside. Baba indicated that he had wanted a totally undisturbed place to work in seclusion where no one would come to know of his presence; but now he was forced to conceal his long hair at all times.
Baba was irritated also by other matters. No normal necessities were readily available on the hill, and one had to walk six miles to purchase the most basic items. Besides this, whatever rice or dal they did purchase contained dirt and pebbles, and it took a long time to clean. Water too had to be brought up the hill by a paid coolie, and because the water was soft, the dal took several hours to cook properly. Fresh milk was brought at 7:30 A.M. and not earlier, forcing them to wait for their morning tea which Baba usually took much earlier, shortly after rising.
Kaka was the cook, but he would invariably put too much water in the rice and it would turn out mushy with little difference between it and the dal. Despite both being thoroughly cleaned, gravel would still be present. Baba asked Chanji to help clean the rice, but he replied that he had no time. This perturbed Kaka, who taunted, "You have time for idle chitchatting but not for half an hour of cleaning!"
Baba added, "What Kaka says is true. You think that this work is not for you, but look at how Gustadji cleans the pots and sweeps the floors. Half an hour of this work will not impede your work. What is wrong with doing it? While all the others are working, you are taking it easy."
In this way, the "pricking" continued.
Actually, Chanji had very little free time. There was the daily mail from throughout India, Europe and America which Baba wanted attended to immediately, and Chanji was handling all the correspondence single-handedly.
Footnotes
- 1.Sampath Aiyangar had accompanied Baba up Nandi Hill but left the following morning at 6: A.M. with his servant Parsandhi. Only the mandali stayed with Baba while he was in seclusion.