Baba granted interviews that day to those living nearby. Among them were Marian Thorp, who stayed at the colony in the cottage that had been built for Baba, and Hugo Seelig, a poet and kabbalist, who was interested in developing higher consciousness. Baba explained certain aspects of lust, anger and greed, which Seelig had been confused about and wanted clarified.
Privately, in response to a question from Adi Sr., Baba stated, "India, by being ruled by Britain, actually exists in the best condition. It has no worry of [territorial] possession and fear of losing it. There are many factions in India — Hindu and Mohammedan — which cannot attain unity. So Swaraj [self-rule] to India would give no [added] scope of spiritual advancement. China is independent but is chaotic. Materially speaking, also, India is not likely to be benefited by Independence."
That afternoon, all went to the beach with Baba. Due to the recent heavy rain and high tides, the car got stuck in the sand. Baba walked on ahead while the car was pushed out. Baba and the group left at 3:30 in the afternoon to return to Hollywood, via Santa Barbara.
Sam Cohen later wrote, "Baba made quite a number of contacts [at the Dunes] and, as always is the case with Baba, he stirred up everything!"
On one occasion , Norina telephoned an old friend, the screenwriter Mercedes de Acosta, 42, to tell her there was someone in town she should meet. Mercedes had been severely depressed of late and did not wish to meet anyone, but Norina urged her that she would not regret meeting this person .
"Who is it?" Mercedes inquired.
Norina would not say. "I want it to be a surprise," she explained.
Finally, Norina persuaded her friend to come. Norina was waiting at the door when Mercedes arrived on Monday, 31 December 1934. As a young girl, Mercedes had written impassioned letters to Jesus, Mary Magdalene, Joan of Arc and other Christian saints. Upon seeing Baba, Mercedes felt an overwhelming warmth radiating from him. She rushed into his embrace and asked, "Who are you?"
Baba gestured, "I am you." Then suddenly he spelled on the board, "Go and bring me your revolver."
Mercedes was amazed for she had told no one about the gun in her car. She went to the car and returned with the revolver, handing it to Baba. He took the bullets out one by one and handed the gun back to her.