ChaptersChapter 12Page 1,699

Chapter 12: Film Projects & Work In India

1936Page 1,699 of 5,444
It was later revealed that there was much disagreement and discord among the Aiyangar family — mainly between Sampath and his daughter. Ironically, Baba did not accept any celebration that day, but he did accept their dissensions! He made the whole family sit before him and urged them to air their grievances among themselves in his presence. He heard the father's side and then the children's. Afterward, he prevailed upon them to live in harmony and brought them together in such a way that amity and love once again prevailed in the family.
Sampath and his family said to Baba, "We have received the highest boon on your birthday today and have had the chance of tasting the nectar of your love. We are deeply grateful to you." As a gesture of their gratitude, they beseeched Baba to have both lunch and dinner with them, to which he consented.
While Meher Baba was visiting the Aiyangar family in Bangalore, a strange and wonderful event took place in Ahmednagar the very same day. Adi Sr. and Padri had come to Ahmednagar from Meherabad to purchase supplies, after which they visited Khushru Quarters. Adi saw his mother Gulmai, and he and Padri were about to leave for Meherabad when an unexpected car drove into the compound and stopped at the entrance of the bungalow. Padri shouted in amazement, "It's Upasni Maharaj!"
Alighting from the car, Maharaj entered the room at Khushru Quarters that was always kept unoccupied for him. (Gulmai had kept his gaadi and gunny sacks in that room [which Maharaj had used at Sarosh Manzil], and a small seat for Baba on which Baba's photograph had been placed.) Maharaj then sent away his secretary, B. T. Wagh, who had come with him from Sakori, on some errand in the city.
Upasni Maharaj's usual custom was to occupy his gaadi and allow people to bow down to him. But this time, he stood before Meher Baba's photograph and began uttering a prayer. Adi had unlaced his shoes and silently entered the room to take Maharaj's darshan. But when he saw Maharaj praying before Meher Baba's photograph, he was stunned. He thought: "The Master is praying before the photograph of his disciple with folded hands! How wonderful!"
For five minutes, Upasni Maharaj stood praying motionlessly, looking straight into the eyes of Baba's photograph. Then, turning to Adi he said, "I like this place very much. I like this photo of Merwan still more! I love Merwan. He is great! He is matchless — unique! I bow down to him. Let me pray in his presence. Convey my salutations to him."
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