The man looked confused and Baba explained, "You are not alone. You have many 'friends' like the mind, desires, thoughts, sexual urges, which are always with you. They are really your enemies.
"Were you really alone, you would be like God! God is alone and I am alone. Now tell me, what do you really want?"
The man answered, "I want to serve my country, but a disappointment in a sad love affair frustrated my plans. I want to fulfill my plans and have peace of mind."
"Plans and peace! These two can never go hand in hand. Where there is peace, there is no plan; and where there are plans, there is [turmoil]. Either give up plans and have peace, or have your 'plans' and give up thoughts of peace. You can't have both. That is impossible.
"People suffer because they want the impossible, the unattainable! You want to stand in the fire and at the same time do not want it to burn you. You want to build a house in a graveyard!
"So you should give up your beloved and try to serve your country. That will gradually take you to the Goal."
"What's the good of Self-Realization if we cannot serve our country and people?"
Baba laughed, "You are sadly mistaken. Once Realized, then alone could you really serve your country and do good to others with the Knowledge, Power and Bliss."
"What you need is castor oil for one month! That will clean out your stomach and bowels, and your mind will be clearer. You will then be able to think clearly, calmly and coolly, and accordingly do the right thing.
"Cleanse your insides, be peaceful and think good thoughts."
Those present smiled at Baba's advice to the simple man, given with tongue in cheek.
On Tuesday, 4 May 1937, in the living room before breakfast, Malcolm asked Baba, "What is the difference between destiny and fate or chance?" Baba answered:
Destiny is the divine law or will which guides us through our numerous existences. Every soul must experience happiness and unhappiness, virtue and vice, from the very commencement of its evolution up to that goal which is the Realization of God.
Fate is based on karma; that law of cause and effect which governs the events of our present life as well as those of our future lives. Through evolution the soul receives, by means of the spirit, the impressions or sanskaras.