So the selection of a better place seems essential. A change of place will be good for the physical and mental well-being of all. It is hard to leave Meherabad after all these years of having stayed there, but once we are accustomed to a new place, we will find it easy and better. But where should we go? Considering all viewpoints, Mysore seems the best. The climate is good, the water is plentiful and the state sympathetic. For me distance does not count. I can come back this way after six months to see my lovers here so that they will not feel cut off, and then return.
But how to arrange all this? The problem of [meeting] expenses and finance, though difficult, is not impossible for a trial period of six months. Launching big schemes and putting them into execution, after arranging the finance and other things first, is the way of the world. Seeing to first things first would be the ordinary process. But to launch such big projects, undertaking them without funds in hand or expectation of any — thus taking great risks — is the way of the Avatar! I prefer doing it that way. I like it and do it. So we should endeavor to tackle this problem [of shifting headquarters] also in this way. If the plan materializes and is a success, good. Even if it is not, what harm is there? Let's wait and see.
When Meher Baba was in Mysore in 1936, he had come into contact with Sir Mirza Ismail, 55, the Dewan (Chief Minister) of the princely state of Mysore and Subrahmanya Iyer, another influential individual.1 They were now asked by letter to find a suitable spot where Baba could establish a center or ashram. Their reply was received in Panchgani assuring Baba of their cooperation, and a few weeks later Chanji and Pendu were sent to Bangalore, where Chanji met Sir Mirza (on 17 April 1938).
Upon receiving the Dewan's letter that a site had been selected, Baba expressed a desire to visit the place, which surprised Norina and Elizabeth as they never expected Baba to establish a center so far from Meherabad. They hoped Baba would change his mind, as he so often did.
Mentioning this very trait of his, Baba observed, "It is one of the great wonders of the world that those who apparently make the most changes, are the most unchanged or unchangeable!
Footnotes
- 1.Mirza Ismail, although a Muslim, was a childhood friend of the Hindu Maharaja of Mysore, who was a generous and saintly person. Ismail was a strong, extremely capable prime minister and was responsible for much of the development and beautification of Mysore and Bangalore in the 1930s. At the time, Mysore was considered "the best run native state in India."