In the beginning Baba was particularly attentive to the Westerners, lest the spicy food make them ill. But gradually he stopped taking an interest in such matters and stopped catering to their tastes. One day in Panchgani, when discussing the menu, Baba remarked:
Dislikes are as much "wants" as likes. Both are desires of the ego and hence both have to go. Some like one thing and some do not like another. You like one thing but not another. Both are opposite desires and should be left.
As far as desires go, you should consciously try to be like a stone. A stone never says, "I want this, I don't want that!" It is oblivious to likes and dislikes. When you go beyond your limited wants — your likes and dislikes — and turn into stones, then you will experience infinite consciousness!
On 13 May 1938, Rustom's children Meheru, Naggu and Beheram were sent to Panchgani, along with Tehmi. On the 17th, Chanji arrived for a few weeks, bringing Naoroji's daughter Arnavaz and Goher Irani. But Goher fell ill with fever and tonsillitis and was sent back to Bombay the next day. Chanji also brought Mansari for a short visit at this time.
Baba made another visit to Meherabad on 19 May with Norina and Elizabeth, and instructed Adi Sr. (who had been staying in Nasik) to find a suitable rented bungalow somewhere in Ahmednagar for the women, until the top portion of the water tank building was ready. Nusserwan Satha and Maneck Ranji were asked to lend their assistance. They suggested the P.W.D. (Public Works Department) bungalow and Baba, Kaka, Nusserwan and Padri went to have a look at it on the 22nd. Baba liked it and it was rented from the 15th of June.
Baba stopped in Poona on his way back to Panchgani, where he met Ramjoo, Sarosh and Rustom at Baba House.1 The opening day box-office receipts of Rustom's film had been disappointing, but Baba consoled and encouraged him.
On Sunday, 29 May, Pappa Jessawala and Eruch arrived from Nagpur to see Baba and informed him that everything was arranged for their coming. Adi Sr. arrived from Nasik. Baba spoke with him about sending Daulatmai to Persia, which Baba stated would be "spiritually beneficial for her." The separate parties left the following day. Adi Jr., Tehmi and Rustom's children left with Adi Sr.
According to Baba's order, Delia and Margaret were to stay in England until the war broke out in Europe.
Footnotes
- 1.Rustom's film ran for two weeks in Bombay at the Minerva Talkies, from 21 May 1938.