One replied, "We were drunk and thought we were rowing the boat; in fact, it was tied to the dock all the time!"
The Master explained, "Because of your remaining absorbed in worldly enjoyment, you are exactly where you were. Although I was with you, what could I do when you were merged in material pleasures? In the same way, despite your being with me for years, instead of coming closer to me, you remain drowned in temporal pleasures. What do you expect to gain? How will you benefit by my contact? You will remain as you are!
"Therefore, don't be a slave to material happiness. Be my slaves and see what you gain without even asking!"
This made all remember their mood of dejection and they trusted and believed what their Master was saying was true.
Baba then explained to the women, "I am showing you beautiful sights, sailing with you and taking you here and there. All this is to free you from material bondage. Doing all this, all the while I am attentive to whose mind is where, and when I interrupt you in your reveries with a view to freeing you, you take it ill and your mood is upset.
"If I do not behave like this, of what use would it be your remaining with me for years together? Remember to focus your attention always on me, even while enjoying things. Don't remain drowned in material pleasures. Don't give rein to your desires.
"Only love me! When you love me only, then in the intoxication of that love, you will find all physical pleasures lifeless."
Baba then teased them, "Those disciples believed faithfully in the word of their Master, but you are such types that in spite of my telling you this, you are eagerly waiting for me to finish so you can all go and eat!"
Everyone laughed.
Masaji arrived in Jabalpur by train with young Meherwan Jessawala on 26 December 1938. As soon as Masaji saw Baba, he fell at his feet and began weeping. Baba asked the cause of his outbreak and Masaji replied, "Baba, you have saved me; otherwise, I would not have been able to face you ever again! At Chalisgaon station, I got down to check the luggage in the baggage compartment, but the train started before I could return! I was left standing on the platform and did not know what to do.