An aspirant of the Path came to him one day, sent to Janak by his guru. The pilgrim had undergone all sorts of severe austerities, had wandered for years and years, and had fasted long without food and even without water.
When he came to the court of Janak, seeing the pomp and grandeur of the palace, he thought: "How could one living so regal a life give me Knowledge? When the king himself is enmeshed in maya, how could he ever free others from it?"
King Janak asked the pilgrim to rest for the night and said he would talk with him after a few days. He was given a fine room in the palace with all luxuries. A servant was placed at his disposal, and he was fed the best of food. But at night when he went to sleep, as he lay on his bed, he saw a large boulder suspended over the bed, and it seemed to be slowly descending. He was frightened and lay awake the whole night looking up at the stone, afraid it would fall and crush him. For two days, he had no sleep and suffered in health.
On the third day, Janak sent for him and inquired about him. The man recounted his sleepless nights, and the king said, "Despite all the conveniences and comforts, you could not sleep and were restless. Compared to the hardships you have suffered in your past penance, this experience seems to have been much more tormenting, as your mind was all the time concentrated on the stone. Outwardly, though you found all splendor and glory, your life is just the same as that which you have led for years!"
Although you see me surrounded by the comforts of the palace, inwardly, I am all the time rooted in God. I am beyond all this and take others beyond it!
The pilgrim then understood King Janak's state and surrendered to him.
Baba continued dictating, particularly for Viloo:
Here, at Meherabad, the women and men mandali are in the same situation. Outsiders cannot see this, but my mandali are experiencing this state. Only brave men and women can stay with me, because this life is quite different, and at every step thorns pierce the feet.
I am more a servant than a Master to humanity, and I descend to serve it! Worldly people talk a lot and give advice to others, but their conduct is quite the contrary.