The two girls stayed at the Links with Baba and the other women for a few weeks. Ramjoo brought Mehlu and Freiny by train from Nasik and they stayed with Adi Sr., Dolly and Falu. Even though Freiny was still acting "mulish," Baba decided she should remain in Bangalore for the time being.
Among the visitors on the afternoon of the 30th was Bhabananda, a young swami from Bengal dressed in an orange robe. He came with another young swami clad similarly, who had already met Baba. The following conversation ensued between Baba and the swami:
Bhabananda declared, "In searching for God, I have renounced all — my father, mother, family and everything! I have gone around to many places in India, even to Tibet, and am just returning from Rameshwaram.1 I came to know about you in Bangalore, and although many others tried to discourage me from paying you a visit, I felt an inner urge and was determined to see you at all costs. I am so happy to have the privilege of your darshan today."
Baba, too, expressed his pleasure at seeing him and complimented him, saying that he was a rare type of seeker.
But Baba then cautioned him, "It is very easy to give up father, mother and family, but very difficult to realize God."
"I am prepared to give my life for God-realization," replied Bhabananda.
Baba said, "Even dying is easy. This longing of yours is very good and highly appreciable. I want men of your caliber who have no other thought or desire but to realize God, for that is the only real thing in life."
The swami felt very happy at these encouraging words and said again, "I am ready for anything!"
Baba warned, "I will test you ... It won't be easy. Just think it over and let me know later."
"I have nothing to think over," the young swami said. "I have thought so much about it that there is now nothing more to consider."
Smiling, Baba gestured, "Then you are my man!"
Bhabananda felt happy, closed his eyes and exhaled a deep sigh of relief at Baba's recognition of his sincerity.
"I would still like you to think it over quietly," Baba stated, "for I know of others who, in their momentary enthusiasm, have said similar things, but failed the moment they were put to the test."
Footnotes
- 1.Rameshwaram, situated on an island between the Indian mainland and Sri Lanka, is a place of pilgrimage for both Hindus and Buddhists.