"I have washed my hands of everything," Bhabananda replied.
" Shabash [Bravo]!" Baba said. "I am glad. Then I will guide and help you in your cherished goal. Now listen carefully. As a preliminary step, I want you to go to Rameshwaram on foot. Eat only once a day and beg for your food. Touch no money. Touch no woman. If you happen to come around any [woman, think of her] as your mother.
"Take darshan of 100 people in Rameshwaram and be back here by the first of February."
The moment Bhabananda heard Baba say not to touch money, he took out his coin purse and threw it on the ground in compliance with Baba's injunction. His friend, the other swami, whispered to him, "To go to Rameshwaram and return in a month is practically impossible." But Bhabananda did not pay attention to him and remained firm in his determination.
Baba remarked to the second swami gently, "That is his lookout. Why are you worrying? He isn't. He says he is prepared for anything, and is determined even to die for God!"
Baba then cast a significant glance at Bhabananda, as if to ask what he had to say. But the young swami said nothing and rose to leave with Baba's permission and blessings. Baba let him go, while the other swami followed.
The mandali in the room watched all this with silent admiration at Bhabananda's determination and longing. Both swamis had just walked out the door, when Baba ordered one of the mandali to call Bhabananda back. He returned alone and stood before Baba.
Baba smiled at him, then stated: "I am very happy you stood my test and did not hesitate or question, nor ask for any excuse to get out of the difficult situation, even with your injured foot.
[He was limping because of a boil on one foot.]
If you keep up your longing for God and the same spirit to stand all tests, you will surely realize Him. He is there, in you and always with you."
Bhabananda replied, "Ramana Maharshi and other saints whom I have met also said so. But up to now I have no experience of these words."
Baba explained, "Ramana Maharshi was right. Ramakrishna also said the same. Vedanta says it. But it is a matter of experience. I want you to realize it. That is why I take interest in you and instruct you to do certain things. I want you to follow the instructions I have already given — go to Rameshwaram, not by foot, but by train."