There is no question of compromise in spirituality. Every desire is to be extirpated 100 percent. It is either "Yes" or "No!"
The next day, Baba explained to the men:
These orders are to be very strictly and seriously observed. It will help me a great deal in my work, which is the spiritual regeneration of mankind at this critical period. It will require supreme self-sacrifice, and in this sacrifice I want all my dear ones to participate to the best of their ability. These orders are not to be treated lightly, but considered as the greatest injunction that a time such as this needs. Everyone has to contribute his or her quota in this. Every effort will count.
About the war and its leaders, Baba once told the men, "Hitler is the chief villain, Churchill the hero, and Mussolini a comedian in my divine drama."
Later that day (26 July), expanding on the same theme to the women, Baba remarked:
This war is a big drama. There is the hero, heroine, villain, all playing their parts in the drama. It is not Hitler's fault if he is playing the villain in God's drama. It's good he is acting his part well. I like villains, heroes, angels, devils — anyone who acts their parts perfectly!
Baba then gave the women their duties and lists of individual orders to be followed for one year. He instructed Nadine, Irene, Mansari and Kharmen Masi to keep silence during this period.
Besides Jumpu the monkey, another new addition to the pets kept on the hill was a German Shepherd pup.1 Baba took a special interest in the pure black puppy and named it Warrior .
Several close followers came to Meherabad to see Baba before he retired into seclusion. Ramjoo arrived on the evening of 26 July and saw Baba at 7:30 P.M., before returning to his home in Nasik the same night. Jalbhai arrived the following day, and Maneck Ranji, Sarosh and Viloo on the 28th. Naosherwan Satha came on the 29th, and Aloba on the 31st.
Ankai, a mountain ten miles from Manmad, is the place where the rishi (sage) Agastya Muni had done severe penance. Upasni Maharaj had also spent some time in seclusion there, and Baba revealed that the place was surcharged with spirituality.
Footnotes
- 1.Warrior was given to Baba by Piloo Satha, whose Alsatian at Akbar Press had had a litter on 20 April 1940.