The Master had his own method of working. Baba's workers were learning by degrees that without trials and tests, preparedness was not possible. It is comparatively easy to meditate, concentrate and repeat God's name day and night; but to stay detached in the midst of instability and ever-altered plans is truly difficult. Thus, Baba was teaching his lovers a method of easy meditation. He would keep changing and postponing his plans so that they would be able to remember him all the more!
His mandali, too, were constantly being tested and had to participate in Baba's peculiar method of working through them, and for them, by berating them. Chanji often had to remind himself of this, as the 30 October 1943 entry in his diary indicates:
Depression and its remedy — to keep away, minimizing and avoiding trass [trouble] to Baba — doing our work elsewhere. Question, discussion, and explanation — all sitting [with Baba]. Can't separate now after 20 years. All this [berating of Chanji] is purposely done, for reasons. After years, one must know that and feel unconcerned and keep silent, even in unbearable circumstances. Therein lies the credit. If one puts up with tests that are easy and bearable, where is the credit? The Master throws it all on the one whom he likes and loves most. It is indicative of love and not displeasure, as it seems. The more one suffers in silence, the more endearing one becomes, even if the Master doesn't express it. Rather, the outward show is quite the opposite. But that is for a purpose. That shouldn't be taken for the real inner feeling.
A few months later, when Baba treated him lovingly, Chanji recorded (on 30 January 1944):
Baba's greatest hold on all is his love. Something indefinable and inexplicable that attracts all to him. In spite of his mysterious ways of handling things — which none can grasp; in spite of his various promises unfulfilled (first given for encouragement and enthusiasm for our own good); in spite of intense suffering through separation (born of love he himself awakened and gave), through other difficulties in life, complications, unbearable situations in family or business matters, or in trade, profession, or service [employment] questions — or complications in any other sphere of life that baffle and bewilder us — disappointments and dejections that at times render life meaningless and worthless. What is that subtle charm that attracts all, equally to him? None can define nor explain, yet it is a fact of facts!