The dimming of my vision and the flickering of my eyelids, which you observed when I emerged from the seclusion, were all symptoms of a specific spiritual working of the greatest intensity which was accomplished so speedily. The weight of this spiritual work was very, very heavy.
The atmosphere of this place of penance and austerities of the ancient rishis [who lived here] can be favorably utilized for my work. The strain on my body from this work is equal to [as if I had] one month's high fever! The work will be finished long before the 21st, and I want to rest in the Ghatula dak bungalow for at least a week.
After this explanation, Baba then had a cup of soup and retired to his hut.
Friday, 9 November 1945:
From 9:00 A.M. to 10:30 A.M. Baba sat on a rock in front of the rishis' cave overlooking the lush valley and water below. Two blankets were hung on either side to prevent the breeze from blowing on him. Kaka kept watch on a higher rock. Baba then came down and sat on the verandah of his hut until noon. He had vegetable soup prepared by Kaka, who had been relieved from watch at eleven that morning by Pendu until it was Gustadji's turn.
Baba then reentered his hut and continued the seclusion. Adi relieved Gustadji at one that afternoon. At 3:30, Baba asked for plain dal and rice, but it was not ready. Baba was annoyed because he timed his work in such a way that after working at one place, he would rest for ten minutes, at which time he would drink some liquid and then sit in seclusion at another spot. He had asked for his food to be kept ready precisely at the close of the working interval.
Baba remarked, "See my luck. Even a cautious man like Kaka fails me sometimes."
Kaka brought it two minutes later, but the dal had not been properly cooked.
This day's seclusion was easier on Baba's physique, with its spaced intervals and change of venue; but he was growing weaker nonetheless, due to the spiritual strain, which was increased because he was determined to finish it earlier than he had originally announced.
Damodar had been staying with the mandali to make sure water and other necessities were brought up every day. He was sent down with a letter to the sub-inspector of police to make arrangements to send coolies up for the luggage when Baba and the mandali were ready to leave. The inspector himself came up in the evening, and promised to send the coolies on time.