They took Baba to be Upasni's favorite disciple and honored him as Upasni's spiritual heir. There were, however, a few Brahmin disciples of Upasni's who thought Baba was merely being "penitent" (they had observed him weeping), and, when he was given solicitous respect by the other devotees, they became jealous. "How could a Zoroastrian become the chief disciple of our guru?" they wondered. When Upasni would call Baba Mahadev (Great God; usually a reference to Shiva), the Brahmins would become especially irate. Most, however, were won over by Baba's loving nature and would sit around him whenever possible in the latter days of his stay. They would bring delicious meals to him, and during this period he had a ravenous appetite.
Durgabai, Maharaj's chosen spiritual mother, had a special love for Meher Baba. Durgabai was the only disciple to whom Upasni had revealed the true relationship that existed between him and Baba. She would seek Baba's counsel in all matters. If it happened that he did not come out of his room as usual and was late for the meal she served, Durgabai would weep until he arrived. One time, Baba revealed to his Poona disciples Gustadji, Behramji, Sadashiv, Sayyed Saheb, and others this about her:
"None of you men have loved me like Durgabai. Even my own mother has not and could not love me as much as she does."
During this time, from the money that Khansaheb and Gulmai had raised, construction of a rest house and an ashram compound was underway in Sakori. A temple was also being expanded and a permanent canopy was being erected for arti and bhajans. One mason was in charge of the work and Upasni's men and women disciples worked under his supervision. Durgabai would drive the bullock cart while the other women carried ghamelas filled with stones, lime and earth. Upasni would assist the mason on finishing touches, and Meher Baba would also lend a hand, while Gulmai assisted Durgabai in her work.
After evening arti, all Upasni Maharaj's men and women disciples, including Baba, would sing bhajans into the night. In his room, Baba taught Gulmai certain spiritual songs which she would write down. Two of the songs were: Love's path is very difficult and O Lord, why have You played the flute?1
Gulmai would practice these songs with Baba until about nine o'clock, then she would retire with Durgabai.
Footnotes
- 1."Premnagarki rahke kathin hai"; "Kare Hare tu Murli vajavli"