Baba boarded a third-class train compartment to Poona the next morning with Gustadji, Ghani, Baily, and Ramjoo. During the journey, the topic of the circle again arose, and Baba further explained about the mandali:
Although the circle of a Perfect Master has twelve important members, the total is fourteen [with two women], and each person has one shadow. So the complete total of the circle is 28; 14 members, with 14 other members as their shadows.
The original fourteen will be inevitably like the Sadguru — one in God. The fourteen shadows will see God. To see God, however, is not a trifling matter. From thousands of yogis, mahatmas and walis who intensely long to see the light of Truth, very, very few by their own efforts, and without the help of a Sadguru, reach the state [of sainthood] where they can actually see God. But to become one with God is impossible without the help of a Perfect Soul.1
After this explanation, Baba looked at Ramjoo and asked, "Do you wish to follow me?" Ramjoo nodded yes.
"If so, then you will have to do as I say."
Ramjoo nodded that he understood.
"If you become my follower, then you have to stop thinking of material matters and worldly problems. Think it over well and let me know your decision."
By then, Ramjoo was deeply impressed with Meher Baba and was, therefore, quite ready to leave his material affairs and follow him. Baba further inquired about his occupation as a cloth merchant and about his social activities.
Finding out that Ramjoo took part in political agitation for India's national independence against British rule and was an active member in different independence movements, Baba said, "This is my first order to you.
I forbid you to participate in such political activities any more. I will see to your other worldly affairs later."
Ramjoo promised to obey and then detrained at Lonavla, while Baba and the other three men continued to Poona.
In the train, seated on the hard, wooden third-class bench, Baba spoke about the work ahead. He explained in detail the nature of their individual duties. Baba was not going to remain in his earlier state, he said. Hundreds of people would now be visiting his Jhopdi for darshan. People of different communities, rich and poor, men and women, of all ranks and positions would now visit him from morning until night. "I will not have a moment's rest," he predicted.
Footnotes
- 1.Many years later, Meher Baba subsequently described in detail about the Avatar's circle being comprised of ten circles with a total of 122 persons.