Throughout the meetings, Baba appeared as concerned about those who would not be going with him as he was about those who would be, and more particularly about those who were dependent on him materially. With the men at lower Meherabad and the women at Upper Meherabad, the daily discussions went back and forth, weighing the costs and consequences involved for each of those going and those staying behind, and arranging for some form of maintenance for those dependent upon Baba.
From the very first day of the meetings, Baba had taken a vigorous and decisive approach regarding the disposal of his moveable and immovable properties, payment of promised amounts and provisions for dependent families and those who would not be able to remain with him in the future.
"Now how to adjust?" Baba asked. "I have no cash, except for a certain amount kept aside for a certain work. Everything that I own and possess, including the ashram buildings, fields and houses, et cetera, both here [at Ahmednagar, Arangaon and Pimpalgaon] and elsewhere, and all furniture, fixtures, cars, generators, cattle and other property — in fact, each and every thing that belongs to me — is to be disposed of. Nothing is to remain as my property and in my name except the piece of land on Meherabad Hill where the tomb for my bodily remains has already been built by me — and you all should always remember that when I leave my body, it has to be buried here."
Baba then dictated this prayer which Ghani offered:
"O God, may Baba not give up his body soon!"
Everyone said, "Amen," and Baba continued to explain in detail:
All the proceeds from the sale of all my properties are to be used in paying off promised sums and to provide for the immediate needs of those whom I myself have made dependent on me. Nothing is required for me and for those who go with me. Therefore, we have to see the best we can do for them — those unable to come with me and those who are to be with me after October 15.1 I do not want anyone depending upon me to be suddenly left in the lurch materially. The question of spiritual benefits does not arise at all. That depends upon whether I am or I am not Perfect.
As it is, we have, so to say, one rupee in hand against ten rupees to be spent, in order to provide at least for the immediate and minimum requirements of all concerned.
Footnotes
- 1.Although Baba stated that "nothing" is required for those who were to go with him, he subsequently revealed that he had kept aside Rs.1,000 for each of those who would be going with him, in case they had to be sent back.