Baba instructed the companions to keep a distance of one furlong behind the women. He also asked them to keep silent for a minute before starting, and then touch the road and their foreheads in a gesture of humility and reverence. Baba himself was the first to do so.
“”Then, raising his hands, Baba asked the companions to utter this prayer: "O God! Make a success of this New Life and turn it into eternal bliss for all!"
Until then everyone was standing with their sacks over their heads. No sooner was the prayer offered than the procession began. The luggage truck with Kaka, Pendu and Nilu preceded them.
“”While walking, Baba asked the companions, "Can anyone tell me what oath I took during the minute of silence?"
All guessed, but no one was correct.
“”Baba remarked, "It is a secret and cannot be divulged."
More rain fell, but these drops helped the companions. After walking a mile, Baba decided to proceed in the Buick to the town of Chas, seven miles away. Padri drove him and the women. The men mandali waited for Adi Jr., who made two trips to carry them in his car. But when they arrived at Chas, they found the shelter where they were to stay surrounded by slush and mud. So, without halting, they drove straight to the town of Supa, eight miles away. They arrived there at six o'clock and stayed at the dak bungalow. From there, Baba sent Padri and Adi Jr. back with the two cars. The companions took shelter in the garage, and the women in the bungalow itself.
Kaka prepared tea.
“”At one point, Baba remarked, "The start of the New Life is excellent and I am very happy!"
After tea, Baba sat with his companions in the garage and explained the four stages of the New Life. The first would be an interval of relaxation for ten days, he said. The second would be an interval of training at Belgaum, and the third, a sort of ten-day vacuum before actually entering the New Life.
“”And in the fourth stage, from January 1, 1950, the New Life would be launched, characterized by 100 percent hopelessness and helplessness, "so much so that even the gods will envy it!" Baba declared.
Baba again laid emphasis on complete obedience, and asked the men, "I had told you to make one trip in the car; why did you disobey me?"
He was told that Adi Jr. thought it unwise to carry everyone in one trip, and so, indirectly, he was at fault.
