“”Let all recipients of the New Phase booklet [written by Ramjoo, describing the meetings at Meherabad relating to the New Life] know that: The first period of training will be spent at Belgaum until November 20, 1949, comprising physical labor. The second period of training will be spent at Benares from November 25 to December 10, comprising begging and langoti [life in loincloth]. The third and last period of training will be spent on the way to Hardwar from December 10 to 31, comprising gypsy life. From January 1, 1950, onward, whether on the way to Hardwar or wherever God takes us, will be the endless New Life of hopelessness in real earnest.
This message was sent to the Meherabad mandali, those staying with Meherjee and Nariman, the mandali staying in Ahmednagar and others. In addition, four more points were sent to Sarosh, Nariman, Meherjee and Jal Kerawalla:
“”We leave Belgaum on November 20, twenty-one of us by third class train to Benares; money for this will be spent from the allotted training period maintenance amount already with Kaka. We leave Benares on December 10 on foot and hope to reach Hardwar by March 10. The caravan, bullock cart and bullock should reach Benares cantonment by December 7. Vishnu and Nilu will be inquiring at Benares cantonment railway station regarding the caravan, bullocks, et cetera, from December 1 to 7.
Age noted: "Thus the 'drops' began receiving some trickle of news from Baba, as he could not ignore their yearning. He was, however, transforming their tears into fire; so even though they had not gone with him on the New Life, their tears had accompanied him!" To celebrate the inauguration of their stay at Belgaum, Baba distributed sweets worth Rs.21. He also ordered cigarettes for those who smoked — but only enough to last them until the end of December. On Sunday, 23 October 1949, Baba walked from the women's residence to the men's hut while carrying a basket of onions and tomatoes on his head. He would also sweep the floors and clean pots, and the companions were overcome with emotion at seeing Baba do such menial work. It was quite an object lesson for them. At one point, Baba asked the companions whether they had slept well the previous night. None of the men had been able to fall asleep until late at night, due to the swarms of mosquitoes that had pestered them.
“”When told of this, Baba stated, "The women also could not sleep for the same reason. Mani has a rash all over her face and body that looks like measles. But, in spite of the damp rooms and mosquitoes, I was pleased to see the women in buoyant spirits, laughing and joking. They are busy building mud stoves; from the 1st of November they will start cooking. Before then, from 25 to 31 October, Kaka and Baidul should attend to the cooking. Murli should help them, and Don should see about improvising a kitchen."
