That is the reason behind all adjustments and help from me; it is to enable you to remain with me. The ladies will have no conditions, but will have orders from me."
At this point, Baba ordered Nilu to come and kick him. Nilu complied.
After a few moments, Baba continued, "In this New Life, I am expecting something from you which is superhuman in some aspects. I too am in the soup with you. To keep cheerful under all circumstances is superhuman! Let us therefore do our best to help each other. I help you — you help me — in order to uphold each other's oath."
But Baba meant a certain kind of help (to keep each other's spirits up). For instance, Baba found Aloba helping Gustadji clean the big carpet.
Displeased, Baba asked him, "What duty have I given you?"
"To fill water pots and wash utensils," Aloba responded.
"Then why are you dusting the carpet?"
"Gustadji is old and asked for my help; I was only helping him," Aloba replied.
"You were not helping him, but throwing him into a ditch! Don't I know that Gustadji is old? I have given him this work, and he must do it. You do not help him but, on the contrary, harm him. Don't be misguided by him and feel sorry for him. If you make such a mistake, then from January 1st you will have to leave."
This was another lesson for the companions in literal obedience.
Sitting with the companions on the morning of 31 October, Baba explained to them about begging in Benares and other places:
We have to beg only for food and not for anything else. Food includes everything — cooked or raw, liquid or solid — anything and everything. While begging we should not ask for anything special. Ghani should not say, "Give me mutton," and Nilu should not ask for milk or barfi [fudge]. You ought only to say, "Please give bhiksha [alms]." How to beg and what to beg for, I will instruct you fully at Benares.
If people offer clothing, accept it, but do not ask for it. You cannot accept money under any circumstances. Although the conditions say that food and clothing can be accepted, ask only for food and not for clothing. Food or clothing, when given, should be first brought and placed before me.
Do not accept anything else such as cigarettes, shoes, hat, cap, pen, pencil, stationery, brass or copper pots.