For which we have been thirsting for so many years.
"Soon the day must come," Baba remarked, "when we all can say this with pride and justification about ourselves."
Baba then dictated the instructions in reference to their begging:
From Benares onwards, the begging will be natural. For training purposes at Benares, we ought to have a method. This does not mean that such a method will be applicable out on the streets in all respects.
So, for begging in Benares, the prerequisites are the following:
1) Bare feet;
2) Kafni [long robe reaching to the ankles];
3) Brass bowl [the brass pot provided];
4) Jholi [cloth satchel with pockets to receive different kinds of breads, grains or anything that is dry and uncooked].
I have said before that for personal shopping in the bazaar do not touch or talk to women. In begging, too, do not touch women; but you can ask and accept alms from them, as well as from men.
While begging, you have to say to women, " Ma, premsay bhiksha dijiye [Mother, give alms with love]."
And to men say, " Bhaiya or Bhai, bhiksha dijiye [Brother, give alms]."
No sooner you get bhiksha, irrespective of quality and quantity — dry or cooked — walk away immediately and place the same before me. If you are refused bhiksha at one particular door, go immediately to the next one, then again to the next one and so on.
Nilu [a Hindu] is to beg in Mohammedan localities, and Ghani [a Muslim] in Hindu localities. Accept whatever is given — cooked food in the brass pot, and uncooked and raw food in the cloth bag. In Benares, do not accept anything besides solid food, raw food and liquid food.
Do not go intentionally to sweetmeat shops. Do not beg at any shops or catering houses. Rather, go to private dwellings and houses. Also, do not go to places where regular bhiksha is given, such as charitable institutions — only go to private homes. Do not go to the houses of acquaintances.
Two in a pair should go together and return immediately when both have received bhiksha. Return compliments or obeisance, action for action. Do not provoke or allow yourselves to be provoked. If Nilu is insulted by a Muslim, he should not express anger, but go to another house. Do not express anger, even under the worst provocation.
If no bhiksha is received by seven o'clock that evening, then you can come back.