I forgive you, my companions, and ask you all to forgive me, and I ask God to forgive us all, not merely by way of ceremony but as a wholehearted pardon.
While the prayer was being read, Baba became very serene and composed. His face was aglow with love, mercy and forgiveness. "He was at that moment like the Judge on the judgment seat," Age declared, "enveloping the whole world in his embrace! In the eternal living present, being the judge, culprit and crime all in one, he was forgiving himself.
After asking Ghani to translate the prayer into Hindi for those who did not know English, Baba made Ghani read it over and over again a number of times. All through, he listened to the prayer in rapt attention. Then, making a gesture of forgiveness, the ceremony came to an end, and Baba prepared to go begging.
Meher Baba, in the guise of a beggar, walked half a mile to Dr. Nath's house at 9:45 A.M., accompanied by Don, Eruch and Babadas. He was attired in a white kafni; an ocher-colored satchel hung from his left shoulder, a brass pot was in his right hand, a green turban was on his head, and his feet were bare. "The Lord of the universe had become a beggar," Age continued, "going to the house of a family who had never seen him before, but who were grateful and happy in the blessedness of carrying out his wishes."
When Baba reached the doorstep of Dr. Nath's home, the entire family was standing waiting for him, all attention focused on his beauty. They had been cautioned beforehand not to salute him in any way — no homage, no garlanding or folding hands — and not to touch his feet and not to ask any questions.
It was a solemn moment. Baba stood outside the doorstep, and Eruch repeated the line, " Premsay bhiksha dijiye ." Silently, Dr. Nath gave him and the companions cooked and uncooked food as alms. Baba walked a few paces up and down the verandah and then left. The Nath family were absorbed in his love; not a word had been spoken. Their lips were silent, but their hearts were in turmoil — and the voices of their hearts only Baba could hear.
Baba walked back to the Nichi Bagh bungalow with the alms, accompanied by Eruch, Don and Babadas, and he and the companions had a joyful meal.