At ten in the morning on the 16th, Baba went five miles from Motichur to Saat Sarovar (Seven Lakes). He was accompanied by Eruch, Pendu, Baidul and Gustadji. The area was surrounded by a colony of anchorites consisting of ascetics, and two groups of saints, sadhus and mahatmas known as the Dandi and Virakta sects.1 The bank of the river contained many a hut or hermitage, and the river passed through dense forests which sheltered and hid these souls. Along the river Baba contacted 160 of these holy men by laying his head on their feet. In one encounter, a sadhu or ascetic who was keeping silence offered Baba and the companions sherbet to drink.
When Baba went to another hermitage, an ascetic was in meditation in his hut. Baba sat down under a tree to wait for him to come out. While waiting, Baba explained to the men:
"During the Old Life, I used to contact masts, saints, walis and sadhus for two reasons. The first was to take their darshan, and the second was in regard to my special work with them — and that I do not want to reveal, for it is a mystery. I was very particular then to keep an accurate record of my contacts with big important masts, saints and walis, and I would contact them again and again until I was completely satisfied with the work done.
"But now, in the New Life, there will be no distinction between big or small masts, saints, walis and sadhus, nor is there any special work left to be done with them. I go to them only for their darshan, and keep records for my personal satisfaction. Nevertheless, I must emphasize that this work is not just a pastime; it has definite significance for me and a reason behind it."
Baba returned to Motichur at four o'clock that afternoon. He was hungry after working in Saat Sarovar, but Satyapal had not prepared his rice on time. This upset Baba, and for losing his temper he asked each companion to twist his ear. Satyapal was doing the cooking for Baba and the companions, since Aloba was not well. Murli had been told to look after Rajah, the English bull, who had pulled the bullock cart with their luggage.
Again the following day, 17 March 1950, accompanied by Baidul, Eruch, Gustadji and Pendu, Baba proceeded to Saat Sarovar, where he completed his work by bowing down to 400 sadhus and holy men before evening.
Footnotes
- 1.Dandi or Dandin are a class of sadhus or ascetics who carry a long staff (dandi) in their hands. This order was founded upon the teachings of the Perfect Master Sankaracharya (788–820). Virakta may relate to Viraka, the adopted son of Shiva, or to Virat the first incarnation of Brahma.