When the prayer was over, Baba bowed down to Zoroaster's picture, and then placed his head first on Kaikobad's feet and then on the afargan — the alabaster model of the sacred fire burning in an urn.
Baba followed this same procedure in regard to the other religions, bowing to each of its Avatars and placing his head on the alabaster model. Baba also bowed to a photograph of a gurudwara (Sikh temple), which was kept on the table. During the Muslim prayer, Babajan's photograph was kept by the side of the picture of the names. Baba asked Baidul to invoke God's blessings for the successful completion of his work, which Baidul did in Persian. The prayers were over at 10:30. Baba distributed pedahs (sweets) to those who participated, and afterward everyone dispersed. Adi and Ramjoo left for Ahmednagar, Baba went to his cabin, and the other men to their respective rooms. The five alabaster religious models were kept in Baba's cabin, as were the pictures of the Avatars and Islamic names.
Kaikobad and Gustadji began praying daily for the satisfactory fulfillment of Baba's work. Since Gustadji was silent, Eruch prayed aloud on his behalf. Baba was not stepping out of his cabin area at this time. Masts brought by Baidul remained outside, and Baba worked with them in a separate room. This time, only Padri was allowed to enter the enclosure when called for work, and through him messages were conveyed to those concerned.1
Ten days passed. Before Baba came out of his cabin on Monday, 24 December 1951, prayers were offered for all his departed disciples and lovers. Baba had dictated those prayers three days earlier. At nine o'clock that morning, two poor old men (brought by Adi Sr.) were brought inside Baba's cabin. Eruch, Pendu, Baidul and Gustadji were the only other persons present, as the following prayer was offered:
Today, December 24, 1951, in this New Life, knowing how unworthy I have been of the devotion, love and service of so many departed ones, I appeal in all humility to the most merciful and gracious God that He should bestow His grace upon each of these departed ones, according to their merits.
I make this appeal more to myself than to God, so that I may remind myself of the physical absence of these dear ones. For I know that God, who is infinite and all-knowing, performs all things without our asking, and bestows His grace without our intercession.
Footnotes
- 1.Messages to Padri concerned food and practical accommodations. The four companions' food was still coming from Meheru Damania at Khushru Quarters, because Gustadji, Baidul, Pendu and Eruch were not permitted during Baba's Manonash period to eat anything cooked in Meherazad which was for the other residents.