Baba related some of the hardships Gustadji had borne. Once, he lived only on water for six months. When working in the Kasba Peth toddyshop in Poona during 1919, he had no sleep for three years; Baba had assigned him to sit beside Babajan the whole night. While returning in the morning, he would purchase vegetables worth one paisa; these he would simply boil without adding even salt. Such was Gustadji's austere diet. Then in the morning he would resume work in the toddyshop.
Baba then asked Nana Kher of Nagpur about several of his monetary matters, and told him to make up his mind so firmly that nothing would upset him.
"But again, that is impossible," Baba remarked. "In case you have a zalak [glimpse of God], only then is it possible. But it is better that one should not worry, for all is zero."
Baba also appreciated the faith and love of Kaikobad, and remarked that Kaikobad had told him that he had that zalak.
"So, when Kaikobad gives anything to Baba, he thinks that he has given it to God."
Baba explained that in most cases, such zalak is enough to make one unaware of bodily consciousness for years. To illustrate, Baba asked Minoo Kharas to tell the story of Bayazid and the ants, which he did.1
Those who were accompanying Baba on his trip to Hamirpur and Delhi were told to take sufficient warm clothing with them. Baba instructed Pleader, Minoo and Daulat Singh to be with him for the last fifteen days of April. Everyone then dispersed.
In the afternoon Baba came to the hall.
He stated, "From the 6th to the 9th of November, as soon as you finish your duties, try to be in this hall, so that I may call you whenever I need you."
Baba was in a cheerful mood. He recalled a story about the late Dr. Ghani, how especially troubled he was when he accompanied Baba on one of his mast tours.
In the end, Baba stated, "Ghani and Jal [Kerawalla] have won. This is what I feel. The last word which Jal uttered as he breathed his last was 'Baba.' Indeed, such cases are rare."
Baba complimented Babadas for the work he had done for him, and advised him not to be nervous if some people talked against him or complained about him.
Footnotes
- 1.Bayazid was a renowned 9th-century Perfect Master who lived in Bastam (then Persia, now Turkey, 804–875 AD). When Bayazid had a great experience of God, he entered a state of enchantment whereby he was so unconscious of his body that ants covered his entire body and he did not mind them.