Although the Master had explained, to some extent, about karma and reincarnation and the cycle of births and deaths in the process of attaining Realization, the birthday of each mandali member was celebrated at the Manzil as a holiday; but overindulgence and too much festivity was discouraged. Baba was also the guest of honor at the wedding of Munshiji's adopted son Usman on Sunday, 20 August 1922 and stayed at Munshiji's that whole night listening to a qawaali singer.
Meher Baba emphasized and showed that spirituality was not just discourses, devotional music or darshans. At certain times, the Master would express perfect humility. He would gather beggars or the poor from the streets, then feed and clothe them. Twice a week, like a lowly sweeper, Baba would clean the choked gutters of sewage flowing from the house and toilet. Except for Gustadji, all were forbidden to undertake this work with Baba, but later some of the others were allowed to help.
During this period, Baba first mentioned the Islamic term masti — the state of God-intoxication. He explained what masts were and what these God-intoxicated persons meant to him.1 The first mast to come to the Manzil was a Mohammedan, whom Baba would feed by hand, putting the food slowly in his mouth. Gradually, other such God-intoxicated persons who roamed the streets of Bombay would also visit and be welcomed at the Manzil.
In addition, during the month of August 1922, Baba often remarked that Upasni Maharaj would come to the Manzil and give darshan, and that the mandali should be prepared for his arrival, although he never did show up.
For relaxation, Baba would go to Munshiji's house to play cards. Once, while playing cards at Munshiji's, he quietly stole a card from Ramjoo, and as a result his side won. In the middle of the next game, Ghani did likewise; but this time Ramjoo saw it. He complained to Baba, who rebuked Ghani for cheating. Ghani for some time bitterly thought: "Meher himself pilfers cards and then rebukes me for doing the same!"
After a while longer, Baba stopped the game and told the men a true story about a Perfect Master:
One day a Sadguru went with some of his disciples to a city where he was known. He approached a candy shop and entering, put some sweets in his mouth. His disciples, too, mimicked him in this respect.
Footnotes
- 1.The term mast, is derived from the Persian mastanah, meaning overjoyed, intoxicated or mad.