"These two things which I have told you are the best of all sadhanas, but they are also very difficult. Even rishis and munis cannot do them. Stick to these two things, which have everything in them. Start from today and let God feel that you are serious about Him. This has, however, no connection with the way you like to sleep or eat, which you may do in any manner you like. Remember that if even one person bows down to you, then the whole thing is lost. This order stands good for a period of eleven months only. Thereafter we shall see what God does."
The sadhu left joyfully, promising Baba he would put into effect his instructions from that night.
That day, Harichand Kochar came before Baba for darshan. As mentioned, Harichand would sit outside in front of Baba's bungalow for hours at a time and consequently his mental and financial condition deteriorated.
Baba stated, "Whatever you have to say, tell me in five minutes; and whatever you say, speak honestly."
"Free me of my mental anxieties," Harichand requested, "and permit me to stay with you, as the world is a fraud and I do not wish to live in it. People ridicule me for my simplicity and I will die one day because of it. Permit me to be present here daily when you are discoursing to the mandali."
Baba replied, "Those invited to the discourses will be stopped from coming from tomorrow. My lovers who were coming for work will also be prevented from coming."
Referring to those persons who would jeer and mock Harichand, Baba added:
"You do not know about God and the Path. If people act dishonestly with us, if people create difficulties for us, if people deceive us, and yet we remain honest, we are very fortunate, because these deceivers, our so-called enemies, are our friends. They wash off our weaknesses, our sins, and make our path clear toward God. They do not deceive us, but they help us and deceive themselves."
Baba then gave Harichand these instructions:
"First: Remain honest at all costs and under any circumstance.
"Second: In business disputes, take all necessary legal steps as advised and try your best, but not with a feeling of bitterness. I will help you internally.
"Third: Love me more and more."
Harichand prayed to Baba to give him strength to follow these orders, and Baba remarked, "Whenever I give instructions to anyone, I also at the same time give him the strength to carry them out."1
Footnotes
- 1.On another occasion some years later, Baba was scolding the Poona Center workers that they had not carried out certain of his instructions. One person said, "Baba, please give us the strength to serve you." Baba replied, "If I give the strength, even Death will stand up and serve me! You all should serve me with the strength I have already given you."