Proceeding to Kurukshetra, Baba contacted a saint known as Katha Baba. Katha Baba had migrated there from Kathiawar (in Gujarat) and was worshiped by the local people. They then drove to Ambala, arriving at seven that night, where they stayed in a dak bungalow.
Early the next morning, at five o'clock, the tour started again, heading toward Khanna. The only purpose of these travels was in connection with Baba's work, and he mostly traveled without the slightest care for rest. That morning in Khanna, Baba contacted a Jain saint called Someshwar Ananda. Another was a mast called Bambi. This God-intoxicated boy was stark naked and had a beautiful face with attractive lustrous eyes. When Baba laid his head on Bambi's feet, the boy cried out, " Saki [Winegiver]!" and then ran away into a field. Baba did not pursue him but left immediately, as the young mast had recognized him.
Entering a Jain temple, Baba contacted a mast-monk dressed in an ocher-colored robe, whose mouth was covered with a white piece of cloth.1 When Baba was about to lay his head on his feet, the man cried out, "I have not got so much power, I have not the strength!" meaning, "Such an honor does not befit me!" and he stepped back. Baidul, however, prevailed upon him so that Baba could touch his feet, which he did.
Driving next to the town of Kup (or Koop), Baba contacted a high and important majzoob-type mast named Totapuri, whom Baba had contacted twice before.2 Totapuri was about 90 years old, a majzoob-like mast who was completely absorbed in his divine state and had absolutely no body-consciousness. He was usually found naked, always seated on the dirt, and, being impervious to every season, never allowed himself to be kept under a shelter. The worst possible weather did not bother this great being, who did not care even to eat or drink. The mast was often found on the side of the road, under a particular tree, and if anyone tried to make him more comfortable and give him a mattress to lie on, he would fling it away. In later contacts he was found in an isolated place away from the village. He had relatives and owned a house in the village, but he never revisited it. His brother and other followers passed their time with him out in the open, and tried faithfully to look after him. But, as mentioned, Totapuri did not like any comforts, so much so that he did not permit himself to sit on a carpet. He sat on the barren ground, completely merged in experiencing God's love.
Footnotes
- 1.In Jainism all beings are sacred. Jain monks have their mouths covered to prevent them destroying insects or even microscopic germs.
- 2.Baba had worked with Totapuri in April 1942 and again in 1944.