He canceled the meeting, stating, "When people do not follow the chief worker's instructions, how could they be expected to follow my orders? When they do not obey such simple things, how can they be expected to sacrifice their lives for me? In their enthusiasm, they had their names placed on the list. But mere enthusiasm is not required; it has no strength."
Baba canceled the lists and stated, "All those concerned should go on increasing their love for me, simultaneously carrying out their everyday duties. Another meeting of this nature will be held after 700 years when I come again!"
He added, "Baba is real. So, if you have faith in me, believe my words when I say that I am the Reality. I have canceled the lists because this is not the way to give your life for my cause. People give their life for their families, their friends, for their country and nation; but to give it for my cause is an absolutely different matter.
"I will do it [my work] personally with my mandali. The time is getting near because the period that will cover my speaking, my humiliation, my glory will be very short."
Concluding, Baba warned, "Seriously, I have come down and taken this body not for darshan programs, arti and puja. That, the angels have been doing to me! These things do not interest me, but the purpose for which I have come [taken this body] is coming near. Who, from among the mandali, sticks to me will be seen."
The atmosphere had become serious, and the workers had the chance of observing Baba in a mood of displeasure. It was important that the workers in his cause experienced all sides of the Avatar's temperament, since they were to speak openly and honestly about him to others.
In the end, Baba emphasized to the volunteers: "As I explained, the first thing you must do is love me. This love should drive you mad, but it should not have any element of show in it. If that is not possible, then you should continue doing your worldly duties, but with the understanding that you are doing it all for Baba. If this is also not possible, the third alternative is service to humanity without any desire for reward or leadership positions."
Explaining what he meant by service to humanity, Baba said: "The essence of service to mankind is to give happiness to others at the cost of your own happiness. The best service is that which makes people start loving me, because in loving me, freedom comes — everlasting freedom! Service to humanity is an important instrument with which my love can be vastly spread."