I have often said I have not yet found one who could love me as I am meant to be loved. There are about 220 men and women from the East and West who have surrendered to me in such a way as to do anything I say. It is a fact.
For example, look at Eruch. He is intelligent, has a good heart. If I order him to do anything, he will try 100 percent to cut himself to pieces. Pendu, Meherjee and all others of the mandali have been with me for so many years and are like that. Each of these 220 mandali would lay down their lives at my bidding. What I am driving at is that to surrender is higher than to love; and, paradoxical as it may seem, to love me is impossible; to obey me is possible, but very difficult. Therefore, to call yourselves my workers and yet not to obey me is hypocritical.
A vociferous argument ensued, and Manikyala Rao was so upset he began shouting. Baba asked him to stop, but he did not hear the instruction. Baba then ordered him to leave the hall for five minutes.
The discussion was stopped when Baba announced, "I wish to ask God's forgiveness for the weakness and failings of all.
Go and quickly wash your face and hands and come back for the Prayer of Repentance."
All left and did as instructed, and the prayer was recited. Baba stood and participated, also. Coffee was served again, and when all were seated, Baba addressed Manikyala Rao:
Your enthusiasm and love led you astray. I understand you wanted to spread my name through books, and you did it with the best of motives, but without tact. You failed to observe the principle. Did you not see how my confessing tonight for our weaknesses was done [through the Repentance Prayer]? How I became the confessor on your behalf? Even when I appear to act, not only do I act the part but I become the part. I confessed now wholeheartedly, and I not only did it for the whole universe, but actually became the one who confesses. I do not break my own principles. I am free, but the principle must be maintained.
When the question of money for work in Meher Baba's name was brought up, one man asked, "How is propaganda possible without finances?"
Baba's quick retort was: