The moment you think of them, all the ties of misery and happiness bind you. Therefore, the only way to realize that you are eternally free and that you have no bindings is to love Baba wholeheartedly and to think of me constantly."
Baba was in a cheerful and lively mood. This was the first time since giving up the alphabet board that the mandali found him in a communicative spirit. All marveled at the effortless way he managed to convey his thoughts through animated gestures and expressions, and none felt the absence of the board.
Baba then broke off the discussion and asked the Poona bhajan group for some songs.
When day dawned, Baba and the mandali had tea and washed. Then Baba set out for the lepers' colony along with Gadge Maharaj. Maharaj first took Baba to the Harijans' dharamshala at 8:00 A.M. Baba sat among them in the large compound and then drove to the leper colony. That day was the most auspicious day of the year for the Pandharpur pilgrims, and thousands were bathing in the sacred river. All but one of the lepers had gone to the riverbanks to beg for alms. This lone leper had remained behind because he was ill. How much more fortunate he was, because God Himself had come to plunge him in the holiest waters of his love and mercy!
Hot water was brought, and Gadge Maharaj helped Baba bathe the leper. Pendu handed the water to Baba, who used a lot of soap to wash the man. He dried his body with a towel and dressed him in new clothes. Baba then bowed down to him and handed him prasad.
After Baba had finished, he gestured to Maharaj, "I have kept my promise; now keep yours."
Gadge Maharaj entreated Baba to come with him to Namanand's dharamshala, and Baba relented. Kirtans were being sung there. Gadge Maharaj offered Baba a chair, and he himself sat on the floor. Kaikadi Maharaj and his followers were also present, and Gadge Maharaj told Panday to take pictures.
Baba then sought Gadge Maharaj's permission to leave. At 9:30 A.M., on Sunday, 7 November 1954, Baba took Maharaj back to his dharamshala in the car, and again Maharaj expressed his joy and gratitude to Baba for coming to Pandharpur. Earnestly, he asked Baba, "Please give me a chance to serve you. I need only two bhakris and a kafni ... I will do any service you ask. I will do your sweeping." Smiling and nodding as he listened, Baba embraced him.