Five hundred acres of land [in Myrtle Beach] she transferred to my name. This land contains several bungalows and other structures. But before starting out on the New Life, I gave all this away to different groups. I also made certain arrangements for those who become lovers of God and tread the spiritual path.
Baba spoke about the New Life and its hardships, and then continued:
After my recent seclusion in Satara, Vishnu asked me, "What about next month's expenses?" I told him I had in mind to call a congregation of my lovers and workers. I thought of this sahavas program soon after the seclusion. But Vishnu asked me, when there was no provision for next month, how was it possible to provide for the congregation?
I then informed all the mandali, and 20 selected donors were individually approached for at least Rs.1,500. Then the list was enlarged, as many showed willingness to contribute their mite. Of the Rs.30,000 collected so far, it was arranged with Pendu that I would give him 20,000 for the comfort, food, accommodation, et cetera, for the congregation members, and keep 10,000 for the four poor programs. Before this figure was reached, there was actually a shortage of Rs.5,000 that Dr. Kanakadandi and Kutumba Sastri, on their own, made up. They offered further help. I took full advantage of their offer, and they sent a further 10,000 to cover the next month's expenses in Satara. Whatever I asked them to send, they sent it, and I am happy at their expression of love and obedience to me.
At this moment, my pockets are empty again, and Sai Baba has entered my body. Now Sai Baba is speaking!
I have told you of my plan for one year. Don't take it as a promise. I have not broken a single promise. "Going away" means going away. I may come back. Miracles may happen. I may break my silence. The picture is before me. I have to settle [make provisions] for one year for all those who have depended on me for years. They should be provided for. I want to go with a free mind. I have to see to fourteen months' arrangement (December 1955 and January 1956 included), and from February 1956 onwards. Don Stevens will also tell my lovers in the West about this. They will also send [money] to me.
Those present here, if they can afford to give, can give with love. Those who cannot, there shall be no curtain between their love and me. Lovers from the West will send. The Gujarati group will send. The Telugu group, too, can give freely. Kaka Baria is to receive all the remittances towards the fourteen months' arrangement. If one has nothing to spare, give one rupee, at least. It will represent your share in my work. One rupee with love means more than thousands of rupees without it.