It happened with each of Baba's mandali from time to time. On 31 January, Ghani again became the target of Baba's goading. After the incident subsided, Baba called him to his room and explained:
When a Master is in the most perfect and peaceful internal state, or when some internal work is nearing successful completion, there sometimes automatically occurs an overflow of this internal state in an outward manner. The external outburst by a Master is the shadow of his internal perfect state and is radically contradictory to the bliss within. Consequently, in its outer manifestation, it takes the form of abusive language, shouting and beatings. But whosoever receives these ego-shattering blessings from a Perfect Master is very lucky indeed, since these tongue-lashings and physical beatings work miracles for him and bring him unimaginable benefit, especially in his external affairs.
But with you mandali it is quite different. Your connection with me is settled and predetermined since time immemorial — since the first day of creation — and no power on Earth can affect it. Therefore, I have put a stop to these outbursts and beatings, since you have no need of them. But, even if it occurs you should not mind it. If you cannot even bear my harsh words now and then, it will be very troublesome to both of us. If that is the case, I will have to stop mixing with people altogether and stay locked up in my room day and night.
Remember and understand that during the course of my spiritual working, very often my cup of bliss overflows and I desire to share it with the fortunate ones nearest at hand!
2 February 1923 was the 38th day of Baba's one-meal-a-day fast. On this day, Gustadji did not keep Baba's food in the exact place where he had been instructed. Baba became extremely vexed and threw the food away!
"I won't eat tonight because of Gustadji's carelessness," he declared.
In the evening Baba also refused his usual bath.
Later, during nightwatch, he consoled Gustadji, "It is not your fault. I wanted to fast for 36 hours. That is why this 'breeze' occurred."
After fasting for 39 hours, the next morning at 9:00 A.M. Baba drank a glass of fruit juice. Soon after he wrote on the blackboard:
From 15 February 1923, I have decided to remain only on liquids such as tea, buttermilk, soda, et cetera.