If you are unable to live such a life, then do not worry. It is quite easy, but because it is so easy, it is so difficult! If you do it, it is a very good thing; else this gift of love will only be with me to give you at the opportune moment.
Now, listen carefully. Whatever I am about to tell you, consider properly and don't take it in a hurry. If possible, do it; otherwise, don't do it: but don't pose and say: "I will do it ... I am capable of doing it."
From the 15th of next February, I am going out for one year. Every day [at midnight] for one year from 15 February, take my name [audibly] 14 times one day and 28 times the next day — again 14 times on the third day and 28 times on the fourth day, and so on — 14 and 28, 14 and 28 times — not a single time more, not a single time less. And during the whole 24 hours, never take my name at all [audibly]!1 This is what is called love's offering. In the course of ordinary conversation, when you have to speak to someone about me, you can take my name, but you should not utter "Baba" during an illness, accident or any such happening good or bad. Exactly at twelve midnight, not one second here or there, remember!
During the 24 hours, you will have to be very cautious not to take my name. The more you will remember, the more the danger of your slipping. If someone strikes you forcibly, and if the name slips out unconsciously it would mean that you have failed in your attempt. So be very, very careful. Whatever I had to say I have said. Now it is for you yourself to manage it as best you can.
Adarsh Khare asked, "We call our father 'Baba,' and if we are not to use that word, what should we say?"
"In such a case, you can call him Baba, as you mean him and not me. But at that time, you should have no thought of me."
Baba asked Niranjan Singh, "Do you think anyone in the world will be able to do this?"
"Possibly," he replied.
Baba laughed, and one of the men asked, "If one doesn't have a watch to see the time, what should one do?"
Footnotes
- 1.It was permitted to take Baba's name internally as often as one could.