One day [in 1949], I convened a meeting here of my rich followers and informed them that nothing should be kept in my name. Meherabad was put in Meherjee's name, and Meherazad in Nariman's. A charter was drawn up for the property in America, which was kept in the names of Lovers of God. I gave some amounts to those dependent on me, and I set out on the New Life. You must have heard about my New Life when I was begging for alms.
From the beginning, this maya is hanging around my neck with you all, and for that particular reason I have to come again and again among you. So I went out in the New Life, but I had to come back again because of you all. Then the dependents, the mandali, all came near me and started staying with me. When money was there, I used to disburse it.
After hearing this, let me see who calls me the Avatar, the Highest of the High! Highest or Lowest, I am both.
Baba called Vishnu and questioned him about the sum required every month. Vishnu said Rs.10,000 per month were required for expenses.
Baba continued:
From the time I have been observing silence, I have not touched money. I touch it only when giving to the masts or the poor, and only after bowing down to them. Vishnu is the treasurer; money goes to him and passes out of his hands. Before I entered into seclusion in Satara, Vishnu came to me one day and said, "Baba, you are about to retire into seclusion, and I have no money with me. What about the expenses for the upcoming month?"
I told him, "Don't worry. Money comes and goes. Let me complete my seclusion; we shall see then."
I remained in seclusion for three months, and when it was over Vishnu came to me again for the same purpose. I said to him, "Forget it. I have a plan. I am going into strict seclusion for a year. But before that I will give my sahavas to my lovers in four groups, each group consisting of 50 persons."
Sending for Pendu, I inquired about the approximate expenses of the sahavas. He said Rs.30,000. I told him, "We have no money. It is needed to meet expenses of the next month, and you want Rs.30,000!"
Pendu answered, "You wish to keep all in comfort with good food. How is it possible without money?"