Ivy, John Bass, Darwin Shaw and Filis Frederick introduced those who came. The first persons introduced were Raymond T. Bond, 63, a vice-president, and S. Phelps Platt, Jr. of Dodd, Mead & Company, the publisher of God Speaks. Both men were greatly impressed.
Emphasizing the importance of God Speaks, Baba commented: "When I break my silence, that book will be priceless. It will be treasured by the whole world."
Sylvia Gaines and Loretta Weller (an opera singer) were next. Others who met Baba included Charmian and her would-be fiancé, Jay Corrinet. Baba had approved of the marriage, although Ivy did not think they were well-suited.
An old contact, Mercedes de Acosta, had first met Baba in Hollywood in 1934 and told him about her friend, Greta Garbo. She came to see Baba at the Delmonico and complained to him of her deteriorating health and eye paralysis. Baba asked her to repeat his name 7,000 times every day, to begin after seven o'clock that evening.
Ben Hayman brought a student who asked, "When did you get to know the Truth?"
"When I was nineteen years old," Baba replied
"What relationship does the achievement of powers have with realization of God?" The young man asked.
"Attainment of God lifts you up to the Infinite while powers throw you down into a ditch!" Baba responded.
One woman questioned Baba about physical healing.
Baba's succinct reply: "I am the doctor of hearts and not of medicine. I am the doctor of doctors!"
Pia de Buday, of the Monday Night group in New York, accompanied by her two children and brother Tim, brought Baba an armload of assorted gifts, including two large statuettes of angels.
Baba called all the women in and then stated: "In India, when my devotees worship me, they sometimes forget that I am human. They burn incense and bring me gifts. The incense makes my eyes water. They crack coconuts at my feet, as if I were a statue. And Baba is uncomfortable! Baba is human!
"Why do you bring me all these gifts? It is not necessary. Only love counts. Baba does not need these things; in giving them to Baba, you place a burden on him. Give them instead to someone who needs them."
Pia answered, "I do it because I love you, Baba."
"Isn't it enough to bring me your love? You are poor."
"But Baba, I must express my love for you."