Baba decided to go to Poona for a while, as it was extremely hot in Meherazad. Besides, he was due for a checkup, and new X-rays were to be taken. He left in Meherjee's car with Mehera, Mani, Meheru, Goher and the driver at 7:30 A.M. on Thursday, 18 April 1957. They were accommodated in Dadi Kerawala's bungalow at Ganeshkhind Gardens, where Dadi had been promoted to Superintendent. Adi Sr. drove Eruch, Savak, Kumar and Jalbhai. Don had gone a day or two before and stayed at the Napier Hotel. These men from among the mandali were to be with Baba in Poona, and they also stayed at Ganeshkhind, in the house of Mr. Ballal, the Assistant Superintendent.1 Food for all the mandali came from Bindra House.
Dr. Chatterjee saw Baba the next day and X-rays were taken. After examining them, Chatterjee expressed his satisfaction at the progress made. Don would take Baba for a daily walk in the garden. Baba was able to walk a little better, with hardly a limp, but he still suffered intense pain. On 22 April, however, he was able to walk a short distance without the use of his crutches or canes.
Adi Sr. brought Bhau on the 24th. Adi, Mani and Ramjoo had a long discussion with Baba that day regarding copyright issues relating to God Speaks and Listen, Humanity .
One day a Muslim doctor from Bombay, who was a friend of Goher's, came to see Baba. The doctor said, "All religions lead to God, but no one understands the meaning of religion. No one is conscious of its true significance, and by adopting shariat [rituals] they create binding."
Baba replied, "Forget all that! Just tell me if you would be willing to do as I say."
"Of course," the man replied.
Baba instructed him, "Get up at midnight every night, remember God sincerely — call out to Allah loudly with all your heart! — and you will have the Experience."
The doctor was pleased and departed. Dadi Kerawala was present during the meeting and thought: "How easy! Remember God for five minutes at midnight and experience divine bliss!"
But after the man had gone, without asking anything, Baba said, "Dadi, this is not for you, only for him," thus putting an abrupt end to Dadi's plans.
Footnotes
- 1.Kaikobad stayed on Meherabad Hill with his family while Baba was away.