“”Before the gathering dispersed for tea, Baba remarked, "Have I not said in clear words what I had to say? I am sure that the points in question have been made sufficiently clear to you."
Noshir Irani expressed a wish to offer Rs.1,000 at Baba's feet. He lovingly placed this amount before Baba for his work. Ratilal Panchal gave Rs.1,000, Minoo Bharucha Rs.101 and others spontaneously offered whatever they could afford. Baba decided to utilize the contributed amounts for a feeding for poor boys, and instructed Ramakrishnan to arrange it.
“”Baba directed that a portion of this amount be sent for a newly opened center, remarking, "Baba does not like to give money and expect work for him in return. This is ridiculous! However, I am giving this money as prasad. Do not expect any more from Baba for his work."
He then joked, "It is a fact that it is easier for my lovers to give their heads than to give money!"
At this time, there were perhaps 100 different groups in India devoted to Meher Baba.
“”About the attendance at the various centers he advised, "If 500 attend the meeting, it is well and good. If you try your utmost and people do not come, do not lose heart. Even if there are only five persons present at the meeting, take it that I will be there!"
There were differences among the different groups: Gadekar and Ramakrishnan had issues; there were conflicts between Manek Mehta and others in Bombay. Baba said:
“”Recently I heard that among some of my workers, there has developed a considerable difference of opinion. Better you do not work for me than develop such an attitude. I will appreciate your competitive spirit only in your surrender to and love for me. To get yourself divided while doing my work shakes the very foundation of that work. That will defeat its own end. It is the height of hypocrisy to say: "I alone can do Baba's work!"
Those concerned were given the opportunity to vent their feelings and express their thoughts freely.
Baba then explained:
“”When you get divided, I and my work are set aside. You open a center to spread brotherhood, but first see for yourself how you behave among the group! If you cannot work together in concord, why open new centers for me? If you want to further my cause, there is no escape but to become like dust in my work! There cannot be any compromise. Each of my lovers must become like dust. Then people of their own accord will flock around him, and his own life will radiate my message of love to others.
