The times when Jesus and Krishna lived were different. The present time is altogether different. I have to tell the people according to
the needs of the time. In the present atomic age, material progress has nearly
reached its zenith, and this is but the shadow of the internal progress in the
realm of spirituality.
[During] the congregation, I will tell you something
very original. After this there will be no more programs of this kind. Do you
know why I assumed this human form? During the sahavas congregation the purpose
of this incarnation will take shape.
Even if you are ill, or indisposed, or have some very
important work to do, do not fail to attend the congregation of January -
February 1958.
Baba further stated that he had decided to cancel his
forthcoming darshan tours in Uttar Pradesh, Andhra and elsewhere as announced
previously.
He added:
I do not wish that a mere picnic atmosphere should
prevail in the congregation. To make all arrangements to my satisfaction, I need
time. The mandali who stay near me require sufficient time to make the necessary
arrangements for those attending the congregation, including the Westerners. That is not an easy job; therefore I have to cancel the proposed darshan
tour.
In conclusion, Baba again lovingly stressed the following
points:
It is a fact that I am God. I am the Highest of the
High. I wish that those who raised their hands hold fast to my daaman for
good.
There is no need for my lovers to visit saints. Stick
to me even during the phase of humiliation. Spread my message of love among all,
and become like dust in Baba's work.
The meeting ended at noon. As instructed by Baba, those
from Poona who had not attended the meeting came to Guruprasad at 2:00 P.M. and
left after receiving an embrace from Baba.
A week later, on Sunday, 26 May 1957, Adi Sr. returned,
bringing Gulmai to see Baba. Adi was called again on 1 June and given certain
points concerning Baba's work.
Another visitor that summer was Baba's
childhood friend and onetime Meherabad resident Baily, who had not seen
Baba for years, although he remained deeply devoted to him. Baily had
separated from his wife Goher and was living a hand-to-mouth existence
in Poona. He arrived at Guruprasad by bicycle one afternoon and met Baba
privately in the hall. As he departed, he said, "Forgive me,
Baba." Baba handed him a single rose (which Baily later ate!). Soon
afterwards, Baily moved to Hyderabad. He never saw Baba again.1
Baba probably would have stayed at Guruprasad Palace
until he left Poona, but a long distance telephone call was received from
Shantadevi's secretary in Bombay, informing them that a portion of
Guruprasad was required for the Maharani's brother and his guests whom the
Maharani had promised to accommodate.
Footnotes
- 1.Baily continued to receive a Rs.60 monthly stipend from Baba. He lived for a time at the Parsi dharamshala and died at a Christian home for the aged in Bhoiguda, Secunderabad on 18 March 1969.