At 2:30 P.M., Baba arrived in the meeting tent, where a qawaali program was to be held. It was hot, and Baba had the sides of the pandal opened.
“”He remarked, "Those who cannot follow the singing should concentrate on me, and those who understand the words should try to enjoy it in my presence." He also added, "But even if you sleep, I won't mind. You are at full liberty to do so if you wish."
The first ghazal, not being of a suitably spiritual nature, displeased Baba, who remarked, "Such a thing should not have been sung in an assemblage like this."
Dr. Abdur Rehman sang a "blasphemous" ghazal of complaint against the Beloved with great flourish, which made Baba laugh. He remarked he had not laughed so hard in days. Then the qawaal and his musicians followed with a few good ghazals.
Baba called Swami Mangalanand to the stage.
“”The swami touched Baba's feet, and Baba asked him if he would obey him, then stated, "Even if it comes to dropping your body, you should stick to my order."
The Swami agreed. Baba ordered him to fast only on water and to remain silent for 40 days. He asked whether the Swami would do it. He gladly accepted.
“”Baba said, "If you do this and do not allow anyone to worship you or touch your feet, I will give you a glimpse of my divinity."
Baba instructed him to leave immediately for Mandla, where he was living in a hut on land formerly owned by Baba.
“”After he left, Baba remarked to the gathering, "Let us see whether he really obeys me."
Abdur Rehman was asked to sing something special. He sang another ghazal full of complaints against the Beloved.
“”Baba praised him and, seeing that his hand shook when he was reading the ghazal, observed, "Now, the mastan [one who is robust] has grown old."
Baba directed the gathering to go for tea, and during the interval he stood up to urinate as three of the mandali held up a rug, which partially screened him from the audience. Then he sat down and was absorbed within himself. His fingers danced and their lively steps took an inner account of all those attending the sahavas. Baba was merged in this state for half an hour. When the sahavas group returned, the qawaal resumed singing for an hour. One particular ghazal greatly appealed to Baba: "Don't leave after embracing me; it is a question of [my] life and death!"
