People simply sat on logs or slabs of wood on tins over the earth floor. At the entrance, Baba stepped down, and leaning on Eruch, walked slowly to the front of the hall. Everyone stood as Baba entered, their hearts full with joy at having their Beloved with them once again. Baba sat on a chair on the small concrete dais, and despite his hip injury, he looked as radiant and lovely as when they had seen him last, two years before.
Baba then explained the purpose of his visit:
"You are here for four days to experience my sahavas, or company. Each morning we will meet at 9:00 A.M., have an hour for lunch and start again at 1:00 P.M. until 4:00 P.M. What arrangements have you made for food? The mandali will eat the same as everyone else. Why are the men sleeping in tents by the side of the road?"
Francis explained that it was not a public road but the road on the property, and that Baba's house was also on the road.
He asked Francis, "Who owns the property?"
Francis said that it was now Baba's.
Baba replied, "I hold no goods or property in my name."
He then instructed Francis to register the property in his own name.
Baba proceeded to ask several questions regarding the size, shape and finances of the property, who had contributed to the buildings, et cetera. He expressed both delight and surprise about just what and how much had been done for his visit. Baba asked each one to stand as his or her name was called. Baba ordered that these people's financial contributions be returned to them.
Several children were sitting in front, and Baba asked their ages, as it had been stated that only children over nine years old could attend the sahavas. All the children were over nine.
Baba asked Francis to introduce everyone — each one being individually presented to him. One by one, the attendees filed past Baba and received his embrace as Francis said their names. There were several longtime lovers such as the Le Page family, Ena Lemmon, Clarice Adams, Elsie Smart, the Brufords, Reg Paffle, and Lorna and Robert Rouse.1 Several newcomers had also arrived.
When everyone was seated again, Baba asked, "Is there anyone who can say the Prayer of Repentance by heart?"
No one could remember it so a copy was sent for, and it was read out by John Bruford.
Baba remarked, "You are all now forgiven for all your sins up to this moment."
Some of those present later commented how profound and unexpected this was. They truly felt they had been forgiven for all their past transgressions.
Footnotes
- 1.Lorna and Robert Rouse lived in Sydney and had come as volunteers, arriving earlier than most of the others who came. See Appendix F for the list of Australians who attended the sahavas.