The next morning, Baba called Sadashiv and the Kasba Peth mandali and scolded them, "You never look to my needs or keep me pleased. If I choose to put up at Abdulla's you should think I am doing so because it is my pleasure. If I am not happy staying at your place and if I remain there against my will, would you like that?
"Always see to my pleasure, not your own. Everything is found in doing that. The highest love is to have an eye for the Master's happiness. Try to keep me pleased — that is all I ask."
The atmosphere again returned to normal and, in the afternoon, Baba visited Arjun's house where Sadashiv came to meet him. Sadashiv arranged the evening meal, and the mandali ate at his house; thereafter, they returned to Abdulla's. The Kasba Peth mandali sought Baba's forgiveness and showed their willingness to provide him and the mandali with all their meals.
Baba and the mandali, however, spent the night of the 26th at Sadashiv's as a picnic was planned the next morning. On the 27th, Baba and a large group were ferried in several trips to a spot about seven miles outside of Poona on the Saswad Road, where a tent had been pitched.1 There he played gilli-danda until evening.
Afterward, he told those present, "Thank your good luck that I am playing with you. You will realize it later. It is a very rare type of sahavas [companionship] which I am giving you."
He added, "He who has the company of a Perfect Master eventually gains everything. There is nothing comparable in value to a Perfect Master's sahavas!"
The next day in Poona, Baba with the mandali went to his family's house in Butler Mohalla to visit his parents, brothers and sister. He inquired of Bobo's business and Memo's well-being. Sheriarji possessed a spiritual outlook and his mind was always absorbed in God, no matter what he was doing. While providing for his family, Bobo always remained resigned to the will of God as it presented itself. Shireenmai was more down-to-earth and practical in managing their large household.
At that time Baba's sister Mani, a very special bud of his Garden, was five years old. Baba kissed her and had her sit on his lap, giving her special attention, while the mandali sat on the carpet around them listening to Mani's precocious inquiries.
Footnotes
- 1.The town of Saswad, about 20 miles from Poona, is located at the foot of Purandhar Hill, on top of which is an old fort. More than 20 years later, in 1947, Baba sat in seclusion on this hill for nine days.