ChaptersChapter 34Page 4,538

Chapter 34: Total Seclusion

1959Page 4,538 of 5,444
Sometimes, on Sundays and holidays, Baba allowed some of the Poona lovers to be with him at Guruprasad. Occasionally Baba would give a list of the persons to be called. At times he informed Ramakrishnan to call the workers of the Poona Center or sometimes various families of Poona. Ramakrishnan related, "Baba was very specific in whom he wanted to call, but I was allowed to suggest to him someone whom I felt was left out."
On one occasion, Baba gave Ramakrishnan a list of persons to be called the following Sunday for a few hours in the morning. They were informed accordingly and all came, enjoyed Baba's company and went back home. Afterwards Ramakrishnan reminded Baba that some of his intimate ones had not been called and, when they found out that others had been, they would feel hurt.
Baba replied, "All right, call them at 2:30 this afternoon. I will see only them. I will embrace them and send them back."
Ramakrishnan informed those concerned to be at Guruprasad at 2:00 P.M. so that they could be with Baba at exactly 2:30.
At about 1:00 P.M. Baba began feeling ill and informed Ramakrishnan, "You have called them and now they will come, but I am not in a mood to see them. Why not try and cancel the program? Somehow ask them to go back."
Ramakrishnan thought that would be difficult to do once they reached Guruprasad.
Baba suggested an alternative: "Get some money from Pendu, and take them to the railway station and treat them to ice cream. Then ask them to return home."
Ramakrishnan agreed but, as he was leaving Guruprasad, most of those invited were walking through the front gate. Baba was compelled to give them darshan. When everyone was present, Ramakrishnan said, "Where is the necessity for ice cream now since they have met you?"
Baba asked, "Why do you wish to deprive them of their share?"
Thus all had Baba's embrace and ice cream as well!
While at Guruprasad, some of the visitors would have a nap in the hall after lunch before Baba would come back in the afternoon. Switching on the fans, all would lie down. One day, when everyone was snoring loudly, Baba came with a cane in his hand.
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