But the 'plow' was in Upasni Maharaj's hands. Maharaj's hostile attitude and, at times, physical abuse were like plowing the field, creating deep and painful furrows in the hearts of the mandali, but, at the same time, preparing the ground for the Farmer's real work of planting the seeds of love and obedience. Maharaj's harsh words were like nectar — not poison — fertilizing and deepening the mandali's faith and making them hold fast to their Beloved Master."
Upasni Maharaj had transferred the burden of his Universal work to Meher Baba; his own field of activity was separate and distinct. Maharaj wished to create the impression that he was upset with Meher Baba, so that (within the limits of his own circle) his followers should know that he alone was their King, their Lord — holding the reins of their destinies in his hands. Maharaj's harsh attitude toward Meher Baba and the mandali made his own followers think that nothing from their "kingdom" had been given away to anyone else, and that only Maharaj's faithful devotees would inherit his treasure.
"The subtleties of the spiritual world are difficult to understand," Age concluded, "but what care have they who are mad for Wine to understand them?"
God is infinite and beyond a man's limited imagination. Remaining on the shore and merely speculating about the ocean's depth does not gain the oceanic experience. To experience the oceanic waters, one must be brave, abandon the beach and dive into the depths! But only after drowning in the depths of the ocean — going beyond the mind, realizing God and stationing oneself on the seventh plane — can one unravel the real secret of Upasni Maharaj's attitude.
When the mandali related that Maharaj was busy digging a pit as they left Sakori, Baba explained:
God-realized souls have to keep themselves occupied in one way or another. They want to drop their bodies and go Home — they do not want [to play] this illusory game. So they keep themselves occupied in a childish manner all the time.
One of the ways is constant conversation. If a new person comes, they will question him, "Where are you from?" If the man says "America," a Master will answer, "Where is America, I've never heard of that country ... What do you do there?"
If the man replies, "I am a carpenter," the Master will say, "What sort of wood do you use?