Silence means silence. If you want to observe it, observe it thoroughly. Do not leave room for the mind to play its tricks. Mind always creates obstacles in your one-pointed resolve. Its ways are very elusive. In the beginning, you will speak about God or spirituality, but in the guise of this desire, mind will soon make you feel fed up with your silence. Then, indirectly, you will go on expecting others to come to you and converse with you about God. It is not impossible for the tricky nature of the mind to induce you into creating such situations.
While observing silence, let the mind remain silent. It is this silence for which the outward silence is to be helpful. We see many dumb children, but of what avail is their silence? Put your heart and soul in your anticipated meditation and observance of silence and I am there — there in you — to help.
On Monday, 4 April 1960, Baba had a fever and cold, and also complained of a sore throat. The swelling of his feet and a "heaviness" in the soles of his feet lasted on and off the entire month. Baba allowed Goher to give him whatever treatment was necessary, but he would not allow her to consult any outside physician, or take him for any checkup, which could have been done easily in Poona. And, in spite of the sufferings, Baba kept permitting darshan programs.
That afternoon, Baba saw Shinde, Kamble, Dhavle and Pote and informed them that Sadashiv Patil would be allowed to come to Guruprasad from 2:00 to 5:00 P.M. daily.
On the morning of 5 April, Baba heard a poem sent by a Poona lover named N. M. Bhagwandas. Pleased with it, Baba sent him word to come to Guruprasad at 8:30 A.M. on the 17th.
On the 5th, Baba expounded about himself to the Gujarati group:
Being the highest and becoming the lowest, I manifest Knowledge and assume ignorance at the same time. I play a dual role of Knowledge and ignorance, of simultaneously Knowing and not knowing.
Even though I know a certain thing will happen within a month, I may chalk out plans as if it were not to occur for years. Again, knowing that an event will not take place for years, I appear to expect it to happen shortly. I know that you are not to go to a foreign country; yet, I promise you that within the next few months, you will leave for the place and tell you to get yourself ready. Then you do not go. By promising you that you would go, it seems as if I do not know what will happen.