Chapter 36: Interested In Remaining Disinterested
1960Page 4,736 of 5,444
Mani added in her Family Letter [of 1 January 1961]:
Guessing the import of Baba's work in all periods of seclusion, and knowing the gravity of this one, this phase of all activity appearing outwardly to be at a standstill would seem to signify the tremendous rate of accomplishment of his inner work — just as anything revolving at great speed appears to the onlooker to be stationary.
Don was summoned to Meherazad on 19 December 1960, after Baba developed an abscess just above his right knee where Goher gave him an injection. He also had a fever of 101.8°. Padri accompanied Don. Jalbhai had taken films at the recent Hamirpur melas, and on the 23rd he brought these to Meherazad, where Rustom Kaka showed them to Baba and the mandali
On the 24th, according to Baba's wish, Rama Kalchuri sent a dish of eggplant for Baba and the mandali. Previous to this, she had sent Baba chakoli (a thin pretzel-like dish made from dal), and he would have some every day.
On Monday, 26 December 1960, both the men and women mandali fasted for 24 hours on plain water and two cups of tea taken twice. Eruch was asked by Baba to remain on sweetened water for seven days.
From the 26th, for the next 21 days, the sweet melody of the repetition of God's name was heard all over the world, as lovers began carrying out the instructions that Baba had given through the Life Circular issued in November. "Baba's disinclination had roused their interest in him," Age recounted. "In every center, Love's glory reigned supreme! The attention of the world of his lovers was focused on him, and the echo of their love-songs became intense. The Wine was blooming, so that many people came to know of Baba during this time."
At night, Baba would become restless and sit up in bed gesturing, "I feel very hungry!"
He did this every night during the entire period of the 21-day fast, while his lovers were fasting at different places.
Bhau knew from experience that whenever there were floods, famine or starvation prevalent anywhere in the world, Baba would silently cry out at night, as if he were suffering from their effect. During such crises, he would eat chocolate or some sweet several times during the night. Through this medium, the Avatar was "feeding" those who were going hungry.