Chapter 36: Interested In Remaining Disinterested
1961Page 4,773 of 5,444
Before the group's departure, Baba embraced some and kissed others on the cheeks, and handed one and all a handful of toffees. Then the group went out into the compound and mingled with the resident mandali.
Baba stepped into the compound, remarking, "I have not set foot here since my return from Poona about 40 days ago, and it is only today that I am doing so."
Eruch added that, despite their persuasion, Baba would not leave the hall. Baba sat in a chair while all partook of jalebis and bhujias brought by the Nagar lovers, and then were served tea.
Twice again Baba remarked that his seclusion remained unbroken and that it was to be clearly understood. Because of his sudden mood to hear music, they were there.
"Next Sunday only those who have already seen me and who frequent the weekly Center meetings should come, besides those who are present today. After next Sunday's meeting, for three months starting in October, most of you gathered here will not get another chance to see me."
While talking with Sarosh, on coming to know of some discord among the Center workers, and Sarosh remarking that if he were more active in the Center's activities he could bring about improvements, Baba humorously remarked, "Discord is necessary to give a little zest to the Center's working." He added, "No one should worry, especially when these differences are superficial."
After spending over an hour in Baba's company, the Ahmednagar group departed.
Baba called the group of singers back a week later, on Sunday, 24 September 1961. This time more people had been invited and about 70 of his Ahmednagar lovers came. All had gathered in the Meherazad compound well before 9:00 A.M., after which Baba met everyone individually, the women first and then the men. Chhagan's daughter, Shakuntala, had given birth to a son in June, whom she brought to show Baba. It was about 9:30 A.M. when the embracing was over.
Pointing to the clock, Baba commented, "The music is to go on exactly for one hour, until 10:30 A.M., and after receiving prasad, the whole group should disperse outside and have tea and whatever delicacy Chhagan has brought to celebrate the birth of his grandson, named by me Meher-Ram ."
Before Manek began playing his electric violin, Baba again asked how he was studying when he was coming to Ahmednagar every week. Manek then played and also imitated the sounds of a bird chirping and an automobile honking its way around the mountainous ghats.