I have come not to teach but to awaken — to awaken men to that peace and happiness which cannot be obtained through struggle; neither can it be bargained for, nor borrowed, nor bestowed, because it is inherent in all.
On 18 February 1964, Baba sent this message for Sufism Reoriented in America:
All paths are mine, and all lead eventually to me. But the shortest way to me is the no-path of self-annihilative love.
Hoshang Bharucha arrived on the 19th and was driven to Meherazad by Adi. He left the same afternoon. Gajwani came the next day, as instructed, and was given a ten-minute audience. He had been keeping silence for the past seven months, according to Baba's instructions, and he broke it that morning in front of Baba. Ramakrishnan came on the 21st and placed his difficulties before Baba.
At this time, Baba permitted Noshir (or "Sam" as he preferred to be called) Irani to stay in Meherazad for a month.
Some Baba lovers had proposed that a gathering be held at Guruprasad, but Baba indicated that, in his absence, Guruprasad should not be used as the venue for any function. It should be considered as his private residence. Baba also indicated that although he would be returning to Poona in April, he would not see people during that month. Lovers and devotees would be given the opportunity for his darshan in May 1964, during fixed hours on certain days.
Ben Hayman had been requesting a visit for the past two summers, but Baba kept postponing it. Finally, Ben was allowed to come in May, as was Joseph Harb.
Many others in America, such as Elizabeth, Kitty, and Ruth White at the Meher Center in Myrtle Beach, wrote for permission to travel to India. But on Sunday, 23 February 1964, Baba dictated this circular, which was sent to the West, and also issued throughout India one week later:
I will be in Poona from April 1st to the end of June 1964. For reasons of my own, I will NOT give darshan to anyone this year. I will be going to Poona for relaxation, and I want to be left completely undisturbed. Therefore, no one should visit Poona this summer with a view to see me.
No one should approach me or seek permission to approach me. Neither should anyone write to me or cable or telegram to me during my Poona stay and for the rest of the year; but in case of emergency, a cable or telegram is permitted.