One of those who would not be attending the forthcoming sahavas was Charles Purdom. Purdom died in London from a heart attack following an operation for a gall-bladder ailment, from which he had suffered for a long time. Purdom was 82 when he died. The news of his death was received at Meherazad, in a telegram from Mollie Eve, and Baba sent this reply:
"My dear Charles is with me and blessed in my eternal love. My love to Antonia [his wife] and to you all who shared with Charles his service in my cause."
In Meherazad, on the same day of Purdom's death, 8 July, Mani's pet cocker spaniel, Peter, was put to sleep. The dog had cancer, and Dr. Alu Khambatta administered the injection, according to Baba's instructions. Peter breathed his last in Baba's presence in his bedroom. A few moments before, Baba lovingly caressed the dog and Peter wagged his tail feebly. Peter had been with Baba and the women mandali for twelve years, and was very dear to them. His body lay "in state" in Baba's room until a pit was dug between the row of mango trees (the seeds of which had been given to Baba by a mast from Madras years before). Baba had his handkerchief placed on Peter's body and he repeated many times that it should be buried with Peter.
Baba commented,
"Peter is immeasurably blessed, for this is the first instance during my Avatarhood that any animal has passed away in my physical presence. Now, after a year, he will take birth in a male human form, and will come to me as a baby boy to be held in my arms and cuddled by me."
Peter was buried and in his memory a fragrant champa tree was planted over his grave. Baba directed that these words be inscribed on his tombstone: BABA'S PET, PETER .
Baba observed, "Peter deserves the good fortune that he has received."
Peter's companion Mastan greatly felt his separation, as both used to play together.
Baba, too, missed the little fellow and remarked, "Even I, who am God and know how truly blessed Peter is, miss Peter's presence as 'Peter'."1
Silence Day was observed throughout the world and at Meherazad on Saturday, 10 July 1965. This was the 40th anniversary of the Beloved's silence. Those lovers who for some reason found it impossible to observe silence were given the usual option to fast.
Footnotes
- 1.According to Baba, the two dogs Peter and Mastan were closely connected karmically and both were to be reborn in human form, and meet in their future lifetimes.