Baba made another exception in the case of Herman Alvarado, an American Sufi, who arrived at Meherazad on Monday, 9 August 1965. Herman was in the merchant marine, and because of the Vietnam War, his cargo ship often stopped in Bombay. Herman had read a book by a Canadian psychologist who claimed that eating peyote (a certain cactus bud) and "magic mushrooms" was a shortcut to God or spiritual consciousness. He was so intrigued by the mystical experiences of the Native American and Mexican Indian medicine men described in the book, that he intended to question Baba about it as soon as he arrived.
But when Alvarado was about to speak about it, Baba stopped him immediately, waved his hand in irritation and declared emphatically, "No, no, no! If God could be obtained so easily with drugs, then God is not worthy of being sought after!"
Baba asked Alvarado whether he would be coming with the other Sufis in December for the sahavas, but Alvarado expressed his inability to attend.
Herman did ask Baba about the reasons for the continued conflicts in the world — Vietnam and India and Pakistan.
Baba told Herman not to concern himself about them, stating "They serve the Avatar's cause in ways people do not understand, and occur only because of prevailing conditions."
Kaka Baria became seriously ill again on 8 August. He was unable to pass urine and Dr. Southwell was brought to Meherazad on the 9th to examine him. Sidhu was also sent for from Meherabad to attend Kaka for a few days.
Ivy Duce's husband, Terry, died on 15 August, and Baba sent this telegram to console her: "Blessed is Terry, for he has come to me."
Rama, Sheela and Mehernath were brought by Adi to Meherazad on 15 August 1965. Kutumba Sastri met Baba the following day. On the 18th, Goher's brother Jal and her sister Roshan and her child were permitted to meet Baba and the mandali at Meherazad. On the 22nd, Beheram, Rustom, Sohrab and Jehangu were visitors from Poona. Two days later, Baba permitted Dadi Kerawala to provide food for Meherazad in honor of Dadi's birthday. The meal was prepared and brought by Chhagan, along with Dhun Satha. Goher's brother Aspi, who was in the army, also accompanied them for darshan.