Baba went on to describe the manner in which a drug, such as LSD, functioned on the nervous system.
“”He pointed out, "At a maximum, all that a drug of this sort can do is to open up certain nerve centers which in normal circumstances of spiritual development open naturally themselves, and one gets access to them. But the whole emphasis is unimportant and has little to do with spirituality. It is a by-product of it."
Eruch interjected, "It is like trying to use a crowbar to wrench open a very fine, beautifully sculpted door, rather than using the passkey." Baba stated even this analogy did not quite give the true picture, or take into account the enormous risk a person was taking with such powerful drugs.
Eruch, too, once had a similar conversation with Baba. When the subject of LSD had first arisen, Goher obtained a medical book describing how LSD had been used to treat mental patients. It was legal at the time and could be prescribed by a physician. Eruch, being interested in such things, was reading the book one day when Baba came along. He asked what he was reading and Eruch said, "It is a medical book which describes the effects of LSD." Teasingly, Eruch added, "Kirpal Singh told us we should have experiences. Since you don't give us any, I'm thinking of taking this LSD. Then finished — we can get experiences!"
Baba was greatly upset by his comments and told him to discard the book.
“”"Why are you reading such rubbish?" he asked. "Don't ever think of taking such drugs!"
Usually, before Don Stevens departed, Baba walked through the double doors at the end of mandali hall, facing Mehera's garden, and stood at the center of a half-moon that the mandali formed. Supported by Francis' arm, Baba had Eruch read out the Master's Prayer from a printed page. Then Baba would walk over to the women's side holding Francis' arm. On this occasion, Baba beckoned Stevens to support him. This had only happened once before. They walked from the hall across the garden to the steps of the main house, where Baba embraced him. As Baba started to turn, he snapped his fingers and embraced him a second time. This was unusual, and Don Stevens thought: "Good heavens, what have I done to merit all this extra-special attention?"
