Baba added: "I like ghazals and qawaalis, not classical music. Sai Baba and Babajan also used to enjoy them. When I say, 'Francis, your ghazals will be read for 700 years,' you do not pay heed to what I say! But I tell you it will be so."1
Praising Bhau, Baba continued, "Bhau has done an immortal translation of the book The Everything and The Nothing in Hindi, and is now working on a Hindi version of The Wayfarers, which is another important work he will accomplish."
Explaining the reason for calling this meeting, Baba stated: "None will be able to fathom me, or have the slightest notion of how I work. Even I cannot fathom my own work of three hours in the morning and of half an hour in the afternoon, and twenty minutes later on.
"Why? Because my time is coming. Now it is on our very doorstep. But what will happen I alone know. I will tell you, on my own, why I have called you today.
"From the 25th of February to the 25th of March, for one month, my work will intensify. I might sit alone the whole day. So, I want you to help me. How?"
As often done before, Baba instructed Aloba to recite Hafiz's lines in Persian about obedience to the Perfect Master without any questioning ("Befitting a fortunate slave ...").
Explaining how the mandali and group from Ahmednagar could help him, Baba reiterated Hafiz's quote:
By carrying out the commands of the Master without why or what. For one to obey 100 percent is impossible; but to obey with all love and willingness is possible. It is only through my grace that one can realize me. I will tell you what to do to help me.
Those living with me here, remember to carry out what I tell you to do without arguing. When I say "No," it means no. Whether it is right or wrong [in your mind], do as I say. You can give suggestions, but only on my asking.
As for you, the select few from Ahmednagar whom I have called near me today, for two months from today, try to remember me as much and as often as possible, and avoid absolutely any indulgence in sexual acts. Remember this. When you have [lustful] thoughts, think of me and I will help you.
Footnotes
- 1.On another occasion, Baba mentioned that someone with a voice like the American singer Jim Reeves would one day sing Francis' ghazals. Baba was very fond of Jim Reeves' songs, especially Welcome to My World and There's A Heartache Following Me. Baba would listen to these songs, among others, on phonograph records, while relaxing with the mandali.