Baba started his "exclusion" work in seclusion from Friday, 5 July 1968. Aloba was again given nightwatch duties, and he did them at first for four hours a night, and later for six hours, until Baba dropped his body. Bhau, Pendu and Rano were the regular watchmen, but because Rano's health was not good, during this last phase she was given the first two hours of duty.
Baba's seclusion work continued for half an hour every morning in the hall until the end of July, and the afternoon work continued in his room. As usual, the Master's and Repentance prayers would be recited in the hall in the mornings after his work.1
Adi was called to Meherazad at 1:30 P.M. on 8 July. Francis was gently massaging Baba's left hand, which had become numb during his seclusion work. Adi reported about his recent visit to Bombay, where he had met Dr. Ginde and showed him Baba's neck X-rays. Baba instructed him to send his love-blessings by telegram to Ginde and Gajwani. Don also came to Meherazad that day and examined Kaikobad.
The 43rd anniversary of Baba's silence was observed on Wednesday, 10 July 1968, according to his instructions. Adi issued this circular-letter that day to his workers in India called "Avatar Meher Baba's Last Warning," after a misunderstanding causing a rift had arisen among them:
Dear brothers and sisters of Meher-parivar [family],
I am extremely pained to find that there is a rift in the Meher-Parivar Center. This fact has been brought to beloved Baba's notice with utmost reluctance, and Baba wants me to let all his dear lovers know that:
(1) Whatever be the cause of the rift, he wants each one to try [their] best to narrow it down and mend it by forgiving and forgetting one another's trespasses. This is possible if one resolves to be very sincere, very humble and very loving. Hypocrisy, arrogance and hatred widen the rift and breed contempt.
(2) This is a very critical period of the Avataric age and all his lovers must strive to their utmost to hold his daaman very firmly so that it does not slip out of their hands under any circumstances.
(3) It is very important for all his lovers, especially in this critical period not to succumb to lust. Temptations are and will be great, but your love for him should be greater. Remember him wholeheartedly and rise swiftly from where you have fallen to march ahead in his love and service.
Footnotes
- 1.The mandali read the prayers, as they had not memorized them.