The human mind is such that it makes a person adhere to his thoughts, to the extent that even in the field of religion each man thinks his is the best. The Parsis consider their religion the highest and call most other people doorvand [Untouchables]. The Muslims are also in the same category; to them only Islam and Muhammad are true and all other people are kafirs [unbelievers]. The Christians are no better. To them Christ is the only Savior of humanity and all other people heathens.
It is regrettable that the Colonel could not see me, else he would have had the lecture of his life. I would have given him a befitting reply, which would have driven out all the arrogance from his mind.
However, his waiting for me for three hours, despite his undesirable criticism and bad intentions, will not go in vain; he will be rewarded for his "unintentional" pilgrimage. He and the others will definitely be benefited. When he had been to Upasni Maharaj at Sakori, the bent of his mind being what it is, he was not even granted permission to taste a drop of water from that holy place, and Maharaj would not meet him. He left, mumbling all sorts of curses.
The Colonel was actually a devout Zoroastrian. He had even written and published a booklet ("The Excellence of Zoroastrianism") in which he extolled the virtues of Zoroaster's teachings, but castigated the priest class and the rituals and ceremonies they propagated.
Rustom related, "The Colonel especially criticized the activities in Meherabad. He said that he had studied a great deal about Zoroaster's life, but that he was not impressed with the things he observed at Meherabad."
Baba replied, "Zoroaster did in his time what he felt appropriate under the conditions then prevailing. Now, I do what I think best and tell you to do certain things that I feel appropriate. If you wish to obey, do it; otherwise leave. I am not concerned if the world accepts it or not. Follow me if you like, or you can all go! What is it to me if your friends, relatives, or the whole world follow me or not? I am what I am!"
Baba had previously foretold that the Parsis and Iranis would be the cause of his death, but this did not mean his physical death. The meaning concerned the bitter opposition to him and his work, which was essential for his deeper purposes, though none knew it at the time.