If I can read and direct the minds of all, when and where I like, can I not do things for them from a distance as I do when they are near me?
They have stayed, studied and practiced things and rules here, which are sure to do them tremendous good in the world. Leaving aside the spiritual aspect — which is no small thing — they received food, clothing, prasad and even baths by my hands! Besides, most of those to whom I promised [salvation] in the beginning, broke their word and my orders time and time again; and not only did I forgive them, but I actually induced them to remain here, to give them the benefit of my company, which as I said is no small matter.
Now, about those to whom I promised. They will derive great benefit, materially as well as spiritually. But what if they themselves break my orders and leave? For instance, how many of the boys to whom I gave my promise, but who broke their own promises by going away from here under one pretext or the other, are here now? Only three or four. Of the patients to whom I promised, who stayed? And who walked off? Only one person survived out of so many who departed, and I will see to that when I speak.
Besides, what have I to do with these institutions, the school, dispensary, hospital and dharamshala? These facilities served me as a means of vacating the wealth of those to whom I wanted to give a tremendous spiritual push, and secondly, as a means of service for those whom I selected and entrusted with certain duties. Since these objectives are now finished — the wealth being exhausted, and at the same time the benefit of service being derived by many, over and above my mandali — I thought it no longer necessary to prolong the working of these institutions of charity and service.
What have I to do with worldly wealth and riches, which to me are nothing and from whose clutches I do my utmost to rescue people? How do you expect me to give "riches" to those who come to me with such desires? How can I allow them to come within the firm clutches of maya, from which it is my duty to save them? As you clearly observe and find, I would rather deprive our real bhaktas [lovers] and those others desirous of some spiritual advancement of all their worldly wealth, power and position, and reduce them to the position of beggars to get them more firmly within my grasp.