That day, with Baba present, another discussion took place about starting the new school. Rustom, Behramji, Chanji, Vishnu and Afseri were ready to take responsibility for it. The expenses for the school's reestablishment were debated and all agreed that it should be started soon and should be constructed with iron sheets, without wasting any unnecessary money erecting a permanent structure. Pendu then asked whether Rustom would agree with this plan, since he was in favor of constructing a large building. Baba smiled and began tossing a rubber ball against the wall — at first softly and then more forcefully. He explained:
The ball will rebound to you with as much force as that with which it is thrown. The wall is firm, stationary, and inactive — doing nothing — and in that respect it is like a Sadguru. It is for you to determine what force you use to throw the ball against the wall so that when it rebounds it may be caught.
In the same way, before doing anything or taking any action, you should first determine the subsequent consequences. You have to ascertain what is really requisite and then act accordingly. Here, in the case of erecting a building, if you devote more attention to minor details, like the appearance and beauty of it, the expense will naturally increase. First look at the means at your disposal and then decide. If you put more energy into making the building tip-top and fancy, spending more than you have, it will come around your neck.
I am just like the wall — doing nothing. You have to throw the ball and catch it. So throw it in such a way that you can easily catch it without getting tired. Remember to "look before you leap"!
During this period, the older sons of the Harijan families in Arangaon were given jobs in Ahmednagar and the younger boys attended the school in the Family Quarters. The young boys, however, were mischievous and constantly disobeying Baba's orders. There were daily complaints about them. So on 1 February, the Harijan children were sent home by Baba's order and the school was shifted from the Family Quarters to Meherabad. Only five children were left, two of whom were Kalemama's sons, Murli and Babu.1
Manohar Todiwalla came for darshan with his family on the 1st. His wife had recently died and he was asked whether he felt sad over her demise.
Footnotes
- 1.The Harijan boys were later pardoned and allowed back in the school.