Twenty names were written down. It was decided that these boys would remain with Baba while the others should attend school regularly, keeping to their fixed schedule of study, play, and meditation without fail. Studies were to continue as strictly as before, with punishment given to those who neglected them. Baba designated that the 20 boys selected be kept separately in the third hall (east room) of the Water Tank. They were allowed to be near Baba for a certain time each day.
Of the mandali, as noted, only Raosaheb was permitted to sit near Baba in the cabin with this group of boys. Baba expressed his pleasure with Raosaheb's service and further instructed him to remain inside the crypt-cabin with Baba, Chhota Baba, Rajaram and Lobhaji, not outside, as before. At one point, Rajaram began seeing Baba's physical form everywhere and went into a state of ecstasy. Vasant also continued to weep day after day for hours; only Baba was able to console him.
Espandiar Vesali and another Persian boy were also ordered to be near Baba in his cabin from the 26th.
"Both are select lovers," Baba remarked. "Espandiar is the first of the school to 'come out' and show others the way. That credit goes to him."
After evening arti on the 26th, Baba explained to Rustom and a few of the other mandali about the fana and baqa states.
On 27 January 1928, a Zoroastrian named Kaikhushru Jamshedji Pleader, 29, came for the first time to meet Baba. He had read Upasni Maharaj's biography and was very impressed, and subsequently met Upasni Maharaj, Narayan Maharaj and Babajan. Pleader , as he was later called, was unmarried, working in a bank in Bombay, and openly expressed his wish to remain in Meherabad. Baba, however, denied his request and sent him away.
Pendu gave Baba a bath at 2:00 P.M. An hour later, Baba called Rustom, Padri and Chanji to his cabin. Taking them inside with Buasaheb and Raosaheb, Baba had a private discussion with them. Chhota Baba was sitting next to the Master, and Baba suddenly began questioning him then (and again the following day), dictating from his alphabet board.
"Have you a mind?" Baba asked.
"No, it is gone." said Chhota Baba.
"Temporarily?"
"Forever."
"Have you any desires?"
"None whatsoever."
"Do you see me everywhere?"
"Everywhere — even in the smallest particle."
"Do you feel any pleasure or pain in the body?"