In the presence of God in human form, their hearts felt a joy that the world could not contain.
Although several of the boys had been quite mischievous during his absence, Baba did not reprimand them. At five o'clock on Sunday evening, 7 October 1928, Baba went for a walk to the riverbank with the boys. The river was more than a mile away, and while walking they had to remove thorns from their feet and walk on rough stones along the path. When they reached the river and all had gathered around Baba, he stated:
See what troubles we have taken to reach the bank. We decided to come and have arrived. Had we been in the ashram, we would have had no idea about the river — its powerful current, the expanse of its water, et cetera. You drink water here and tell others you have drunk it and invite them to do the same. The inner path is similar.
A person has to undergo terrific hardships and becomes annoyed and tired, but I tell you not to give up patience and not to retrace your footsteps. Once you step on the Path, never go back, but always go forward. This is only a river, but I am the Ocean. Remember that.
Afterward, sitting among the boys, Baba distributed chocolates and sweets.
During this period, the mandali found the opportunity to be with Baba only in the evening, for during the daytime, no one was permitted near him. Concerning the boys, on 8 October, Baba explained to the men:
I have a thousand and one thoughts about these children. At the moment, they are merged in me, so I have to look after their health. They keep awake the whole night remembering me, but this time I will see to it [give them a push]. Have no doubt about it.
The only thing I fear is their parents' interference. If they were to put forth obstacles, the children would be neither here nor there. This Path is not a laughing matter. It is not a joke. Some of the boys are quite good, but no immediate push can be given to them all at once. After all, they are only children.
In 1928, Colonel Irani began publishing critical articles about Meher Baba in the newspapers, inciting in the Irani and Parsi communities ill will and hatred toward Baba. The Colonel became totally preoccupied with his misconceived, false propaganda and also started sending objectionable letters directly to the Master and certain close followers.