THE GOD-MAN The Life, Journeys and Work of Meher Baba with an ...

26 THE GOD-MANand Upasni Maharaj. Ceremonies were performed every evening and twice a week between four andfive o'clock in the morning.One day in 1910 Meher shut himself up in an attic belonging to Behramji in the locality ofKamatipura. He had with him a bucket of refuse which he got from a sweeper of the public roads.He remained in the attic for thirty-six hours. When he came out he was smeared with dirt from headto foot, and thoroughly exhausted. Behramji took it upon himself to make him clean. Meher wasimpelled to do the most lowly work, hence the toddy shop and the dirt. We are reminded of the lifeof Saint Francis. He had experiences: on one occasion he realized that the universe was created forhim, and he was alone in it. At another time, sitting near a pond at Sakori, he felt that the thoughts ofothers were entering his mind; he was so much disturbed that he sought relief by putting his head inthe pond.By the beginning of the following year, 1921, Meher was three-quarters normal; he could doordinary acts, speak in a normal way, and understand what was said to him. In the month of July hewent to Sakori and lived for six months with Upasni Maharaj. During that period he did not take abath, nor did he lie down to rest, but walked continuously or sat upright; he took food, at first onlyonce in two or three days. During the last month, however, he ate a great deal, taking four meals aday. He was looked after by the spiritual mother ofUpasni Maharaj, who was then about fifty yearsold: she regarded it as her mission to serve Meher. He and U pasni Maharaj used to spend a numberof hours together at night and every day, when none was allowed to approach them. Usually they satsilent. Sometimes Meher would sing.At the end of December Meher was restored to full normal consciousness. Upasni Maharaj said tohis disciples: 'I have given my charge to Meherwanji. He is the holder of my key.' Some time after,in the presence of a number of people, he said, 'This boy will move the world. Humanity at largewill be benefited at his hands.' A few days later Upasni Maharaj sent for Gustadji Hansotia, one ofhis leading disciples, and said, 'I have made Meherwanji perfect. He is the Sadguru of this Age. Nowyou have to leave me and stick to him.' To Behramji he said, 'Your friend is God-realized; carry outevery command and every desire of his'. One night Maharaj folded his hands and said, 'Meherwanji;you are adi-shakti (meaning primal power): you are Avatar'. Thus Meher became Meher Baba at theage of twenty-seven, and started upon his universal work.