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

THE FINAL DECLARATION 287but said that however enchanting the vision, there is no need to tell others, for doing so is to gratify the ego.Love if exposed is an insult to love.When asked if those who had gurus should give up repeating their names and repeat Baba's name instead,Baba replied that there is no need to do that. 'Baba' is not in the name of Baba, he is in all. All shouldrepeat God's name when the work is in progress; when it is over repeat Baba's name. The work referred towas washing the feet of 250 poor people, which Baba proceeded to do; it occupied one hour.During the period Godavri Mai and her girls from Sakori paid a visit on the occasion that the villagersfrom Arangaon were invited.At the end of these sahawas some of the Andhra group laid themselves on the ground in front of Baba'scar so that it could not move. Baba got out of the car and called for arti. After the singing was over Babatold them to stand where they were as he got up to enter the car. The order was obeyed and Baba went off.There was a darshan at Sakori at the request of Godavri and the other kanyas on 26 January 1956 whichlasted for eight days. This was repeated at a number of other places, and he was asked to visit Shirdi (SaiBaba's town) but refused. Many of these darshans were very large affairs. He then resumed retirement atSatara, and on 15 February 1956 said that he would be in complete retirement for one year except for thevisit to the West he had promised in July. He said that he would start with a strict fast, but would changehis plans as and when he chose. Twenty men selected from the four sahawas groups in November were toshare this fast, remaining in seclusion, repeating Baba's name fourteen times one night, exactly at midnight,twenty-eight times the next, apart from this not to say Baba's name even once during the day, and not to liedown for a period of seven days. On 13 March two masts were allowed to come and Baba worked withthem intensively, then they were sent to their respective places.Arrangements were made for the visit to the West; as they proceeded he sent the following message on 2July:As declared in the past, I am free from promises and am not bound by time and space.Though all happenings are in the realm of illusion, a great so-called tragedy is facing me and my lovers.My long-expected humiliation is near at hand. This may happen tomorrow or any day of this year, or itmay happen next year.The love, courage and faith of my lovers will be put to a severe test, not by me, but by Divine Law.Those who hold fast to me at the zenith of this crisis will transcend illusion and abide in Reality.