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

58 THE GOD-MANIn addition to these labours, Baba frequently took part in other tasks with the mandali. Whenthe work of fitting a new mechanical water-lifter over the well was begun those working at itwere instructed to finish it that very evening, in contrast to their usual dilatory way of goingabout things. 'Either get the new arrangement working today or throw it away for good', wasBaba's stem order. This had its effect, and, after strenuous labour, the party managed to bringthe lifter into action by nine o' clock that night. In the same way the mason was also told thatday to finish the refixing of the old lifter in a new position, but instead of working extra hourshe slipped away to Ahmednagar at his usual time, leaving the work unfinished. When Babacame to know of it he called some of the mandali and with their help completed the mason'swork himself.Once when the school director was absent from duty because of ill-health Baba took chargeand looked after the boys' clothing, feeding, studies, and so on throughout the day.At the end of every month the wages to be paid to labourers and other workers weregenerally distributed by the mandali in Baba's presence, when he impressed upon them withsigns and writings to be careful, hardworking, and honest in their duties. It should be notedthat Baba had not touched money since the period of silence started, a practice continued tothis day except for money given to masts and the poor.With his fastings and work, Baba freely took part in all sorts of games and sports eitherwith the boys or the mandali.Just as the boys were attracted towards Baba, their parents and guardians were never leftalone. Baba's dynamic activity was directed to improving their lot, too. Villagers of all castesalways receive attention from him for their moral, religious, and social benefit, and thosebelonging to the untouchables come in for his special consideration. When he found thatsome of the untouchable boys' parents were in very poor condition he promised a monthlysupply of food.When Baba and about sixteen members of the mandali were invited for dinner at theArangaon police 'patel's' house, covers for the untouchables and non-Hindus were laidoutside, and for Baba and the rest inside the house. Baba dined outside the house. After thedinner an untouchable requested Baba to visit his dharamshala. He not only complied withthis, but visited every Mahar house in the village!On another occasion, when the Mahars invited Baba and the mandali to tea in the village,he and the non-Maratha mandali took tea with the untouchables, although separatearrangements were ready. This time