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

THE FIRST TEN YEARS 77Europe and America in 1920, and under whose influence Leik felt He came to Baba from theHimalayas, where he had been warned against Baba; but when he saw him he knew at once,he said, that Baba was his Master and that all his past experiences were for the sake of leadinghim there. Baba told Leik to maintain silence, and he stayed at Meherabad.The first number of the Meher Message appeared on the first of the month of January 1929.It contained forty pages, with articles by the editor, Kaikhushru J amshedji Dastur, the mottoon the cover being 'Majesty in Servitude'. There were extracts from Baba's writings, extractsfrom the editor's diary, and other contributions. Baba was referred to by the editor as 'HisHoliness', and Dastur described himself as 'The Disciple of his Divine Majesty', which wasobjected to by the mandali; but the editor would not listen to them, and Baba, as usual, wasindifferent to such matters.The three English visitors left in January to establish a centre for Baba in England. Duringthis month Baba repeated what he had frequently said before, that a devastating war wouldsurely break out and that he would then manifest himself to the world. On one occasion, whenreference was made to those who attack him, Baba said, 'They should not be hated. They tooare unconsciously serving my cause. Just as you are keeping connection with me, so are theyoften thinking of me. 'One day Baba said that he proposed to close the ashram for two months and go on a walkingtour. The boy Ali was for the fourth time taken away on 13 January. It was immediatelyafterwards that Baba spoke about closing the ashram, and his decision was at once put intoeffect, so that on the 16th Baba was ready to start on his tour. The boys were sent home, beingtold that Baba would ask them to return as soon as possible. He took with him twenty disciples,but returned to everyone's surprise within ten days. The day after his return, 28 January, thebirthday of Babajan was celebrated. Baba sent some of the disciples to the homes of some of theboys to learn how they were progressing.Baba's birthday was celebrated in February as usual. By his request it was kept as quiet aspossible, but from early morning until midnight devotees came to pay their respects. In themorning he served tea to the disciples. At eight o'clock he went in a carriage drawn by twodisciples to the village temple, where there were about two hundred Hindus of both sexes whomade their devotions to him. Baba was dressed in the robe of Krishna, and a special servicewas performed in his honour. Afterwards he returned to the camp, when his feet were washedby the