[Tavern-Talk] HEART TALK: William Donkin's Diaries 3

Thu Nov 29 12:53:48 GMT 2007

HEART TALK - Donkin's Diaries: Third Installment

29/8/39

Yesterday morning Baba asked all of us where God was; people all gave
different answers, that he was everywhere, up there, in the heart etc
etc, Baba not satisfied; he asked me, and it occurred to me that the
obvious answer was that Baba was God, so I pointed to him on the bed;
he was pleased with this answer.

Then he asked where was God NOT to be found: we all said nowhere, or
words to that effect, and then Baba said that God was not to be found
in the ego. But, he said, God was everywhere, and therefore the ego
had no existence, but was illusion.

Baba also asked who would dare to see God in filth, in our faeces for
example, yet He is in all things.

Yesterday and to-day Baba v. unwell with cold in the head and throat,
and fever: international situation probably.

Nonny, Norina, Irene and one Indian woman all have malaria in the
Links, probably from Kolhapur; so they get quinine and plasmoquine.

3/9/39

Baba's mother arrived from Poona with Jal 2 days ago. Baba said a bomb
was about to fall on Bangalore; and when his mother arrived he said
that the bomb had fallen.

His mother apparently makes a bit of a nuisance of herself, is rather
fussy: sometimes she tries to make Baba do as she wants, but B doesn't
have any; but she's rather a fine old woman all the same. Yesterday
Nilu and I were ordered by Baba to examine her as she complained of
tightness in the chest at night, giddiness etc: we could find nothing wrong.

A lot about war of course. Baba says England is so slow, and when he
heard talk of conference he felt sick. We still can't make out what's
going to happen, and Baba likes us to get all hotted up arguing; he
puts England's stock up, then down, likewise America: he says he loves
England, but she is so slow, while Poland is being bombed.

We have got a wireless set installed in Baba's room and we all listen
in with him to the news bulletins. They are v. dull so far, all repetitious.

Baba told me that he would prefer me in the event of war to stay with
him. If I must go he would prefer me in Europe, rather than put on to
some job elsewhere in India. I go to register tomorrow.

Baba teases Nilu about his fatness and fondness for food. Yesterday he
told Nilu he would have to fast to-day if England had not declared war
by last night; but he has let him off.

Margaret has been cabled to bring Falu out with her to India. I wonder
if she'll get out, with shipping so dislocated.

Two days ago a cable arrived saying a devotee of Baba's had died in
Poona; Baba laughed on reading it, and sent back a cable saying 'Good
old Peri - dear old Peri.' It is refreshing to see Baba taking death
so lightly.

4/9/39

Much excitement yesterday when we heard that England and France
declare war on Germany; Baba peeved about delay the previous days, and
much relieved at war now.

The following are some of Baba's remarks when we listened to the news
all sitting round the wireless with Baba.

After 5.30 news, giving declaration of war - Referring to
Chamberlain's broadcast:

  "That blessed old man's speech has satisfied me - I am happy war is
declared - England at last kept her word; Chamberlain, though old and
slow, is firm; he won't rest till Hitler is crushed. It will be a long war. "

Ref to Italy - B said  "Poor Musso - but he deserves it; Hitler is
mad, but Musso is mean. "

  "Now it will continue till the end unless Germany gets frightened and
says she won't fight, and withdraws. This means German people will
kill Hitler and his leaders for leading them to destruction. "

  "It was all my game; you all are sitting here smiling etc; but you
don't see my universal work. "

  "Now all world is excited, you can't imagine it in Europe now; no
rest, no sleep. "

  "This war will be all in the air, not like last. "

  "Japan and Russia want India. "

  "My blessings to England; had it failed this time! "

  "Of all countries to-day, I love England most. "

  "It is impossible for Hitler to stop and withdraw at this stage -
even if he says stop - the others won't, for they are determined to
destroy Nazism. " Let us hope America will help with money etc: that
will help a lot.

After 9.30 news 3/9/39

"I am glad war has begun, it is inevitable; essential as a prelude to
the great spiritual upheaval in the world. "

"If it has its full run now, the world will witness a devastation it
has never yet known; it will spread all over the world; it will be
full of surprises - who knows what will happen tomorrow? - who can
tell what Russia or Italy will do? China may overthrow Japan, India
will get Dominion status after the war - not entire freedom till
Hindus and Muslims stop quarrelling. "

"If war ends in a month, (v. unlikely), then there will be economic
war throughout the world. Anyhow, war, or war scare for a year, at
least, thereafter conditions will improve, gradually bringing lasting peace. "

"War will change entire history; maps all altered; it will affect
India; Afghanistan, Persia - countries far remote from war zone. "

Baba to-day says that the centre scheme must continue, even if Baba
has to go from here, and be locked in a room.

For the time being I am to stay with Baba; he says it will be
interesting to see how he works. To-day I registered at the police
under the new ordnance.

6/9/39

When Baba heard about Roosevelt's neutrality statement he said that
Chamberlain ought to prod that fat chinned full bellied fellow in the
stomach with his umbrella. As to-day is the Parsi new year's day Baba
has taken some of the women out for a ride in the car.

10/9/39

Baba says it will be a long war, and if England does not bomb Berlin
by 21st Sept, we will go and bomb London.

He said the other evening that Persia declaring itself neutral in the
war was like a mouse declaring its neutrality in a fight between a
lion and a tiger.

Two days ago I went with Chanji and Norina to the Dewan, in his
office, where Norina gave him a cheque for Rs 25,000 as a first
installment in payment for the land.

Baba is keen that I should learn surgery, so must push Sashachalam at
the hospital.

Yesterday Chandri, one of the servants at the Links, was admitted to
the hospital, with hypogastric pain, some gynaeological condition.

Baba is v. amusing at times; Nilu looking at a deposit of salts in an
empty medicine bottle asked himself aloud why it was; Baba thereupon
says he'll think about it the following day, and tell him why the day
after that.

16/9/39

Baba has been getting very strict since the war started. Most of the
furniture from both bungalows has been taken away, and string beds,
which are much more comfortable have taken their place.

Baba says he is going to be so strict now that only those who love him
will stay with him.

Yesterday Eruch, Chanji and I went round to Baba, and Eruch was
ordered to get there at 3.45. We were two minutes late; Baba was very
angry, and gave Eruch and Chanji a colossal hit over the face - though not me.

He says his mood is like a volcano these days - I suppose it's due to
the war, and his working.

A few days back Nilu got a colossal dressing down for suggesting
another latrine for the mad who are coming from Meherabad; and Nilu
was asked by Baba, if he, Baba, didn't know his own business; Baba had
anyhow already given orders for one to be built.

Jehangir has been told to go back to Bombay to his wife, and then to
go to the jungle alone, or with her, as a sannyasin; Baba thinks he'll
stay in Bombay: he wants God Realization, which is always a bit
dangerous where Baba is concerned.

Baidul has gone off to bring the mad down here from Meherabad, and
Kaka is in Bombay looking for more mad. All from Meherabad come in a
week or two as it is all being closed down there; Baba really seems to
be digging in here.

The land for the Centre, 500 acres, should be purchased in two weeks,
and building will begin then; plans are all finished in detail; and
Chanji's brother arrived yesterday from Bombay to help again with the
auction purchase of the land.

Baba seems to find his mother rather a nuisance: she always complains
about her body; she says she doesn't sleep, but she snores all night.
His father on the other hand he says was divine, he thought always
about God, and he was an A.1.man. Baba said he had to incarnate in
both types, the body thinking material mother, and his divine father.

===================================

Jai Beloved Baba!
Archives Team
Avatar Meher Baba P.P.C. Trust

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