NOTES ON MY TRIP TO INDIA IN 1948

Most people were inclined to agree with us that Baba in this new impersonal phase was trying to push His disciples away and forcing them to stand on their own feet without His outward aid.

We left for Bombay the evening of July 18th, changing to a local train at 3:30 a.m. All the stations we passed were swarming with refugees, living where they could, in a most pitiable condition of poverty and dirt. We were told the same conditions prevailed in Pakistan. This was the aftermath of freedom from Britain and partition — more people had been killed, apparently, than in World War II.

At 9 a.m. we arrived at Ahmednagar and were met by Adi Sr. and Kaka. They seemed surprised that we had brought so much luggage, but we explained that we came prepared for any change in plans, our stay might just as easily be three months or three years. We drove to Meherabad, "The House on the Hill," passing the men's quarters down below. Kitty Davy met us at the gate and we were then introduced to the other women living there. Several I knew from my two previous trips to India in 1933 and 1936-7.

Baba had now divided them into four groups each — with their own quarters and allowance. They were independent of each other but could mix if they chose. Baba explained that this was the best way of keeping peace, as in this phase He did not want to be troubled with personal problems or personal ties. He was too busy with His universal mast work. The only women always with Him (except when He went off with the men only on His mast trips) were Mehera, Mani, Mehru and Dr. Goher; Kitty, Rano and Naja were called from time to time.

The place has been greatly extended since I had last seen it in 1937. Two large rooms had been built on top of the bungalow with steps leading up to them. The garden was bigger, and due to the monsoon, looked very green. There were two dogs and a peacock which completely fascinated us, especially when he strutted about with his tail spread out fanwise. Kitty presented us with a note from Baba saying He had decided to see us sooner and would come up on July 23rd, and that we would go with Him to Pimplegaon (the new Centre) on August 20th. Norina and Elizabeth would also come with us.

No one could stay at Meherabad without becoming aware of the wonderful atmosphere which pervades this holy place — pure and serene. Baba says this is His first and last ashram and that He will be buried there and has had a dome built for His purpose. On it is inscribed "Mastery in Servitude". There are five little prayer rooms; later on, He said, it would be a place for pilgrimages. It is pervaded with His presence, so calm and peaceful, far away from the turmoil of the world.

The food is vegetarian, simple and plentiful. Baba now allows more freedom — no luxuries. During the war years life had been very austere, all experiencing suffering and hardship in some way.