THE GREATEST SERVICE

 
Toni Roothbert first met Baba on 11 May, along with Consuella de Sides (in whose apartment Baba and the women had stayed while visiting Paris in 1937). Baba told Toni, "You feel happy here [in Myrtle Beach] now, and I do too ... [T]his place [the Center] was ages ago where I moved about, stayed, and visited."

Toni said, "I am only happy when I can do something for people. There isn't even a hospital here."

Baba said, "Yes, we must do something, but something that would really make people happy, not the apparent passing happiness, but real lasting happiness. You are connected with me, and [Consuella], too, has long connection with me. So, I will explain this selfless work. Life is one long endless chain of existence, and real happiness is only in loving God and being united with Him to gain everlasting happiness and peace. So, the greatest service one can render to humanity is to make them feel this Reality."

Baba went on to explain the true meaning of selfless service. On 16 May, in a third conversation with Toni Roothbert, Baba remarked: "I see that you are a genuine lover of God. In this country, unfortunately, the youth are not taught about spirituality. Youth doesn't even get ethical education! ... America now leads the material side of the universe and has such infinite possibilities that it can lead the world spiritually, if awakened ... [B]e sure of one thing: America is destined to lead the world spiritually."

A public darshan program was held in the Barn on 17 May, from 7:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. Mehera and the other three Indian women did not attend, but stayed in their cottage. "We would have been a distraction," Mehera explained. "People should concentrate on Baba. And besides, we had already seen the Barn."

Baba sent Ella and Jeanne to keep them company. A number of other women also came to see them.